Hello. I was accepted to USCB(first choice), UCSC, UCI, and UCR. I’ve began to think that going straight to a UC after my highschool graduation is not for me. I’m academically qualified no doubt but I feel as though I am not ready to leave for college. I don’t even really have a solid idea as to what I would like to major in. All this added with the extreme cost of attending a UC makes me reluctant to attend. There is a community college near me, college of the canyons, which seems as a viable option to attend for two years until I mature a bit more and have an idea as to what I would like to focus on. What is your input on my situation and if this post in the wrong forum i do apologize.
It is a viable path - particularly if budget is a concern. The one gotcha - to transfer to a UC, you need to complete a series of major specific classes. Depending on major these might require a 3 or 4 semester progression of classes. If you decide on a major after Freshman year - it could take 3 more semesters to complete the required classes - which would delay your transfer by a year. If you go directly to a UC, you have more flexibility about what you take each year.
Look into the Transfer Guarantee (TAG) program - Note how much the required courses vary by Major and UC.
If you don’t mind taking three years to transfer and you would rather go to UCLA or UCB, I think you should go to CC. There is no harm in going to a CC first. There are all types of clubs and activities you can get involved in that will give you the “college” experience while living at home.
Thanks for the replies. I’ll be attending UCSB this fall.
If you have chosen UCSB because the posters above said it would take you three years to transfer, don’t believe it.
You CAN finish in two years. I did 70 units in two years (105 quarter units). I completed every prerequisite for every school I applied to, IGETC, and my honors requirements in two years.
And I also saved myself a TON of money. I’m going in as a senior with no debt at all. Like none at all, not even $0.01 cent in debt.
Use http://www.assist.org to see if College of the Canyons has the prerequisite courses for your possible majors at the various UCs and CSUs.
^^ whoops. meant junior. lol
Geez, yeah @luckyname called it. Three years? Almost everyone does it in two. It’s not hard at all assuming you apply yourself. UCSB is a great UC but if you feel you aren’t quite ready, or want to aim for berkeley or UCLA, CCC is the way to go.