Gap semester vs. community college

<p>Somewhere in the season of college apps, I made some hasty decisions. I was convinced I wasn't going to stay in state, so I only applied to out of state colleges. Then I did an internship and I'm really happy there. I really want to go back after getting a degree but it'd be stupid to go out of state and pay all those fees and then come back and make a mess of relocation forms and DMV lines and all that. So now I'm considering either taking a gap semester, in which I would work full time to pay for future college expenses, or going to community college for a semester and applying to a CSU or maybe even for two years and then transferring. My family can't contribute much to a college expenses, which is why I think the gap semester would be the best. But at the same time I feel like I'd be behind. I'm not concerned about the whole "You'll like having money so much you won't go to college" feeling because I know I have parents that would never let me do that and people around me who I could never face again if I chose not to go to college. I'd like to get feedback on what you think is the best route at this point.</p>

<p>At the same time, should I also finish doing whatever it is I need to do for the other out of state colleges I've applied to? (Like financial aid, institution-specific scholarships, CSS profile, etc) Or should I just contact them to tell them to withdraw my application?</p>

<p>If you know that you aren’t going to attend, drop those schools a line, and withdraw your applications.</p>

<p>If you think that you’d like to attend any of them in particular, and they are likely to give you any financial aid you need, complete the applications.</p>

<p>Since you are in California, your best and cheapest way into the UC system is probably through the CCC closest to where you can live and work. Pop by the admissions office there, and find out about enrolling.</p>