<p>Hello people, thanks for stopping by. I've been reading this board for a few days on and off recently and found many helpful posts , especially this one: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/328296-military-veterans-college.html?highlight=military%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/328296-military-veterans-college.html?highlight=military</a> . But I still have many unanswered questions on what my options are and what I should do, so here I go.</p>
<p>After I graduated high school, I attended the local community college in Santa Maria, CA for a summer and spring semester to see if I would change my mind about joining the military. I earned about 22 transferable credits while I was there back in 2005. Is it required for me to transfer these credits and their accompanying less-than-spectacular GPA (3.0) to the college I end up enrolling in?</p>
<p>Correct me if I am wrong, but the only way I am able to eventually attend a four year is to transfer from a community college, right? My grades in high school were not something most parents would be proud of (2.8 GPA), and I never took the SAT. I care a lot more now that my head's on straight, and have earned A's on all the distance learning courses I have done on my own time. Even if I studied and took my SAT before I left, and I scored reasonably well, I shouldn't really waste time applying to , say, a UC or a private university, right? If not, which should I try applying to? The way I see it so far is that I am going to have to attend a CC for two years, and then transfer to a four year, though, shortening that time frame would be great, if at all possible. </p>
<p>My only personal preference is that the college I attend is in California, preferably in the SF or the LA area. Cost is not a big concern, thankfully, as long as it doesn't exceed 30k~40k a year. If my intuitions are right, and a transferring is my only option, the CC I've picked so far is either Orange Coast College or Berkeley City College. As far as majors go (I'm still studying), it will most likely be art/media/design oriented or sociology, since those are the things that interest me the most. Well besides music, but I that's a hard way to make a living.</p>
<p>I am due to leave the military (NAVY) in FEB 13 of 2010. I am stationed in Japan, and will be until the day I leave. Is it possible to attend a spring semester as my first term? I need to find out so that I can apply and request early separation if needed.</p>
<p>Also, is there anything you would recommend I get done before I leave?</p>
<p>Thanks for all your help, any answers or guidance would be great.</p>