How to Transfer to UCLA from Community College

I'm at a community college and aiming to transfer to UCLA. Does anyone have tips on meeting the requirements and making my application competitive? I'd appreciate any advice from those who've successfully transferred.

To transfer to UCLA from a community college, follow these key steps:

1. Coursework: Understand the course requirements. Completing the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) is typically recommended but it's not compulsory. IGETC includes two English Composition courses, one Mathematical Concepts course, and four other courses covering arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and physical and biological sciences.

2. Major Preparation: Identify your desired major's prerequisites. To be competitive, you should have most, if not all, of your major's lower division prerequisites finished before transferring.

3. GPA: Maintain a strong GPA. The average GPA for transfers into UCLA is approximately 3.7, although it varies by major. Make sure you're earning high grades in your major prerequisites, as this is crucial.

4. Extracurricular activities: UCLA values leadership and involvement. Join clubs, volunteer in your community, work part-time, or do other activities related to your desired major or field.

5. Personal Insight Questions: Spend time crafting thoughtful Personal Insight Questions (PIQs). Your academic achievements are important, but so are your personal qualities, experiences, and framework of values. Make sure these shine through in your PIQs. Think about showcasing your resilience, community engagement, and ties to UCLA’s community values.

6. TAP Program: Lastly, consider the UCLA Transfer Alliance Program (TAP). This is a partnership between specific California community colleges and UCLA College (Letters and Sciences) that offers a guided academic pathway for students.

Remember, there's no guaranteed formula for admission. Different factors could weigh more heavily depending on the specifics of your application and the priorities of admission officers in a given year. Focus on meeting the basic requirements and distinguishing yourself beyond academics. Good luck!