How to transfer from Harbor College to UCLA?

I'm studying at Harbor College and aiming to transfer to UCLA. Can anyone share what the transfer process is like, especially any tips on navigating the application requirements and deadlines?

First off, congratulations on setting your sights on a transfer to UCLA! It's a premier university with a wealth of opportunities.

To transfer to UCLA from Harbor College, you need to ensure you meet a few key criteria. To start with, you have to have a minimum of 60 UC transferable semester units by the time of transfer. UCLA has a minimum GPA requirement of 3.2, although the average GPA is higher, around 3.5.

Make sure to fulfill the following course requirements: two transferable English composition courses, one quantitative reasoning course, and four transferable college courses, picked from at least two of these subject areas: arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and physical and biological sciences. Also, aim to finish as many preparatory courses for your major as you can, as that will bolster your application.

Applications for transferring are typically open from November 1 to 30 the year before you intend to transfer, and you’ll find out your admission decision from April to June the following year. You should use that period to fill out and submit the UC application. An application workshop might be helpful.

One thing UCLA values in transfer students is insight, so as you work on your Personal Insight Questions, think about your experiences and how they've shaped who you are and your academic goals. Keep in mind, however, that the college essays should still focus on an impactful story and not veer into being a resume of one's achievements.

As of the application cycle for Fall 2024, UCLA is test-blind, so they will not consider SAT or ACT scores.

Remember that transferring is a nuanced process, and it's great to reach out to both your current academic advisor and potential UCLA contacts for guidance. UCLA’s Center for Community College Partnerships (CCCP) might be a great resource. They help students, like yourself, prepare to transfer to UCLA from a community college.

Lastly, don't be shy to ask for support if you need it – that includes leaning on others who have walked this path before you, like alumni from your college who have successfully transferred to UCLA. Good luck!