Community College or an UC school?

College Search & Selection Community Colleges
1

Hello there!
I am a current Senior in high school and I’m in a major dilemma of whether I should attend community college or not.

Before I start, I have no idea whether or not I’ll be accepted to UCLA or UCI (my dream schools), but the reason why I need advice on this is because if people tell me that community college is a better option, I won’t even consider UC.

As for the facts, I’m currently considered a nonresident of California, and UC schools are VERY expensive for out-of-state students, as opposed to community college. HOWEVER, I will be considered an official resident of California after a year (due to the requirement, sigh) because my mother and I plan on moving there for good. My mom suggests that I don’t even think about paying the $49,000 for one year, and pay $8,000 for out-of-state community college instead. It’ll also be beneficial to me because I could work towards fixing my GPA.

Note: I’m unclear of what my family’s financial situation will be, but we most likely will have an annual income of less than $30,000-$25,000. I’m not allowed to work until I’m married according to my family, so that makes it even worse, and puts a large burden on my parents.

My side of the story is that I don’t want to ruin my undergraduate experience by having a hard time making connections and relationships with peer and professors. I’ve already gone through moving from school to school my entire life, and I at least don’t want to in college. Also, I don’t want jobs and internships treating me differently, or people responding with an “Oh.” when I say I’m going to a two-year university. I just want something to be proud of, y’know? I know community college isn’t bad, because it’s actually an amazing opportunity, but I just can’t convince myself. Please help!

Questions:
Can I transfer from community college after one year when I complete my requirement, instead of graduating from there? Will that lower my chances to get into UCLA or UCI?

I’m planning on majoring in Business Economics or General Economics, so would it be better to transfer or go to CC?

Let’s say I applied to UCLA/UCI and got accepted, but decided on community college instead. Would UCLA not accept me after I apply as a transfer because I denied them the first time, or would they understand? Is it better not to apply at all?

If I get a bad score on the SAT/ACT and go to community college, do I still need to take it? Will UC’s still look for my SAT/ACT scores?

Thanks!

2

I would post in the UC transfer thread since there are many knowledgeable posters. I do know that the UC’s only take Junior level transfers 60 semester units/90 quarter units. If you do have AP credit, those could be used towards the required units needed for transfer. Also if you plan to establish residency, you cannot attend any university for the first year. If you attend a CCC or UC, then you will be viewed as trying to establish residency for educational purposes and end up paying OOS fees all four years. See link: http://registrar.berkeley.edu/Residency/establish.html?no_server_init

ACT/SAT scores are not needed if you a transferring from a CCC. If you are admitted to a UC and decline the acceptance, you will not be penalized if you try to transfer later.

The UC’s have articulation agreements with the CA CCC’s, so transferring from a CCC is the best route if you want to keep costs low.

This is what I would do, take a GAP year, retake your test scores, do some volunteering or work, establish your CA residency and then apply as a Freshman to UCLA/UCI next year.