Considering the CC--->UC option. Where do I start?

<p>Hey guys, high school senior here.</p>

<p>I've been admitted into UCR and CSULB for Electrical Engineering, and UCSB(Undeclared), waitlisted at UC Davis, rejected at UCI, and I'm still waiting on Cal Poly Pomona. I'm grateful that I've been admitted into these schools, but I'm feeling a bit iffy due to the fact that I'm receiving no financial aid and I'd have to take out ~120k in loans for UCR, and also because my top choice, Cal Poly Pomona, has not responded to my application. Right now, I'm leaning toward attending CSULB, due to its "affordability", but I've started to consider the UC transfer option. My problem is that I have no idea where to begin. I'm also fearful of the supposed "difficulty" in enrolling in classes at community college. Is it really THAT difficult to enroll into classes? I will be receiving some AP credit though, since I scored a 3 on Calculus AB, a 4 on AP US History, and a 4 on AP European history, and I'm aiming for a 4 or a 5 on Calculus BC this year. If I do end up choosing the transfer option, my UC list would be UCB, UCLA, UCSB, UCSD, UC Davis, and UCI. Thanks CCers!</p>

<p>That’s good that you are gettin AP credits can help with taking less classes at a CC.</p>

<p>What is the Major you are applying for?
Some majors they say to focus on the major classes instead of the IGETC courses. Others you need to complete the IGETC. </p>

<p>*Just noticed your major. I believe that you should focus on major courses instead, but double check to make sure.</p>

<p>First go to CCCapply.org and register for a CC you plan on attending.
Go to assist.org and look up the transferable classes for that major and the colleges you plan on attending and take the required classes. </p>

<p>Go on to the CC website and find anything along the lines of IGETC courses and major courses.
Find out when they are doing placement exams and register. </p>

<p>Right now the CC probably has the classes for summer or fall already up and viewable, make a schedule of classes you should take with backups in case some classes fill up quick. </p>

<p>Get good grades, join some clubs/activities/job etc. </p>

<p>and meet with a counselor.</p>

<p>Look into honors classes and other programs that might qualify you for priority enrollment if getting into classes is an issue at your local CC.</p>

<p>Find a program that you could get priority enrollment (EOPS).</p>

<p>CC is a great option. </p>

<p>First register for CC. You may have to take placement tests ect. to see what classes you need to take (for instance, my CC gave preferential registration dates to HS seniors who took the test early). </p>

<p>second step, meet a counselor. I can’t stress that enough, especially with AP scores. CSU, UC and CC give different amounts of credit for AP classes, and may require different scores. For AP’s, CSU and CC gave me 22 units towards my 60 semester units needed to transfer, UC only gave me 18.7. Your counselor can determine which GE’s your AP credits fulfil, what major pre-reqs you need for each school, and if you need to follow IGETC.</p>

<p>IGETC is a state mandated list of classes you need to take to be eligible to transfer. Some high unit majors, like engineering students, are discouraged from following IGETC. </p>

<p>CSU and UC also have different standards about which classes transfer. Every UC transferable course (at least at my school) was transferable to CSU, but not every CSU course would transfer to UC. Your counselor can help you with this, and plan which classes you need to take for your CC career. </p>

<p>Best of luck, although classes are hard to get at CC, your AP credit will put you far ahead of your classmates. Expect to get the short end of the stick your first semester when it comes to classes, your CC will probably give better registration dates to returning students, but that will improve greatly after your first year.</p>