<p>I'm a junior from Hawaii and my choice schools are UCSD and UCI, I estimate I'll have around a 3.8 weighted GPA and maybe 2000-2100 SAT scores, with 3-4 focused ECs revolving around robotics, engineering, and computer science. I also have low income, 2-3 awards, and 0 hours of community service.</p>
<p>As an out of stater, I think my chances of UCSD and UCI are relatively low, so I'm seeking advice on some possible backup schools.</p>
<p>I want to major in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, but the quality of a school's program isn't that big of a deal to me, as long as it's okay.</p>
<p>I want some place where I can enjoy living for 4 years, preferably in California or other West Coast states. (I've already considered all the UCs so don't list them please)</p>
<p>Some physical factors
- Near the Pacific Ocean or some other coastline
- Sunny weather
- Mostly Asians
- Modern architecture (Don't ask me why, but gothic or whatever its called makes me gloomy)</p>
<p>Social scene doesn't matter to me. I'm kind of reserved so I'd actually prefer a more quieter campus to study.</p>
<p>University of Washington (not in California, but good school and not too selective)
University of California in Davis
University of California in San Diego
University of San Francisco</p>
<p>I'm not sure about "mostly asians," but Cal Poly SLO sounds like what you might like. It's <em>usually</em> sunny in SLO and with great [nontraditional, awesome, surf-friendly] beaches. The architecture is very unobtrusive and the surrounding area is pretty chill in that Central Coast way. Students of more the laid-back type. Also plenty of places besides the dorms to crash in the surrounding area.</p>
<p>Also one more thing, my freshmen grades are absolutely horrid, Ds and Fs second semester. However I have a very excellent upward grade trend, I know the UCs dont count freshmen year grades but I'm not sure about any other potential match schools.</p>
<p>First, ur stats are definitely a bit shy of UCSD.
But i do think UCI and UCD should be no problem (u know that the two are almost identical in admissions difficulty, right?)</p>
<p>Try maybe like SDSU as a safety. U should get in at Cal Poly too if you apply.</p>
<p>
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You'd have a hard time transferring from a CSU to a UC. CSU students are at the very bottom list of priority for admission to UCs as transfers.
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<p>Oh, it's been done...I know, cause I did it.</p>
<p>^ Yes. If you don't get into a UC as a freshman, and have your heart set on a UC, I'd recommend going to a CC - and save some money in the process.</p>
<p>Cal Poly San Luis Obispo has one of the most outstanding archetecture departments in the country--it is supposed to be pretty hard to get into however. I think that their engineering programs are supposed to be very good also.</p>
<p>My only issue with the CC option is the inevitable year or two of having to explain yourself and the occasional snob who looks down on you for it.</p>
<p>The latter are annoying. Really really annoying.</p>
<p>^ Yes, it does require sucking up your pride. </p>
<p>IMO though, if a student isn't sure what major they want to pursue out of high school, CC is a great option. Also, I believe transfer students are more mature and have more character...</p>
<p>I've had two cousins that went to a UC straight out of high school and failed out...mostly because i think they didn't know how to handle the freedom from their overbearing mother.</p>
<p>Sorry to get off topic and hijack this thread.</p>