@fl3xb0i
Please note: My above update is for generic question which is “Is Berkeley worth OOS tuition?”
I just read your post fully. If I have a dream I would protect that, college loans are difficult but not impossible.
How the loans work should be consulted with financial advise and discussed with parents also for their inputs. don;t hesitate to call school or have your parents call. You must have gotten provision letter which explains your options. UC Berkeley has excellent teaching faculty. Best of the best actually.
In my situation: my son is considering UCLA, their provision letter says 5k student loan per year. Interest will accrue after graduation. another un-subsidized loan 2k per year is available for him, interest will accrue as soon as it is paid. 3K scholarship per year with work study program. We got parent direct loan offer, it will be paid quarterly directly to college, but interest will accrue as soon as it is paid to school. They told us All the loans can be paid after graduation (but except 4 x 5 k = 20k students loan others will accrue interest. He is debating between state college and UCLA similar situation like yours. Oh by the way one more thing, , I just heard at UCLA, if he plans well it is possible to complete undergrad in 3 years, based on APs he did. Berkeley also may have that kind of options. It saves money. You should call school and discuss your options. Time is running out I suggest to work with school directly,ask questions , if you cannot get hold of them, send emails.
I cannot comment about how much free time you will have, to be able to work part-time as Berkeley education is intense. But all I can say is: where there is a “will”, there is a “way”.
Good luck with your College dream, wherever you are you will be successful !!