<p>Hey everyone. I’m a senior in high school applying to some of the UC’s. I’m applying to UCLA, UCB, UCSD, UCSB, and UCD. I’m planning to get accepted to UCSD, UCSB, and UCD and rejected from UCLA and UCB (SAT’s aren’t high enough…everything else looks good!). I know I’d love it at UCLA or UCB! What’s your opinion: Is it worth the wait to go to a CCC 2 years then transfer to UCLA/UCB, or should I just go straight to somewhere like UCSB as a freshman? Thanks for your advice!</p>
<p>P.S. If you attend one of the UC’s I think I’ll get into, can you tell me why/why not I should/shouldn’t attend? Thanks.</p>
<p>"If you don't plan to get accepted, why apply?"</p>
<p>Because I'm being realistic. I'm usually an optimistic person, but when you look at the whole slight reach/match/etc. thing, you get an idea where you will and won't be accepted. I applied to UCLA/UCB because I can get in. I have a decent shot, but I don't like my chances as much as at UCD, etc.</p>
<p>I don't think it's worth waiting at a CCC for two years to transfer to berk/la cause you'll miss out on two years of college life and you'll probably be happy wherever you go anyway. But that's just my opinion.</p>
<p>Wow, I'm facing the same situation ... For me, my heart is set on UCLA and if I don't get in, I'll probably just suck it up and hope that I get into my second choice school. There's nothing wrong with going to a CC and then transferring, but there's no guarantee that you'll get in two years from now... and like la_demolition said, you might have a change of mind later. </p>
<p>Consider your major. If you're planning to major in science or engineering, then UCSD/UCSB/UCD are great schools (some programs at these schools are probably just as good as those in UCLA/UCB). Location is also important. LA is fun and exciting (though it's so polluted and congested), and SD and SB are beautiful and clean (well not sure about SB). </p>
<p>So yeah, I would rater attend UCSD/etc as a freshman. If you don't get into UCLA/UCB/etc, visit all of the other schools... you might just find that you love the location/people/etc. If that turns out to be the case, then you could always shoot for UCLA/UCB/etc as a grad school. </p>
<p>Good luck, I hope you make it to UCLA/UCB so you won't even have to decide between choices A) or B) :)</p>
<p>I'd choose (A). Going to a CC means you'll probably spend the first two years of college living at home, and I would rather enjoy the life of a college campus. You can get a perfectly good education at UCD, UCSB, or UCSD, so it basically comes down to how much you want the "name-brand" of UCLA or Cal. I don't personally think what you'd being giving up is worth it, but its a personal decision you have to make for yourself.</p>
<p>^^word. But just wait and see..you many even feel differently about things when you get your acceptance letters back in a few months. I decided to go to Irvine over Berkeley (for a few reasons), but if you had asked me if I would have done that during application time I would have said no. So wait it out and see how everything works out. BTW I am very happy with my decision and would do it again :)</p>
<p>Thanks for the time everyone. I liked ahvigjr's reference to UCLA/UCB as "name-brand" schools. Here's the thing: I'd like it at UCD, UCSB, or UCSD now, and I'd like it at UCB or UCLA in 2 years. I'm going to major in English and I'm seriously considering a career as a professor at the UC level. How important is that "name-brand?" All the UC's are awesome schools, but how much of an advantage (if any) would a UCB grad have over a UCSD grad? Let's say I wanted to try to work at UCD. Would my chances be higher if I attended UCD or UCLA? </p>
<p>I haven't made a UC vs. CCC decision because it's December and I don't need to...yet. Hypothetically, let's say I decide to go straight to a UC. UCD vs. UCSB vs. UCSD. Where should I go? Any notes on campus atmosphere, student body, social life, etc. would be greatly appreciated! Once again, thank you so much for your time!</p>
<p>If you really want to be a UC status professor (which it is way hard to get there)...you need to worry about grad school not UG. Where you get your PhD and the research you do will be the deciding factors..not your UG institution.</p>