Hey guys, I’ll keep the story short.
I started at a CC at Illinois where I earned 19 credit hours and a 3.0 GPA (Not very good, I know.)
but since, I’ve transferred to SMC where I got a 3.78 GPA.
The classes I’ve taken in the IL CC are: Chem 1 (B), First Aid(B), Pre Calc ©, ENG COMP1 (A) CS1Java(B)
The classes I’ve taken at Santa Monica College are: ENG COMP2 (B), Music 1 (A), and Psychology 1(A)
I’ve had a change of heart recently. I don’t feel like I can survive in LA because of the cost of living. My parents support me, but I don’t think they can keep up. I originally came from IL, so my tuition is a lot cheaper here as opposed to being in SMC along with rent, food, etc.
I’m considering coming back to IL to finish my BA in CEE at UIUC because of the high rank (even more so than UCLA and UCSD.) and high acceptance rate. I’ll also be getting in state tuition which will be cheaper until I get CA residency.
SMC Pros:
The Weather
I’m living in California
I’ll be where I intend to be eventually
The Cons:
High cost of living
I’m at a community college
I’m out of state
UCLA (my first choice) is very competitive in CSEE and I feel as though my chances to get into UCLA are slim
UIUC Pros:
Higher Ranked in CS and EE.
Many have said the CS and EE programs at UIUC are on pare, if not better, than UCLA.
I won’t have to pay for rent, food, etc. (feed off my parents lol)
Higher acceptance rate.
In state tuition.
The Cons:
I’ll be living in IL
UIUC is rural at best
I’ll still be at a CC in IL until I can transfer
Inevitably, I will end up in the LA area though.
What would you guys do? (if you read this whole thing, thank you!)