@VietLong11 : You’ve got many constructive posts up above for your reference. As suggested by many, you can consider going to your local community or city college for two years and make a transfer especially during this very period. Make sure the CC you go to offer courses which are accredited by your targeted UC schools.
Several of my friends did so back in the early 2000s (including one from Vietnam), and managed to graduate in 4 years.
BelovedMaze said it right in Post#32 - the essay is definitely an integral part of the application decision.
Good luck!