Orange Coast College

Date: Mar 04 2008
Major: Political Science (This Major's Salary over time)
If you're a serious student who wants to transfer to a cal state or UC, here are the steps you have to take:

1) Pick a major (and stick with it, stop changing your mind or you'll be stuck at a CC forever)

2) Meet with a counselor at the Watson Hall to plan out your coursework. Also use www.assist.org to find out which classes match up with calstate/uc classes.

3) GO to class and LISTEN to the professor. DO THE READING and take GOOD NOTES. Study study study consistently throughout the semester. Cramming is immature, you are better than that.

4) TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TRANSFER AGREEMENTS. Finish 18 units of Honors classes, AND complete the eligibility form. Some UCs give guarantee acceptance. UCLA has the TAP program that significantly boosts your chances of getting in (90% accepted).

5) Some professors really suck. Always check ratemyprofessor.com to get a feeling for who you'll be stuck with for 16 weeks. Don't always pick the easy A's. Choose professors that will challenge you, especially those that emphasize ESSAY EXAMS to prepare you for upper division coursework when you transfer.

6) If you absolutely have to withdraw from a class, 2 or 3 W's will not affect your GPA or hurt your chances of transferring. Only withdraw if you know you're going to fail.

I'm in my last semester of OCC now, going to either UCLA or UCI. Aside from social life, OCC is a fine institution. I have to say this before I stop typing - don't get sidetracked and remain focused on your goals.