Cal State or Community College?

State Forums
1

<p>I'm a high school student with a GPA of 3.8. I think can be able go to Cal State Fullerton. But still, I'm considering about going to a community college first and transfer to a UC later and then end up with a UC degree because I can save more money that way. Do you guys think I should still go to Cal State and graduate there or just do CC first and then UC? Which way would save more money? I don't think my financial status will be stable because my family's income is below average.</p>

2

<p>Not nearly enough info to give you much of an answer. If you can afford to go straight to CSUF, that would be my preferred route. If you are really concerned about your budget, your local CC will give you a solid start and, if you are really diligent, provide a path to transfer in a couple of years (assuming you have a competitive GPA and meet all the requirements)</p>

<p>With a 3.8 and great test scores, you might make it straight into several of the UCs. I’d encourage you to apply to UCR, UCI and UCM in addition to a handful of CSUs and see what happens. You might surprise yourself. And you can make your decision after you know what they will cost and what your options really are. </p>

3

<p>What are your test scores?? I agree with NCalRent that if you can afford to go straight to a CalState or UC, then go ahead and apply. I know many students that go to a CC to save money, but many times they are unable to get the needed classes to transfer in 2 years. If you go the CC route, you GPA looks like it may qualify for a Honors program which would give you priority registration. Either path will hopefully get you where you want to be.
Just something to remember is that if you are in need of Financial aid, you will be eligible for more FA as a Freshman applicant than as a transfer. Good Luck.</p>

4

<p>Agree with Gumbymom and NCal: your best options for FA are as a Freshman. Apply to both the UC’s and CSU’s. You’ll probably get some decent financial aid. At the CC’s you will be limited by course selection and you’ll have to go through the transfer game. Since you are a California resident, you’ll have FA options for the UC’s and CSU’s through the Cal grants and the Blue and Gold plan. The governor also has the new “Middle Class Scholarship” option: <a href=“http://www.csac.ca.gov/mcs.asp”>http://www.csac.ca.gov/mcs.asp&lt;/a&gt;
Apply to the uni’s. Your back up are the cc’s.</p>