UCLA Transfer Guide
Highly selective with strong Honors/TAP pathways from partner community colleges.
Overview
Transferring to UCLA from community college is a proven pathway used by thousands of California students each year. UCLA evaluates transfer applicants holistically, considering GPA, major preparation, essays, and activities.
Quick check
General transfer requirements
- Minimum 60 semester (90 quarter) UC-transferable units before enrollment
- California residents: complete the 7-course pattern (English, math, arts/humanities, social science, science with lab, language other than English if applicable)
- 2.4+ minimum GPA in UC-transferable courses (competitive majors need much higher)
- All major prep courses completed with C or better (competitive applicants need A/A-)
- Four UC Personal Insight Questions (350 words each)
- TAP (Transfer Alliance Program): priority consideration from partner CC honors programs
Unit minimum: 60 semester / 90 quarter units
IGETC satisfies most general education at UC campuses, but some colleges (e.g. Berkeley Engineering, Revelle at UCSD) have exceptions. Complete major prep regardless of IGETC status.
Always verify courses on ASSIST.org for your community college and catalog year.
Major preparation by subject
Course names below are standard major prep categories. Exact CC course numbers vary — use ASSIST to confirm articulation for UCLA.
Psychology
Complete the full major prep series at CC before transfer. Statistics and research methods are essential.
Minimum GPA: 2.8+
Competitive GPA: 3.5–3.7+
| Course / subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Psychology | Required | — |
| Research Methods in Psychology | Required | — |
| Statistics for Behavioral Sciences | Required | — |
| Biological Psychology (or approved neuroscience) | Required | — |
| Developmental Psychology | Select one | Or approved upper-div equivalent |
| Abnormal Psychology | Select one | Or social/cognitive psych elective |
| Additional approved psychology elective | Required | — |
Verify exact course articulation on ASSIST.org — requirements change by catalog year.
- UCLA values research experience — seek RA positions at your CC.
- Apply through TAP if your community college participates.
- Upper-division equivalent psych courses at CC help if available.
Biology / Life Sciences
Full chemistry and math sequence plus biology core. Start STEM courses early at CC.
Minimum GPA: 2.8+
Competitive GPA: 3.6–3.8+
| Course / subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Chemistry I + Lab | Required | — |
| General Chemistry II + Lab | Required | — |
| Organic Chemistry I + Lab | Required | Required at most campuses |
| Calculus I (single variable) | Required | — |
| General Biology I + Lab | Required | — |
| General Biology II + Lab | Required | — |
| Physics I + Lab | Recommended | Required for some biology sub-majors |
| Statistics | Recommended | — |
Verify exact course articulation on ASSIST.org — requirements change by catalog year.
- Life Sciences at UCLA is competitive — start chemistry sequence early.
- Clinical volunteering supports pre-med narrative in PIQs.
Computer Science
Discrete math, programming sequence, and calculus. CS is among the most competitive transfer majors.
Minimum GPA: 3.0+
Competitive GPA: 3.85–4.0
| Course / subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Programming I (Java, C++, or Python sequence) | Required | — |
| Programming II / Data Structures | Required | — |
| Discrete Mathematics | Required | — |
| Calculus I | Required | — |
| Calculus II | Required | — |
| Linear Algebra | Recommended | — |
| Physics I + Lab | Recommended | — |
Verify exact course articulation on ASSIST.org — requirements change by catalog year.
- Samueli School of Engineering CS is extremely selective for transfers.
- Alternative: Mathematics of Computation or related majors.
Economics
Calculus and statistics are required at all UCs for economics major prep.
Minimum GPA: 2.8+
Competitive GPA: 3.6–3.8+
| Course / subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Principles of Microeconomics | Required | — |
| Principles of Macroeconomics | Required | — |
| Calculus I | Required | — |
| Calculus II | Required | Required at Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD |
| Statistics | Required | — |
| Linear Algebra | Recommended | Berkeley and UCSD |
Verify exact course articulation on ASSIST.org — requirements change by catalog year.
- Strong math performance matters more than extra econ electives at CC.
- Connect coursework to real interests in essays (policy, healthcare, tech).
Sociology
Introductory sociology plus statistics and related social science electives.
Minimum GPA: 2.8+
Competitive GPA: 3.5–3.6+
| Course / subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Sociology | Required | — |
| Statistics for Social Sciences | Required | — |
| Research Methods | Required | — |
| Social Problems / Institutions | Select one | — |
| Approved sociology elective | Required | — |
| Introduction to Psychology | Recommended | — |
Verify exact course articulation on ASSIST.org — requirements change by catalog year.
- Volunteer and community work connect naturally to sociology essays.
- Less impacted than psychology or CS at most campuses.
Transfer tips
- Apply through TAP if your CC is a partner school
- Start major prep in your first semester
- Build relationships with professors for strong letters
Quick check
Track your application in one place
School matrix, PIQ workbook, deadlines, and weekly habits — all in the Transfer workspace.