<p>I am going for my first year of college at least (already paid for housing) to the SDSU honors programs to major in computer science and get a minor in psychology. When I initially did the college applications, I was aiming toward the higher/mid tier UC's but was rejected by both UCB and UCSD, and wait listed by both UCI and UCD. I did not apply to UCSC initial due a misconception that it is a bad school and I was already using SDSU as my safety school. The prime reason I am now looking to transfer to UCSC is due to its proximity to Silicon Valley (for internships and connections) and its higher rank in computer science(according to USNEWS). Should I attempt to transfer to a UC school Sophomore or Junior year, or is it better to stay in SDSU all four years? Also on a side note tuition is not a factor for me as I get free tuition at any California public school.</p>
<p>You can transfer if you want but there isn’t much difference between Santa Cruz and San Diego State. Both will land you a great job if you can keep your GPA above 3.5.</p>
<p>Give SDSU a try. If you hate it, transfer. If you love it, stay there.</p>
<p>UCSC’s proximity to Silicon Valley is an advantage for recruiting and interviewing there.</p>
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UC schools only accept junior level transfers. Also you should know UCs give 1st priority to CC xfers, so its possible to be denied with a GPA that would have gotten you in from a CC.</p>
<p>“Better” is a choice you’ll need to make. Each path has pluses and minuses. I think it is a mistake to enroll and already plan to xfer since you won’t spend the effort to really settle in. College is about more than just the classes, it’s a transforming point from childhood to adulthood for many people, a place to meet new people, be exposed to different points of view, learn to live independently. </p>
<p>As for xfer in general, leaving a college where you’ve got to know some profs, the system, build some friends, etc. for a new place is a minus. But that can be outweighed by the new opportunities you will get. There is no universal right answer.</p>
<p>I’d add that your future success is going to depend more on what you do than whether your diploma says SDSU or UCSC. If you work hard to do well in class, get involved in CS-related activities, and use that experience to help get summer internships, then you will do well from either school. Students that merely take the required classes but have no outside activities are less attractive to future employers.</p>