My Dilemma: 2 or 3 years at CC?

Transfer Students UC Transfers
1

<p>Ok this is my situation. I am an older student (28) who returned to school last year after seeing how I liked it. I joined the Honors Program, Phi Thetta Kappa, and have a 3.9. I have good reason to think I will pull a 4.0 this semester and now have 12 units of Honors completed.</p>

<p>I returned to school as a History Major, but even though I love history, I am thinking about changing. I am a fan of Political Science (goes hand in hand with History), Psychology (impacted major everywhere, focuses a lot on Biology, while I am interested in Jungian and Cognitive Behavioral) and also Music/Drama.</p>

<p>Overall I want to work in education and in the public sector, or even the public eye. All of these majors would prepare me for a MA in Education if I decide to go that route, or a MA in whatever area I decide. But I am at a cross roads about what I want to do.</p>

<p>Basically, the only way I can transfer for Fall 10 is if I stay with History. But I really want to explore my other options and take advantage of a lot of the classes at CCC for cheap.
My top school choices right now are Berkeley and UCLA. I am also going to be TAP certified.</p>

<p>My essential questions are this: I have been out of school for 10 years. I feel like I am learning very fast, but still think I could use more prep before going to a big UC. Does taking 3 years look bad for a transfer? Is it better to have 60 units or the 80+ I will have by staying an extra year? Will a degree in History allow me to pursue a MA in Psych if I decide to go that route? If I transfer in F 10 it will be right after my 30th birthday, if I wait I will be 31/32, will I be the old dude on campus?</p>

<p>Since I know I will be most likely going onto a MA or higher, should I just try to et my BA doen as fast as possible? Is it worth accumulating another year of debt/scrambling for scholarships at a CCC?</p>

<p>Hopefully some of you have experience here, and maybe some older students could chime in.</p>

<p>Thanx a lot in advance guys, I feel like this is a huge decision so I want to get as much feed back as possible.</p>

2

<p>Hi There
I took 3 years before transferring, I think for me personally it was a good choice. Because after 2 years I still wasn’t sure about what I wanted my major to be. I think now I’m ready to transfer and I now know what my major is. But that’s just my experience. :slight_smile: good luck!</p>

3

<p>UC’s dont care how many years you spend at a CC, and you can have over 80 units and it wont matter. I say spend another year and go for something you like instead of rushing things, although you aren’t getting any younger. If education is what you’re pursuing, then go through with a major you want!</p>

4

<p>You should try to get it done as soon as possible if you can without doing poorly. I am transferring after 1 year with 90 units + 40 AP units.</p>

5

<p>I would say wait…it’s one year…and it’s worth it if your true passion is polisci. Or you could always major in History and minor in polisci. I was sort of in the same situation you are in, although age wasn’t quite a factor for me. But honestly, age is just a #…as long as you’re cool and down to earth I don’t care how old you are…you’re never too old for school and learning…there are plenty of students @ ucla in their late 20s and early 30s. I remember Everyone telling me that staying an extra year would hurt my chances…but I was able to raise my GPA, mature even more, and had time to think about my major and what I wanted to get out life as well as what I have to offer to benefit society. By the way, I spent 3 years and I got into all the UC’s I applied to LA,SD, and Irvine. Good luck…you know yourself better than anyone else.</p>

6

<p>Thanx for all the posts guys.</p>

<p>I am meeting with the Honors Counselor Tuesday and going to go over all of this with him, but I am pretty sure I am going to have to know whether I am going to do the 2 year plan or 3 year plan before I walk in the door so I don’t waste time.</p>

<p>I am leaning towards staying another year so I am more prepared, and have a more solid understanding of my major I end up choosing and can take advantage of a lot of the opportunities at my CCC.</p>

<p>Please, anyone else with experience or perspective please chime in!</p>

7

<p>bump for more perspectives.</p>

<p>Thanx!</p>

8

<p>The only real danger of a lot of credits is if you happen to have credits from institutions other than CCC. If you do, some campuses will consider you a senior level transfer rather than a junior level transfer: a much more difficult path to entry. If you’ve only got CCC credits, you’re fine.</p>