Transfer to UCLA from Riverside City College?

I've been considering the possibility of transferring from Riverside City College to UCLA. How feasible is this, and what should I focus on during my time at RCC to make it happen?

Transferring from Riverside City College to UCLA is definitely feasible, as UCLA has a history of accepting transfer students, particularly those from within the California community college system. However, competition is strong, so here are some tips to guide you towards crafting an application that will stand out:

1. Focus on Your Academics: Aim to do well in all your courses and earn a high GPA, ideally above 3.5 to be competitive for UCLA, but really the higher the better

2. Prerequisite and Major Courses: Align your course selection with the prerequisites for your intended major at UCLA. Doing so will not only help you meet admission requirements, but will also demonstrate your readiness for UCLA-level coursework in your desired field, and allow you to hit the ground running if you are eventually accepted.

3. General Education Classes: Completing IGETC (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum) at Riverside City College can be beneficial. This is a set of classes that California community college students can complete to satisfy lower-division general education requirements at UC campuses.

4. Extracurricular Activities: Engage in clubs, organizations, or volunteer work related to your desired major or personal interests. UCLA wants to see that you will contribute to their campus community in a range of ways, not just in the classroom.

5. Personal Insight Questions: On your application, you'll need to answer personal insight questions. Use these as an opportunity to highlight your journey, ambitions, accomplishments, and challenges you've overcome.

6. TAG Agreement: Consider the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) Program, which allows California community college students to earn automatic acceptance to one of 6 UC campuses as long as they meet certain criteria. While UCLA itself unfortunately doesn't participate, several other UCs do, and this route could be a promising backup plan to secure admission to another UC if UCLA doesn't work out.

7. Regular Consultation with Counselors: Keep regular meetings with your college counselor. They can provide valuable advice and help you stay on the right track towards achieving your transfer goals.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to a successful transfer. You should utilize the resources you have at hand to put forth a strong application that truly encapsulates who you are as a student and an individual. Good luck!