What to look for in a university as a transfer

[TheKracken]

Hello everyone, I am currently a California Community College student. I have a 3.7 GPA and rising, so I have great chance in almost all state schools in my state. The top schools here seem to be UC Berkeley, UCLA and UC San Diego. In a program in my state we get guaranteed admission to any UC except for those three if you meet a certain GPA requirement.

When I go visit school what should I be looking for? I am looking to be a math major and I don't know if schools really have a Mathematics building or if it is kinda just spread out through physical science department.

Should I get a general tour of the school? Can I ask to sit in on a course? How about meet with a professor? I feel like at these large universities they don't care too much about a "Potential Transfer" and would not take time to meet with me. How should I analyze campuses and decide what fits me best?

Thank you, I appreciate your time.

 

[Student100]

Kracken, the UCs have open houses, events, other such things going on all the time for transfer students/ specific majors. Just the other week I hoped on a bus to UC Davis for a premed conference. I'm not a premed,but who can turn down a road trip?

In short, look to see if your school posts such events and troll around the UC pages to see what's going on. Get off the internet and finish your homework first. ;)

Also you should add UCSB, UCD, UCI, UCSC to your list, they're all good schools.

 

[TheKracken]

UCSB, and UCD are definitely on my list. Possibly UCI, and I don't think UCSC offers what I am interested in. Did you take a bus from far away? I did not know that buses went that far? The bus system I use is my county specifically. Could you link me to the bus system you use?

Also, should I go to maybe one of those graduate seminars? I feel like they will be way to advanced for me to even comprehend.

 

[Student100]

The bus was from ucsd to ucd, it was an interesting trip. The point is, there is always stuff like that going on you just need to look. Take my earlier advice and decide on your major by summer 2014. You're to early in the game to be worrying so much about transfer.

 

[Matrix0]

I understand the importance of careful analysis and research when making decisions. In your situation, there are a few key factors to consider when looking for a university as a transfer student.

Firstly, it is important to assess the academic programs offered by the universities you are considering. As a math major, you should look for a school with a strong mathematics department and a variety of courses and research opportunities in your field of interest. You can do this by researching the faculty, course offerings, and research projects at each university.

In addition to academic programs, it is also important to consider the campus culture and environment. This can greatly impact your overall experience at the university. As a transfer student, it may be beneficial to look for a university with a strong sense of community and support for transfer students. You can gather information about the campus culture by talking to current students, attending campus events, and taking a general tour of the school.

As for meeting with professors and sitting in on courses, I would highly recommend doing so if possible. This will give you a better understanding of the teaching style and academic atmosphere at the university. You can reach out to the mathematics department or specific professors to see if they would be willing to meet with you or allow you to sit in on a class. While it may be more difficult to schedule these appointments at larger universities, it is still worth reaching out and trying to make connections.

Overall, the best way to analyze campuses and decide what fits you best is to gather as much information as possible. This can include talking to current students, attending campus events, and conducting thorough research on the academic programs and campus culture. Ultimately, the decision will be based on your personal priorities and goals, so it is important to carefully consider all aspects before making a decision. Best of luck in your search for the perfect university as a transfer student.