<p>Hello, I am currently at a community college but will transfer out this fall to work on my BA in psychology (I plan to eventually go through graduate school). I applied to various UC's and CSU's for this coming fall. I knew the odds were against me but I unfortunately did not get accepted into UCLA, which was my first choice. (I wasn't the greatest student at first, but I now take school very seriously and get straight-A's)</p>
<p>So far I've gotten accepted into UCI, UCSB, and CSULB. My dilemma is whether to go to a UC or CSU for my BA. I do not qualify for financial aid because of my parents, but I still have to pay for tuition and living expenses myself, so money is a factor. Ideally I'd love to go to UCLA for my master's and PhD. All things considered I'd save about 20k if I went to a CSU for my BA, but I don't know if that will hinder my chances at getting accepted into graduate school when the time comes.</p>
<p>I've also considered taking a year off and reapplying for UCLA next year, or possibly SDSU, since they have a good psychology program. </p>
<p>Between UCI and UCSB, I'd want to go to UCI because it's closer. But would going to UCI as opposed to CSULB really be favorable since UCI isn't exactly "known" for their psych program? I wonder if statistics are available showing how many students are accepted into UCLA's PhD program from CSU's, UC's, other schools, etc.</p>
<p>Just so you know, UCLA does not exactly offer a MA. Their only choice for grad education is a PhD. You cannot enroll to get an MA and then decide whether or not to keep going to get a PhD. Sometimes they award a MA, but the way to get this (as with a MA in many departments at UCLA) is to flunk out of the PhD program; the MA is your consolation prize. Also the type of program may not be what you expect. As they say on their FAQ
<p>mom2collegekids: Why do you say UCI? All of the UC’s are similarly expensive, so I am planning on taking out loans and applying for as many scholarships as possible.</p>
<p>mikemac: Yes, I am aware of that. My ultimate goal is to get a PhD. That’s also why I think UC’s are a better fit - research is what I want to do. I have very little interest in becoming any type of counsellor.</p>
<p>fall2016parent: What is your reason for suggesting UCI?</p>
<p>I think if money is not an issue, most folks would prefer UC rather than CSU. Again, college is what you make of it. Some thrive in CSU, some don’t. UCSD is pretty good in psychology (I think). You really should visit both colleges and see where you fit. I would not consider wasting another year to reapply to UCLA.</p>
<p>mom2collegekids: Why do you say UCI? All of the UC’s are similarly expensive, so I am planning on taking out loans and applying for as many scholarships as possible.</p>
<p>Because you said it’s closer so I thought you could commute.</p>
<p>If you can’t commute, then go to CSULB. You have too much to borrow to go to a UC?</p>
<p>Who is going to co-sign your loans. </p>
<p>(You shouldn’t borrow that much…especially for a psych degree.)</p>
<p>You can definitely get into a grad program with a degree from CSULB…kids do it all the time!</p>
<p>The UC provides a more rigorous and elite education than the Cal States. Students at the UCs, your future peers, are better prepared for college. But if your parents are not assisting and you have to come up with it all yourself, then you may find that the CSLB is the better financial option. It comes down to academic quality versus finances, and you have to decide which is more important to you. If you have to struggle too much financially at any university, that may hinder your ability to do well.</p>