Battles with Integrity

Diversified letters of recommendation. At least 4, and all with faculty who know you by name, even maore than by sight. By diversified, i mean, prefferably two in your chosen field, two not in youir field, but glowing. If you have any TA experience, definitely get that on paper, if not, consider which boss you might want to approach. Some programs accept work references. Some programs demand them. Some won't take undergrad references at all:-( Definitely wait to hear it from CAL on the transfer! Follow up, and take advice on what might make it possible. Remember that Cal undergrads almost never get to be Cal Grad students, just as Cal; Grad students have to leave for a number of years before they can come back to teach at Cal. Wierd but true. I found SFSU to be a great place to fill in all my academic gaps, and a very good place to get to do research and to TA as an undergrad. Those skills are definitely what got me into grad school. Being my outspoken and hmm. thorough *grin* self in big classes helped me get amazing letters of rec. as well. You may not have the same chance to shine at UCB. You will be in classes with 20-50 other straight A students, all competing to kiss the faculty's ass the hardest and most often (or so my favorite Cal faculty tell me). There are perks to both. I'm happy with my choices. Good luck on getting things squared with Vista!