Hi everyone!
I’m an LA native who was accepted to ASU’s honor college (Barrett). I’m a little worried that a degree from ASU won’t hold so much weight when I come back home.
Therefore I was thinking of going to Santa Monica College and transferring to UCLA (in one year because I already have 27 units from AP/concurrent enrollment). But some of the honors classes that I need to transfer are hard to get I hear.
I was thinking of doing Psychology, Sociology, or History because I can transfer in one year with them. I am leaning more towards Psych because it is the most interesting to me and I feel as if it will translate the best to vet school later. But I also hear it is very hard to transfer into.
What do you think about this? Should I just go to ASU? Have any of you been in a similar situation?
Hello,
I highly suggest you to go to a cc and then transfer. UCs give transfer priority to cc students over other students from 4 year institutions, and I believe UCLA has a TAP program where you get priority over other cc transfer students if you are doing honors at your cc . Double check with your cc on that. I know my local cc offers that, but only applies to majors under CAS.
Correct me if I am wrong here, but I think you need at least a semester/quarter at another institution before considered as a transfer student. I am not sure if you will be considered as one since I am assuming you’ll be applying to transfer this upcoming fall and you will be graduating from HS this spring? You should check with the transfer center at your local cc to clarify that.
I hope this helps! 
As a SMC → UCLA student starting this fall, I also recommend the CC route!
SMC is very crowded however, so it is important to know your plan before you get there.
Here is the thread for UC tranfers: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/uc-transfers/
Also look into the SMC Scholars program which offers priority registration, better counselors, and priority admissions to UCLA, UCI, and several privates!! http://www.smc.edu/StudentServices/Scholars/Pages/default.aspx
What kind of costs and debt for each option?
Costs for ASU with Barrett would be about $35,000 a year (x3 years but most people I talked to said I will probably end up staying for 4 and double majoring or something)
SMC to UCLA is $2,000 for my first year and then $18,000 for the next two
Looks like SMC to UCLA or other UC or CSU will be much less expensive.
SMC to UC sounds like a cheaper option. It all depends on whether you want that “first year experience” … it’s important for growth and to forge bonds with peers, however the cost difference with ASu is about $100,000. Even if your parents have the money, I’m not sure it’s a worthwhile investment. Only you can decide whether it’s worth the cost. Keep in mind that you may NOT get into UCLA and may well have to attend another UC: would that change the way you see your choice?
(ie., if you think SMC-> UC SC or UCD, is it still worth it for you?)
Honestly I would go the CC route then try and transfer. One of my friends dream school was UCLA but she didn’t get in as a freshman. She went to a CC then was able to get into UCLA much easier. It’s really up to you, but I personally think it would be a waste to go to ASU if that isn’t your top choice. I hope this helps!
I am curious about the costs you quote. For UCLA, are you planning to live at home all through graduation? I am asking because you mentioned $18,000 when COA Is closer to $32,000. I am assuming you do not qualify for financial aid if you are able to pay $35,000 for ASU.
If you are paying $35,000 for ASU Barrett’s I am assuming you didn’t get any merit aid? You also have the Western Exchange program to bring down costs, although not at the Tempe campus.
I agree with @MYOS1634 about asking yourself whether it would be worth it if you didn’t get into UCLA as a transfer.
@InfoQuestMom
Hi, I would stay at home for UCLA because I live very close to campus.
I do not qualify for financial aid.
I received $12,000 a year from ASU (and according to one of their calculators it would cost me about $42,000 a year at ASU, with Barrett room/board & food plan, plus extra costs for WP Carey). I’m just adding a little to it because transportation to get home for holidays/misc. expenses is not really what they suggested in their calculator from what I have heard.
The programs I am interested are not WUE approved, and even if I were to switch to something WUE approved, the rep I spoke to said that my $12,000 would be reduced so that I should just stick to what I really like.
But it’s too late to turn in my deposit for Barrett anyway now, lol… guess I’m going to community college. Yay.