Will it happen??

[CHOCTICK]

I have a BA in mathematics from California State University, Sacramento(CSUS); my overall gpa is 3.2 and my major gpa is 2.8ish. I want to pursue a Masters only in structural engineering.

GRE: V=530

Q=720

AW=3.5

I plan on applying to CSUS's graduate program in structural engineering and taking all the prereq. courses I need--since my math degree does not prepare me for structure study. After about 3 semesters there, I want to transfer to a more prestigious graduate program(top 35).

The question I have is is it reasonable to think I will be able to transfer from CSUS to say UCSD or UCD after attending CSUS as a conditional graduate student for 1.5 years. I have an uneasy feeling about the whole transferring from graduate program to graduate program. Any input is appreciated.

P.S.: The first person that says I should have done better on the Q part of the GRE because I have a degree in math will feel pain... :-)

[CHOCTICK]

While we're on the topic, what have you all heard/know about the Civil program at California State University, Sacramento(CSUS). I am under the impression that name recognition is pretty important in choosing a graduate school. This is the major reason I feel as though it would be unwise to stay and complete a masters at CSUS. Opinions???

[cogneuroforfun]

I don't know about your particular programs, but I don't think it is a good idea to plan to transfer graduate programs. It might be a little different since hopefully the CSUs and UCs work together, but most graduate programs (in general) don't take much, if any, coursework from another program. If you want to get a degree from a more prestigious program, you should figure out what you can do to get into that program.