I started my freshman year at a CSU but I’m planning to transfer to a community college next semester then eventually transfer to a UC or CSU. However, I read that some UCs (like UCB) require you finish your math and/or physics sequence in the same school. So the problem is that I’m already taking my Calculus 2 class this semester at a CSU but when I transfer to a community college next semester, I’ll be continuing onto calculus 3 and so on. Does that mean I’ll have to retake my calculus 2 class?
Why do you want to leave your CSU?
It’ll be cheaper to go to community college, especially since most of the classes I need are available there. Plus, I heard that UCs and CSUs prefer community college transfers and I’m hoping to go to Cal Poly, UCB, etc.
It can be more of an issue with physics since different schools’ physics courses may cover topics in different orders. Math is somewhat more standardized, so if you complete a full year of single variable calculus (suitable for math majors, not the less rigorous version for business majors), and then complete the sophomore level math (multivariable calculus, linear algebra, differential equations) if needed for your major, it is more likely to be accepted. You can check the http://www.assist.org pages for your target campus and major and ask the target campuses directly if they are not clear on this subject.
People do transfer from CSUs to UCs every year. A handful of students also move to SLO from another CSU. You should know, both schools are super selective for transfers - no matter where you go to school. Moving to your local CC won’t really impact your odds (which are pretty long) as the required courses and competitive GPA are the same. SLO does have a stated preference for local CC applicants but, relocating to the Central Coast and attending Cuesta won’t save you any money.
Stay where you are, do your best, take the required courses and apply to UCB and SLO for transfer. Maybe you’ll get in, maybe you won’t. Either way, you’ll be on-track for a credible degree from a credible university.
Good luck.