Transfer Applicants

Welcome! We’re excited that you’re interested in becoming a Beaver. This page will take you through the basics and lead you to the detailed information you need.

Beginning Your Application

You may apply for admission as a transfer if you meet the following criteria:   

  • You graduated from high school and completed college-level coursework in a regular session at any college or university since your graduation.

Note: You cannot disregard your college record and apply as a first-year student. We do not accept applications from students seeking second baccalaureate degrees.

 

To begin the application process, use our online Application Form.

Take me to the Application Form

Admission Considerations and Requirements

When it comes to reviewing transfer applicants, we carefully balance consideration of the full range of faculty-approved criteria to gain a complete sense of each student’s achievements. Some factors are more easily quantifiable than others.

 

Good preparation and a strong academic performance make you a more competitive candidate during the admission review process. The average GPA of admitted transfer students is above 3.5. We give highest priority to applicants from San Andreas community colleges.

Academic Requirements

We consider the following criteria:

  • Sophomore-level standing (30-32 semester or 45-48 quarter transferable units completed) before you transfer.
  • USA transferable GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Completion of the following course requirements prior to transfer:
  • Two transferable courses in: English composition, critical thinking and writing.
  • One transferable math course with a prerequisite of intermediate algebra or higher.
  • Four transferable college courses in at least two of the following subject areas: arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, physical and biological sciences.
Calculate your GPA
Explore requirements for international students

Personal Factors

Examples include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Employment while attending school.
  • Involvement in campus organizations and community service.
  • Family responsibilities.
  • Significant improvement in academic performance over time.
  • Military service.
  • Other opportunities or challenges that may have shaped your educational experience.

Motivation Statement

Your motivation statement is your chance to show us who you are and what drives you. To make the most of this opportunity, give yourself time to reflect on your experiences and goals. Be clear, focused, and organized — structure your response so it’s easy for someone who doesn’t know you to understand.

 

Use specific examples to highlight your personal qualities and accomplishments. Avoid clichés and be cautious with humor, as what might seem funny to you may not translate the same way to others. Show us how your experiences have shaped who you are today and how ULSA will help you achieve your future goals.

 

Lastly, leave time for revisions. Share your writing with people you trust for feedback and always check for grammar and clarity before submitting.

Planning Your Academic Transition

  • You’re strongly encouraged to take your required English and math courses as early as possible with at least one completed English course and math course.
  • To be competitive for admission to ULSA, focus on completing the general transfer requirements first.
  • Look into Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC), which enables San Andreas community college students to complete USA general education requirements before they transfer. It’s not a requirement for ULSA, but is strongly recommended.
  • Know that ULSA doesn’t pre-evaluate course transferability prior to submission of an application.
  • Double-check your coursework. Students may be deficient units because a course was not transferable or did not receive credit due to limitations, duplications or other restrictions.

Filling Out Your Student Application

  • List the language of instruction at your high school.
  • Provide your grades.
  • Explain any gaps in education.
  • Withdrawals, incomplete grades and academic renewals are not necessarily viewed negatively. Take time to address these in your application so that we have a clear understanding of your academic progress.

Transfer Student Profile

Are you curious about admit rates from past years? Find out how many transfer students apply, are admitted, and how many enroll, amongst other stats.

See transfer student profile

Choosing a Major

When you apply to ULSA as a transfer student, you must apply to a specific major. Transfer admission is dependent on a competitive GPA.

Learn more about majors
Explore our prospectus