I live in California so it is much easier to transfer to Berkeley from CC than getting in as a Freshmen. I don’t want to sound arrogant but I think I could make it in as a transfer. But I have an offer from SD. I want to do business, specifically startups, maybe working with other people to start our own. So I was thinking, you know long term relationships, 4 year relationships are better to get into the startup scene. But my parents also brought up a good point that Berkeley is more prestigious and that it is near silicon valley.
I don’t know which option to take. And I don’t want to miss out on the 4 year college experience. I’m not interested in fraternities or partying and stuff like that. For me, it’s more coming in as a freshmen, getting involved, establishing lifelong friendships, taking advantage of the opportunities(internships,etc), getting to know the professors.
What do you guys think?
Berkeley isn’t guaranteed as a community college transfer and frankly everything you’ve described about your ideal college exists at UCSD in spades. There’s a growing startup culture on campus and in north San Diego, bolstered by competitions like SDHacks, STARTUP UCSD, and the Entrepreneurial Challenge, as well as resources from the Moxie Center and new Basement. The two years you spend at a community college are two years you won’t be able to rub shoulders with similarly entrepreneurial professors and peers. Berkeley is marginally more “prestigious”, but the UCSD name on your diploma (as well as the Jacobs name) carries enough weight to open doors in Silicon Valley and beyond.
There are a ton of internships available to UCSD students who seek them. The party scene is quieter than average with more low-key fraternities and sororities anyway. Professors are generally approachable and encouraging, and I think you’d be making a mistake turning down this offer to chase Berkeley in a fresh admissions cycle.
Edit: read your other post too. Haas is definitely prestigious but the Rady School will give you networking opportunities as well. Note that UCSD doesn’t have an exclusive Business major so you’d have to consider a related field and maybe minor in Business or in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. As for your financial situation, call the Financial Aid Office and see what they can do to help you sort it out. Once you’re admitted, student services offices are there to make it as easy as possible for you to attend.