Hi there,
I’m currently going to University of Riverside but I’ve been wanting to transfer for while. I’ve spent 1 year so far at Riverside and have most of the credits needed to transfer. I was thinking to actually drop out of Riverside and go to my local CC (Ohlone or DeAnza) for my sophomore year. I really want to go to Berkeley or another top UC school. I was wondering if it would be worth it to drop and take 1 year of CC in order to accomplish this.
https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/infocenter/transfers-major
that will give you an idea of admit rate and GPA range for UCB for transfers by major.
While it is true the CC students are given preference, it is unlikely you will get into UCB even if you go that route. I’d stick at UCR, apply broadly to transfer next year and see what happens.
It depends how badly you want to go to a “top school”. If you have friends, connections, internships maybe consider staying at UCR. If you really really want to go to a school like Berkeley it is definitely possible by going to a community college for a year then transfer out.
Anecdote: My friend went to the University of Oregon his freshman year, and decided he didn’t like it. He spent the next year at our community college and he applied to UCLA, and UCB. He got into both.
So if you truly want to go to a top UC then my advice to you is going to community college for a year and then transfer. Double check with counselors as well, and weigh in all your options. Just know the school doesn’t define who you are. Good luck!