Okay, so I want to go to a community college and work up to a 4 year university because I hauled ass in 9th and 10th grade and didn’t turn around till junior year with a 1540 sat and 4.0 from then on, and I want a plan B if I don’t get in anywhere I want. I live in GA but several schools I applied were UCs (berkeley, LA, and SD). I would like to major in Engineering, and thought about CC as a plan B. Now I know in state CC can transfer into in state public 4 yr univ easy but I don’t know what I can do if I go to a CC here in the ATL area and transfer my credits to a UC? I was possibly thinking I could look into a CA CC for a smoother transition with more credits into a UC, and possibly apply for in state tution for UC since I’ll be there for 2 years paying taxes, and possibly working as well. Additionally, it will be a new experience with being independent across the country. So if this is my plan, does it benefit me to go to a CA CC as a plan B? Some help would be very much appreciated since I’m trying to draw out my life plan here. Thanks!
If you are not a California resident when you enroll, and you remain a dependent undergraduate, it is unlikely that you will be able to qualify as a California resident for purposes of tuition while you’re an undergraduate at UC.
You do not become a resident for purposes of tuition simply by living in California for 366 days or more. The length of time you attend the University of California or live in California is not the sole determining factor of residency.
If your parents live outside of California and you are financially independent, you must also be able to verify financial independence for the two full years preceding the term for which you’re seeking residence classification.
To prove your financial independence, you must be able to document that you have been totally self-sufficient for two full years prior to the residence determination date, supporting yourself, for example, through jobs, financial aid, commercial/institutional loans in your name only, and documentable savings from your earnings. This also means you can’t have been claimed as an income tax dependent by any individual or have accepted gifts (cash or other support) that contributed to your subsistence for two tax years immediately preceding the term.
You normally cannot establish California residence for purposes of tuition while maintaining legal ties to another state or country (e.g. state tax liability, driver’s license, voter’s or vehicle registration). Further, if you have moved to California primarily to attend the University of California, you are here for educational purposes and may not be eligible for a resident classification for purposes of tuition.
It is your burden to prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that you have satisfied all applicable UC residence requirements. The University of California cannot alter or waive the eligibility criteria for any reason. Financial hardship cannot be considered in evaluating whether you are able to qualify for California residence for purposes of tuition.
Thanks for your response. Okay, so the requirements for CA residency is complex. Do you know anything about CC transfer to another state by chance?
CC transfer from GA to CA?
Yep
A CC transfer from another state would have the lowest priority if targeting the UC’s.
CA CC transfer has highest priority followed by UC to UC, CSU to UC, CA private 4 year to UC and then OOS transfers. Also trying to match up OOS courses with the UC course requirements can be difficult. There is always a chance especially if you are able to maintain a competitive GPA, complete all transfer course requirements and have some compelling essays.
Good Luck.
The problem you face is that you are coming to CCC and CSUs/UCs primarily for educational purposes. This means full fees at the CCs of about $20K per year. If you work part-time, you won’t make your budget.
The California universities are savvy, very strict and very knowledgeable in the areas of residency. Prior to enrolling in any facility, you have to work for two years before entering any CC. The CC’s may not accept your Georgia courses from your CC. It’s the California Community colleges option since California community colleges and universities are impacted.
Additionally, you cannot accept any help from anyone and you need to be self-sufficient. You need to show your California 540 tax receipt. Your budget sheet also has to show how your income covers your rent and expenses. You have to pay market rates for your living situation without help. Rents in Berkeley, LA and SD are extremely high. Expect minimums of $1500 per month, or $18K per year, just for rent, not including utilities, food, and transportation if you can find a job. If you immediately attend a CC then add another 20K per year for your school fees.
http://www.ucop.edu/general-counsel/_files/ed-affairs/uc-residence-policy.pdf
How are you going to pay for college no matter where you go??
You can only borrow 5500 your frosh year.