Advices for a International planning to study in CCC

Hi,

I’m unsure if this topic should be in International student forum or UC transfer. If I posted on the wrong forum please let me know.

Long story short, I feel I messed up in my ACT exam and I don’t have much time to do another test for university then I found out the route of CCC => UC (I know it’s quite expensive), but the chance for me to get into a prestigious university is higher than applying as a freshmen international imo . My IELTS score was 7 and IGCSE 1A*, 3A, 3B (could have done better).

I’m thinking to take a major that involves designing or art. Priority major is architecture. So, I’m planning to apply SMC and PCC. I doubting if I should consider SMC because it doesn’t offer architecture courses, but their art courses are transferable to Uni. Also, I heard it will be difficult to get the classes I need. I don’t want to end up spending extra year in CC.

Is TAP an important program? Since, I want to apply to UCLA or UCB as my dream/priority school. Will TAP increase the chances of admitting into these Uni? OCC doesn’t have TAP with UCB, which makes me wonder if I should apply to it or not.

If possible please give me suggestions on other CCC (I have looked at San Mateo College it’s just too far from everything).

Thank you!