<p>I'm still trying to decide whether or not I want to take the community college route into UCSD, or to just stick it out at SDSU for the next four years. UCSD was number one choice and unfortunately I did not get in. SDSU was my second and I'm almost sure I'll be attending there in the fall. However, I've been thinking about my options and I've started to seriously consider going to a CC first. I've taken two semesters of English(101 & 103) at a local community college, AP Psych which I passed with a 4, APUSH which I passed with a 3, and I'm currently taking AP Statistics and AP Gov. If I were to pass those exams also, would they count towards the credits required for the TAG program that UCSD has? Would any of these help narrow down my time at CC at all? How many units would I have to take?
I have the time to load up on units at a CC and am more than willing to attend two at a time if I have to. I know that it'll be tough but I would so much rather work hard for a year to attend my dream school than spend the next four years at a school that I'm whatever about. I know that it's possible to transfer from SDSU, but I'm not trying to risk it since I know TAG is available and being a CSU student will narrow down my chances for transferring.</p>
<p>I'm going to talk to my counselor tomorrow, but I would like to hear from other sources. (:</p>
<p>You cant do TAG if you want to transfer in one year. TAG is only for those who have already attended a year of CC…</p>
<p>Your AP credits arent enough to transfer in 1 yr… you need about 30 units from AP if you want to transfer in 1. By spring, you need to have 60 units… you do the math… If I were you and you really want UCSD… stay 2 years…</p>
<p>Dude, what’s with the rush? You’re just out of highschool. Chill. You’re only what, 17 or 18? There is plenty of time to get everything done. Take it easy at CC for two years and transfer later. Stop panicking. It’s not a big deal.</p>
<p>Its possible, depending on your major (If you’re a science major, maybe not)You just have to plan your classes really well to make sure you get 60 credits, finish your major prereqs and IGETC. Its not impossible. You should probably start with this summer though, because next summer wont count toward your application. You could take 10 units this summer, 20 in fall, 3 at intersession and 20 in spring and your AP units should make up the rest. Keep in mind, though, that you might not get your first choice classes, etc. So make a detailed one year plan to make sure all your units add up. Also, I don’t know about not qualifying for tag as a one year transfer, I’ve never heard that. But if you keep your GPA above 3.5 you will have a very good shot at getting in (better than a 4.0 transfer from state).</p>
<p>In theory, yes. You just have to make sure you fill all of the requirements. But it would be a lot to take on. Honestly, I wouldn’t rush it. (And someone mentioned needing more time for TAG - I didn’t know that so it’s something to consider.) </p>
<p>Also, what you’re majoring in can make a difference. </p>
<p>If your heart is set on UCSD, going the CC route first is not a bad idea as long as you work to get the best grades possible. If you can come out of there with good stats, you’ll potentially have a great chance at getting in. If you feel like SDSU is settling, then maybe this is the route for you. (Also consider which school is better suited for your career goals). And worse case scenario, if you achieve an outstanding track record through a CC and for some reason don’t get into UCSD, you’ll definitely be able to get in somewhere honorable.</p>
<p>I personally believe it is definitely NOT possible to complete the requirements in one year! and here’s why:</p>
<p>melowe got it right when he said IN THEORY it is possible. When I joined CC in 2006 it would’ve been more than possible (for a person in your situation, and also as long as you’re not a hard science/engineering major).</p>
<p>However, sadly, the situation at community colleges has gotten EXTREMELY BAD and it’s only going to get worse this year, since there is the likelihood that another $800 million is going to be cut (which will result in the SLASHING of tons of sections of courses) making the situation practically dire. Hundreds of courses are being slashed for the summer sessions and there is talk about completely eliminating the winter sessions as well!!</p>
<p>When you join CC as a new student you are right at the bottom for registration priority, which means you will only be able to get into courses that are in least demand (if that). So for a year or more you will be just taking “useless” courses to get your “priority” higher. Some of my friends who even have “reasonably high” priority were not able to get into classes they required for the major. They got onto the wait list and STILL DID NOT GET IN because they were so far behind on the wait list!!! THEY ARE “WASTING” A WHOLE YEAR NOW simply to fullfill a few classes!!! …it’s really terrible!</p>
<p>Here’s a thread on this board that discusses this issue! One guy claims that he’s been trying to, unsuccessfully, get into a particular chemistry course for 3 semesters!</p>
<p>One year transfers apply their first semester at a CC, right? Then I’d say that if you did not get in straight out of high school that your chances of getting in as a one year transfer are slim, this is because they are not going to have much college coursework to look at.</p>
<p>Heres a good idea. Go to CC, after 1 year apply as a one year transfer. If you don’t get in, apply as a junior transfer the next year, which is much easier.</p>
<p>Okay, so it’s two terms, not necessarily two years. </p>
<p>Still, the more I think about it, the more unlikely it seems. What you can do is break it down yourself. Come up with a tentative schedule plan based on what you need. I think when you look at it tangibly you’ll start to see how much work it really is.</p>
<p>I pulled up my CC record just for kicks. In reality this is over two years, but this is what one year would have looked like:</p>
<p>Spring:
BIOL 115<br>
HIST 100<br>
MATH 096<br>
MUSI 150A<br>
SPAN 101<br>
ENGL 101<br>
HIST 101<br>
MATH 096
MATH 116<br>
ENGL 205 </p>
<p>Summer:
PHYE 103<br>
PHYE 168 </p>
<p>^ That’s nuts! My CC wouldn’t even allow you to take over 20 units in one semester.
Granted, you have a bit of a head start it looks like. But it’s just not enough time.</p>