I was recently accepted to UC Davis, but am considering attending a CC first and then transferring.The reason why I’m considering the latter is because of money and possible lack of preparedness. The classes at my high school are super easy, and unlike most admitted to Davis, I’ve only taken one AP course due to lack of opportunity @ my school. I can’t even describe how low the bar is at my school, you can retake some tests twice to get a better grade. My SAT scores were also not the best, so I’m guessing I got in because of my straight As and community service.
I’m worried that I’m not truly ready for the rigorous academics at Davis, and that I’ll fail tremendously if I go there straight out of high school. Also, I’m worried about burning out. The last four years of my life have been dedicated to school and maintaining my GPA (a 4.2) , I’ve probably hung out with friends outside of school a max of ten times and only went to one party.
Also, money is an issue. I know that as an older Gen Z-er I’m going to have college debt, but I really want to keep it at a minimum. Attending a CC first would allow me to live with family (rent free minus cost of utilities/ food), work a couple hours at a part time job, and volunteer. I can still work a part time job & volunteer at Davis, but not without increased stress. My main concern with attending a CC first is reapplying to Davis as a junior transfer and being … rejected.
Has anyone on this site transferred to Davis from a CC? If so, what was the process like? How likely is it that I will be able to transfer from a CC as an Anthropology (focusing on cultural) major to Davis after 2 years? Is the college experience (living in dorms your freshman year) really worth all the debt?
Thank you,
A concerned senior
-
UCD would have not accepted you if they did not think you could handle the work, however you are justified in that you will be competing very academically qualified students. This was a big shock for my son whom was a Big Fish at his HS and then became a small Fish in the big pond of UCD but hung in there. Unfortunately for his roommate whom was from a low performing school it was a difficult transition and he dropped out 2nd quarter.
-
If finances are an issue, then going to a CC for 2 years is a smart plan. If you have to take on a lot of debt for the Freshman experience, it could be better to save the $15K/year for a nice apartment when you transfer as a Junior.
-
UCD offers TAG (Transfer Guarantee admission) in that you take the required courses and meet the minimum GPA and will be guaranteed a spot as a Junior level transfer.
https://www.ucdavis.edu/sites/default/files/upload/files/18tag_criteria.pdf
Best of luck with your decison.
Davis transfer here. Congrats on making it in! Like @Gumbymom said, the school wouldn’t have accepted you if they felt you weren’t ready for the rigorous academic they have. That being said, if you do choose the CC route, so long as you meet the requirements for the school, you can TAG to UCD and as a result, be guaranteed in. Keep in mind that even as a transfer, it will be a little hard to adjust once you do transfer. This is just from my experience so it will be different for you. However, I came from a CC which was also on the quarter system (so I had the mentality of “hey this can’t be bad cuz I’m used to the quarter system”). Unfortunately though, after transferring, I kind of realized how different CC was from a 4yr university. I struggled a bit my first quarter as 1) it was lonely up there as I didn’t have friends when transferring & even making friends was hard since everyone seemed to have their own group of people they hung out with 2) upper division was a little more rigorous in my opinion. I felt like CC held your hand a lot while at a 4yr, you’re kind of let go and on your own- trying to figure things out for yourself kind of deal. I also came to Davis with pretty bad study skills. I felt like CC was a breeze. I pretty much never touched my textbook at CC and breezed through my classes with As and Bs. Being me, I did that my first quarter at Davis and let’s just say I didn’t do well and failed a class. I’m pretty sure you’re better than me. LOL. I definitely learned my first quarter and did SO MUCH BETTER MY WINTER. Got out of academic probation and got Bs my Winter Quarter. You will have a somewhat difficult time transitioning because I’m assuming your CC in on the semester system (no CC is on the quarter unless you attend DeAnza, Foothill, or Reno???). Something like that. Fall with be a little difficult but I’m sure you’ll get used to it halfway through or even a quarter later. Don’t freak out if you do decide to go CC route and transfer. In terms of transferring in two years, it’s definitely doable. I could’ve transferred in two years had I not eff around my first year at CC. I’m a Poli Sci major so the requirements weren’t too bad. It was definitely doable. I think if you get it together and know what you want, you’ll have no trouble transferring in two years especially since you’re not doing STEM. Don’t be hesitant to stay a third though if you’d like a higher GPA. I don’t regret my third year at CC at all. Feel free to message me if you have any questions transferring and best of luck to you 
Thank you!! This eased my mind a lot. I’m probably going to West Valley, but would consider De Anza/Foothills now knowing they use a quarter system.