<p>I'm currently a freshman at Berkeley, and I'm pretty unhappy with things. This lifestyle is a huge change from my previous existence and I haven't been able to deal with it really well. I've been trying to get super involved in school and extracurriculars, but it hasn't worked so far. I'm on the fence, but have started filling out an application to UCSB and UCI. Born and raised in Santa Barbara, I built my life around the beach, ocean, and mountains. Let's just say that I'm not a city boy. The life up here is a lot different than I thought it would be, and I'm not enjoying it. I really really would love to transfer to UCSB next year, because I've heard that they don't do Spring stuff. My main concern is getting in. I've heard that transferring as a freshman is really arduous, but as of right now I'm pretty set on it. I've been figuring things out, and as of right now this isn't the place for me. I really don't want to waste my time staying here for the Spring semester, but I don't know what else to do. I could easily go back to Santa Barbara and attend CC for Spring, which would be my most favorable situation, but if I didn't get into SB for next year that would be a serious problem. I guess I just don't want to waste my time here any longer than possible, but don't want to get screwed out of a good education if I don't get in to UCSB in the end. I have a sports connection I can milk a bit at SB as far as my application goes, but I just don't think it looks good to see a freshman drop-out trying to transfer, but I'm really unhappy and I don't know what to do. Anyone have any ideas?!? Please help me!</p>
<p>SBCC is #3-4 CCC in California, highly ranked amongst CC’s throughout the US with one of the best locations. I’ve been to UCSB and SBCC and many locals thought the first two years at SBCC tended to be better than UCSB even. I’ve done all the other top 5 CCC’s besides OCC and really interested in attending SBCC for some classes not offered in Nor-Cal.
You wouldn’t really need to over explain your story and feelings nor would be looked down upon for attending SBCC which the main feeder school to UCSB. They won’t let you in as a sophomore and prolly not a freshman since have attended another UC. The best way to go about it would be to complete at least 12 units including English and Math with at least a 3.0, ideally a 3.5 by end of spring. If need be finish up the requirements during the summer needed to join SBCC’s Academy, pay them $25, attend the meetings, and you will qualify to take half your units at UCSB but pay SBCC unit fees. The only issue that arises is that UCSB is quarter and SBCC is semester. That means you would take at least 6 units at SBCC for spring semester and 3-4 UCSB units during winter then spring quarter. Sorry Berkeley didn’t work out for you. Ten years ago Berkeley had a lot more going for it than it does today so would choose to live in SB over Berkeley today. The only thing lacking in SB that Berkeley/Oakland has is a larger and much more diverse art and music scene.</p>
<p>Kmazza answered the **** outta that question</p>
<p>Wow, thanks for that long reply! That was really really helpful. I’m pretty familiar with CC after taking around 15-20 units there during high school, and I completely agree, it’s an AMAZING school. Gets a ton less credit than it should. I’d have no problem attending for a few semesters, but my main goal in this would still be UCSB. So you think I would ultimately have to wait until junior year to transfer as a full time student there?</p>
<p>I was in a similar situation many, many years ago. Went to a great university back East, but it just wasn’t the right fit academically, socially or geographically. I realized I wanted to go to college in California and left after the Fall. Took courses at a Cal State in the spring and then started college as a transfer sophomore. I did give myself a couple of options and got my apps out to two different schools. At the time, it seemed like maybe I was giving up too quickly, but it was a great decision for me. If you do decide to leave after the Fall, you should not think of yourself as a “dropout” but as someone who is looking to transfer. Another suggestion is to make sure that you really do not want to be at UCB. Check how you feel in late Oct/early Nov. before making any final decisions. </p>
<p>I’m just sharing my experience and what worked for me, but I do not think all students who have difficulty their freshmen year should transfer. Sometimes it just takes time to adjust.</p>
<p>From UC web site:
Intercampus Transfers
After you enroll at a UC campus, it may be possible for you to transfer to another UC campus. Applications for intercampus transfer are considered in light of your personal circumstances and the availability of space in your prospective major. </p>
<p>If you wish to transfer from one UC campus to another, you must submit an application for undergraduate admission during the appropriate filing period. </p>
<p>Talk to admissions officers at Cal and UCSB - you need more information and they are most qualified to provide it. Find out about the “appropriate filing periods” - maybe you won’t have to go to CC or wait until junior year. </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Thanks guys, this is all SO helpful to me and in helping me get my thoughts straight. I’m not one hundred percent positive that I want to transfer yet, but unless I start getting really good vibes soon, something’s gotta change. It does seem like a bit of a downer leaving such a great school, (if it happens), but I see it as more of a time of personal growth. It’s taking a lot of strength for me to even bring up the idea of leaving this place to my parents/friends. I will definitely wait a little bit longer before I make up my mind, and all this is much more helpful than I thought it would be. Thanks again.</p>