I got accepted into CSUSB but I’m not sure I want to stay there. So I was wondering if I should just go to a local CC and then try to transfer into UCLA or Davis. I was also thinking maybe I can just go to CSUSB and then transfer to another CSU or try for a UC. I’m trying to major in History/Psych btw.
I talked to my parents and they’re going to support me with whatever I choose, I just want to know my best options at the moment
Since you’re already iffy about CSUSB I would go to the CCC as you can get guaranteed admission to one of 6 UCs (including Davis) and use it as a safety. Plus, it will give you priority and be easier all around.
There is no “best” option. Like most things in life there are tradeoffs. You need to think it thru and decide which you prefer.
At a CC you have priority for transferring to a UC. Classes will generally be smaller than the intro classes at a UC/CSU. And since you got into a CSU you’d likely be among the better students at your CC. You can use TAG and get an admission guarantee.
On the downside at a CC you’ll be around kids that by and large aren’t going farther in education. “Research shows that 70% of California’s 2.1 million community college students neither earn a two-year associate degree nor transfer to a four-year school in six years.” says https://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-kirp-california-community-college-graduation-rates-20180822-story.html What your friends and the kids around you are doing in class, how hard they study, that can have an impact so it will be up to you to keep focused on your goals. At your local CC you’ll make friends and then have to leave them after 2 years to attend a school where many of the kids have already built a group of friends. Many kids like to get away from home when they start college, but you’ll probably be living at home so your experience will be different.
If you go to CSUSB you can still try to transfer but at @Ohm888 says then you don’t get the TAG guarantee of admission. Keep in mind that you’re not going to be able to xfer to a UC in one year, you’ll need to be a junior when you enter. So it’s a 2 year committment, and then you might not get accepted to xfer. According to http://www.admission.ucla.edu/Prospect/Adm_tr/Tr_Prof18.htm the admit rate for 2018 at UCLA from CC was 26%, from CSU it was 10%. Some CSU may accept soph transfers but you’ll need to look carefully to see if the ones you want do. Typically they want juniors too. Also going to CSUSB with the intention from day 1 to xfer may detract from the experience; you may be less likely to get involved in clubs, get to know profs, etc. since you figure you’re out the door.
I’d add a little color on the UC Transfer Admission Guarantee. UCLA, UCSD and UCB don’t participate. The other 6 exclude certain popular majors, and the list of excluded majors can grow while you are at the CC working on transferring. There is also a GPA threshold you need to meet and specific classes you have to take that can change on you too. Right now, the GPA threshold for History at Davis is 3.2 - which you may find hard to achieve at the college level.
Given your options today, I’d spend a few hours at CSUSB and see how you like it. If you can see yourself spending 4 years there, If so, then really commit and get involved. Transferring may still be an option but, don’t consider SB a anything less than a permanent stop. If you can’t do that a CC (and the downside spelled out by @mikemac ) is probably your best course.
good luck.