Hello, I am currently in my first semester at a community college, I was supposed to go to a CSU straight out of high school but couldn’t due to some mistakes on my behalf. I am hoping to finish the year here and then transfer to CSUN, my question would it be harder to get admitted as a first time freshman or a lower division transfer student? High school GPA was 2.9, ACT was average but I plan on retaking it soon. In my app should I apply as a freshman or transfer student? Any advice is appreciated.
It is equally difficult, since you have zero chance either way. Continue at CC and transfer to CSUN or other CSU or UC as an upper division transfer (generally applying in your second year, if you have been taking full course loads).
http://www.csumentor.edu/planning/transfer/ says that “You are considered a transfer student by the CSU if you complete any college level units after your graduation from high school (excluding the summer session immediately following your high school graduation).” In other words, you cannot apply as a frosh after completing the year of college courses after high school graduation.
http://www.csun.edu/admissions-records/apply-lower-division-transfer-student indicates that CSUN does not currently admit lower division transfer students. Some CSUs (probably non-impacted ones) may, though.
Since you are attending a CC, you are a transfer student and will need a path to 60 units by the end of the school year for them to look at your ap.
do your best and see what doors open to you next year.
Good luck.
No point to retake ACT since you cannot be admitted as Freshman. Do well at your CC and transfer with 60 semester credits or more to meet the CSU requirements.