I dont have much experience in coding or circuits. I have the option of transferring from my local cc to Illinois state and finish and engineering physics 3 year program which would allow me to transfer to uiuc if i make cut. Some posts online suggest it would be better for a beginner to go to an easier school so that i can thrive/ get the ropes of engineering. My other options are Iowa state and UIC.
It’s not rigor you should worry about. It’s the idea of the 3+2 program. That’s gambling 3 years on a degree that isn’t what you want and doesn’t guarantee you will ever complete the engineering degree. I’m a fan of UIUC but I’m not aure it’s worth that risk. There’s no way you could just go straight into UIUC if that’s what you really want?
Yes, see if you can directly enroll in Illinois-UC. If not, Iowa State is a very good alternative; or UI-Chicago.