Hey guys so I’ve searched through pretty much all forums that relate to CSU to UC transfers and as discouraging it is thear that CSUs have last priority, i still want to give it a shot ( id hate to always wonder what if…) I am currently a sophmore now with 3.54 cumulative gpa Majoring in Econ/Accounting applying to UCI, UCSD, UCSB,UCD. I know my chances are slim and i should have gone to a cc then tried to transfer from there but it is a little late for that unfortunately 
I know there has to be someone one out there with a similar situation so id love to hear about your experiences and maybe ask you some questions!!!
CSUs and UCs don’t have articulation agreements i know but what is the best way to make sure the classes i take are meeting the general education requirements and prerequisites for my intended major?
any help would be greatly appreciated 
I did my first year at a CSU last year and decided to go to a CC this summer. My summer courses just ended today actually and I’ll be doing this fall and coming Spring there as well. If I were you I would just go to CC this fall and spring. I mean, a 3.54 isn’t bad, but applying from a CC could probably get you into UCI or UCD if you have all the pre-reqs done.
I would say staying at the CSU hurts your chances, but not enough to lose hope. There’s plenty of people who do it and its definitely worth a shot. You need to write your essays majorly impressive as well. Just curious, what CSU are you at? It may help if you’re at a higher end one (Cal Poly, SDSU, Long Beach, etc.)
CSU is lower down the ladder than CCC-UC and UC-UC, for sure, but it’s doable. People up here have done it a lot. And the good news is its pretty easy to figure out the articulations on assist. And you’re not lowest. OOS is lower than you, and direct Int’l to UC is the wayyyyy bottom.
My feeling with most of these non-CCCs is they don’t go in as a competitive student; they don’t have the requirements completed, so just get kicked out. Obviously, fulfill the requirements needed for the major (pick your UC and any CCC just to eyeball the coursework) and then match the courses with yours. Try and fulfill the breadth or IGETC that is up there as well. If your major suggests IGETC, try and complete it. That’s the key that most non-CCCs don’t get done properly.
Also don’t take any upper division courses if you can avoid it. If you have a couple now, it’s OK, just don’t take more. Those can get you kicked out fast. And don’t get super high with your unit count, period, even with lower division. They get a little funny with that sometimes if all the units are from a 4-year.