Pacific Admissions GroupHelp getting from community college into a UC, CSU or USC.
Our founder, Manraj, went from a California community college to Berkeley Haas, USC Marshall, UCLA Business Economics and UC Irvine Merage. He's at Haas now. We help students take the same path: the right classes in the right order, no missed deadlines, and applications that stand out.
Transfer guides for California's top schools
40+ students admitted so far
More than 40 students we've worked with have been admitted to UCs, CSUs and private universities, including 12 to UCLA, 8 to UC Berkeley, 7 to USC and 2 to Berkeley Haas. Some got into more than one school, so the letters add up to more than 40.
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Every student's situation is different, and admission decisions are made by each university. Past results don't guarantee future outcomes.
How I got from community college to Haas
I applied to four of the most competitive business programs in the state, each with different prerequisites, essays and deadlines. I was admitted to all four.
Community college
Started at a California community college.
One course plan for four programs
Each program had different prerequisites. I used ASSIST.org to map them into a single semester-by-semester plan that covered all four.
Essays, school by school
Several drafts of my UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQs), the Haas leadership essays and USC's "Why Marshall?" essay.
Positioning
I framed my work and extracurricular experience around what each school says it looks for.
4 for 4
- Enrolled
- Admitted
- Admitted
Admitted
That's the same process we take students through now.
Most transfer mistakes are about process, not talent
These come up with almost every student we talk to. Every one of them is avoidable if you know about it early enough.
Missing the TAG window
TAG applications are only open September 1–30. Six UCs offer it: Davis, Irvine, Merced, Riverside, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz. Berkeley, UCLA and UCSD don't. TAG guide
Thinking UCLA's TAP is a guarantee
It isn't. TAP gives you priority review at UCLA, and you have to finish an honors program at a participating community college to get it. TAP guide
Finishing IGETC but not major prep
IGETC covers general education. For selective majors, it's the major prerequisites that decide whether your application gets read. By one independent consultant's estimate, about two-thirds of Haas transfer applicants are ruled ineligible before review. IGETC vs. major prep
Taking a prerequisite Pass/No Pass
Many programs require a letter grade in major prerequisites. At Haas, a P/NP prerequisite makes you ineligible automatically.
Forgetting the TAU in January
The Transfer Academic Update is due January 31. It's where you report fall grades and spring courses, and missing it can void a TAG.
Applying to USC like it's a UC
USC uses a different application, has a different deadline and asks for its own essays. Students who plan only for the UC application usually leave it too late. USC guide
Packages and single services
Every package starts with a free call, and Full Application and Elite can be split into 2–3 monthly payments. Need help with just one part? Single services start at $150.
Pathway Planning
A course-by-course roadmap from your community college to your target schools, including TAG eligibility and the IGETC vs. major prep decision. Best for students in their first year.
$500
Full Application
Everything in Pathway Planning, plus PIQs and supplemental essays, strategy for up to 6 schools, regular check-ins and a review before you submit.
$3,000up to 6 schools
Elite Program
For students applying to Haas, UCLA Business Economics, Marshall and similar programs. Unlimited sessions, interview prep, waitlist and appeal letters, and help with financial aid.
$5,500
Single services
Expert help on one piece of your application: a single PIQ review ($150), a 60-minute strategy session ($175), a final application review ($300) or all four UC PIQs ($650).
from $150
From other students
“I was stuck at my community college with no clear plan. Pacific Admissions Group built me a roadmap from scratch. I got into UCLA for Political Science, which honestly felt impossible six months earlier.”
“The Haas supplemental application was the most intimidating thing I'd ever seen. Pacific broke it down for me, helped me identify the right leadership stories, and pushed my essays through multiple revisions.”
“I wanted USC Marshall but had no idea how different the Common App process was from the UC application. Pacific handled everything: essay strategy, recommendation letter guidance, even the financial aid process.”
Transfer guides for 23 California schools
Admit rates, GPA ranges, prerequisites and deadlines, school by school. Free to read, no email required.
University of Californiaadmit rate
Cal Stateadmit rate
Private universitiesadmit rate
Transfer admit rates from each guide. * USC-wide rate. "est." = estimate.
Who you'll work with
Manraj
Founder & Lead Consultant · UC Berkeley Haas
Transferred from community college to Haas. Leads course planning, TAG and UC strategy, and essay work with students.
Armaan
Senior Advisor · USC Marshall
Admitted to USC Marshall as a freshman. Advises students applying to USC and other private universities.
Not sure where you stand?
On a free 30-minute call we'll go through your GPA, units and target schools and tell you what we'd do next in your position. You'll leave with next steps whether or not you work with us.
Zoom · 30 minutes · no commitment