Hey I have a 3.0 weighted GPA thanks to a year of bad decisions. I plan to study Biology and then marine science. My dream college would be UCSB, UCB, or any similar UCs. So my question is: would it be better in the long run if I went to a CC for a year or two until I’m able to go to a UC or would it be better to just go to a CSU right away. Thanks
To transfer to a UC or CSU, you need 60 semester/90 quarter units which puts you at a Junior level transfer. If you have AP credits, these could be used towards some of the transfer requirements and could shorten your time at a CCC.
What is your SAT/ACT score? There are many CSU’s with good biology programs that you could get into as a Freshman depending upon test scores. It will depend upon which CSU’s you are willing to attend and what you plan to do with your Biology major.
If you are aiming for a UC, then attending a CCC would be the better option, since your GPA puts at the minimum UC required GPA which might get you an acceptance at UC Merced.
I have attached a list of CSU’s that offer Marine Biology. Humboldt, Monterey Bay and Sonoma would be your best chances. I would apply and if you do not get into your preferred campus, you can go the CCC route and transfer.
Hi! Another option might be to consider Santa Barbara City College and TAG to UCSB. There are some private dorms in Isla Vista, so it’s a unique opportunity to have a 4-year college experience while at a CC for 2 years. Good luck to you!
I have heard of SBCC. Does the TAG guarantee students admission to the University regardless of high school grades? And would AP credits help me at all in this process?
@Lotus There is a section on SBCC’s website that discusses UC transfer, and there isn’t a mention of high school grades as part of the evaluation (although you may want to talk to a counselor at SBCC to be sure). The SBCC counselor would be able to address your question about AP credits as well. Good luck! 
And when transferring from a CC to a university, do the credits you earned in the CC transfer over towards your bachelor’s degree?
Yes, your CC credits will transfer over towards your BS/BA degree, as long as the courses are UC transferable.
You can use assist.org. Type in SBCC as the community college and UCSB as your destination college along with your major. It will show which courses are transferable and which courses are required for transfer.
I have attached a TAG Matrix for the UC’s so you can see what is needed to TAG to each campus.
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/files/tag-matrix.pdf
@Lotus6 They credits should definitely transfer, unless there isn’t an equivalent course at the University (and of course there are exceptions). If you go the CC route, you’ll want to follow the guidelines carefully to make sure you maximize your credits transferring. It helps if the CC has a transfer relationship like SBCC and UCSB, but any CA CC would have information with their guidance counselors on what courses to take to satisfy GE requirements and transfer to a UC. I transferred to UCSB from USC, and luckily 100% of my units transferred. Perhaps others that have gone the CC to UC route can chime in, as my knowledge is more limited.
All California CCs participate in TAG so, you don’t need to be at SBCC to make that work. I am not knocking SBCC - it is a fine CC that had more than 400 students admitted as transfers to UCSB (keep in mind, they have about 30,000 students). A similar ratio to other large CCs like DeAnza and Orange. Due to the local rents, it is a very expensive place to attend CC and is surrounded by the kind of distractions someone who didn’t study enough in high school may find hard to resist.
I’d also caution that, certain majors are excluded from the program (at most of the 6 UCs that participate). That list tends to grow. They are very picky (you have to follow the courses, etc EXACTLY or you’ll be rejected) Also, the GPA threshold and course requirements can change. If you pursue this the earning the required GPA at the college level is a challenge for many.
Without your SAT/ACT, it is hard to suggest a CSU or CC. There are a number of CSUs with solid Bio programs.
Thank you all for your information and help :). And my SAT score is 1460/1600 @NCalRent
EDIT: That actually brings another question to mind does having a high SAT score that greatly contrasts my weighted GPA help me at all in admissions? Or will colleges simply look at my GPA and dismiss me?
CSU’s except for Cal Poly SLO admit by Eligibility index (CSU GPA x800) + (SAT Math+CR) and major. Having high test scores will compensate for a lower GPA. UC’s however are more GPA focused, so they would like to see a high GPA over a course of 3 years than a high test score from 1-2 sittings. Of course, having high GPA and test scores is the ideal situation.
The more selective the school, the more chance that your GPA will cause your application to not make it beyond the initial screening.
CSULB. CalPoly Pomona, SJSU all have good Bio programs and should be viable admits for you. UCM could happen too.