<p>My plan is to move from Florida to California. I want to go to a CCC for 2 years and then transfer using one of the transfer programs to UCLA or UCB. I really want to hear your input on this situation and if you have done this, what was your experience like?</p>
<p>-I'm not worried to much about paying for CC because I qualify for a ton of need-based scholarships and grants. I also have the CC on my FAFSA.
-As for moving, I will be moving with a friend and we've both decided to split the costs. I will also be working all throughout summer to gather some cash before leaving. My family will also pitch on some of the costs.
-I'm also not worried about residency because after my first year. I can qualify for residency.</p>
<p>What are your opinions?
Thank you.</p>
<p>If your goal is to UCLA or UCB, that’s a pretty smart way to go about it. It’s well known that California CC students have priority over OOS students. My only worry would probably be if you can really support yourself, as the cost of living in California is ridiculously high. Working to make sure you can survive may cost you valuable time studying, and you’re going to need a 3.5+ to have a legitimate shot at Berkeley or LA and that honestly will require dedication and commitment. </p>
<p>Just wondering, is there a particular reason for not wanting to go to school in Florida? I myself wanted to go to an out of state school, but since I am a lifelong California Resident it is much cheaper for me to go to public school here and I figured since I already made the decision to go to grad school it would not be much of an issue. I’m pretty sure Florida has something similar (plus it would be more expensive for you). You no likey Gators or Tebow?</p>
<p>Read this very carefully about California residency before assuming that you can get it:
[Legal</a> Residence Information - Office Of The Registrar](<a href=“http://registrar.berkeley.edu/alumni/legalinfo.html]Legal”>http://registrar.berkeley.edu/alumni/legalinfo.html)</p>
<p>Note that California publics will fall pretty far short of meeting financial need for non-resident students.</p>
<p>CCs near four year schools tend to model their courses on those of the nearby four year school. So CCs like Diablo Valley and the Peralta CC district ones are often good matches for Berkeley, while some near UCLA are often good matches for UCLA. Use [Welcome</a> to ASSIST](<a href=“http://www.assist.org%5DWelcome”>http://www.assist.org) to check which have good course matches for your major at your target four year schools.</p>
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As far as the UCs are concerned, as long as your parents or anyone else is giving you money then you are not independent. The rules differ for UCs from CC’s, but without meeting the definition of financial independence you will be charged OOS tuition at a UC school no matter how long you’ve lived in CA. I strongly echo the advice about examining the link given in post #3 to see if you will meet the UC definition.</p>
<p>Ignore @mary. This isn’t the place to pitch your sales.</p>