<p>Okay, first I am a senior in high school. My grades have been pretty good, however, I got one poor grade in a math class (I want to be a communications major, I am horrible at math) and it was not offered in my high school to make up in summer, and my family could not afford to put me into a private class to make up the grade ($300+). My GPA is 3.75 unweighted and of course I took many APs and have several dedicated ECs. USC is my absolute dream school, I want to go there eventually. While I am applying for undergrad 2015, I am almost positive I will get rejected because of the bad grade I received, and will not be heartbroken because I am expecting it. My question is: would it be better to start off at a city college for a year or go to a university for a year and transfer? What would look better, not save me money. I have my heart set on working hard so that I can make it to USC. Also, any tips I need to know to make my first year of college look good when I apply to USC as a sophomore transfer.</p>