<p>Transferring from one UC to another isn’t a given, but it happens. (I did it, for one.) </p>
<p>There is a guaranteed path from CC to UCs if you follow it, called TAG and you should ask the counselors at the CC you go to about it on day one (if you do go to a CC.) </p>
<p>Also CSUs such as Chico will start accepting applications for Spring enrollment in August - but if your ultimate goal is to get to a UC (other than Merced, although you may get that one automatically) then going to a CC is the more certain path. For transfers my understanding is that CCs have first priority through the guarantee, then UCs, then everyone else. UCLA and maybe others only accept transfers after 2 years; some UCs don’t have a hard and fast rule on that.</p>
<p>Then again, some CSUs are pretty good Universities in their own right, so you might find one where transferring wouldn’t be the only option that would make you happy.</p>
<p>Regarding it being harder to transfer from a CC, I don’t know all about that, and you might want to ask in the UC Transfer forum. However, I think part of that is that it can be hard to get some classes that are prerequisites to impacted majors. You might want to look at what is available at the CC you are thinking of attending to make sure you are comfortable you will get the courses you need. Not all CCs are the same.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>