<p>I went to UCR my first two years and transferred out to UCSB. I can tell you right now, don’t be scared to speak to anyone about what you want to do. Yeah, speaking to your counselor about wanting to transfer will probably suck a bit since he or she most likely won’t seem pleased to hear of your plans, but 1) you have to speak to them anyways because part of the transfer process requires that you stay on track and complete all your GE’s (90 units) before you transfer out, and 2) it’s your future and your education, so don’t be afraid to speak up. I didn’t go to the Transfer Resource Center at all during my time at Riverside, but it doesn’t hurt to go in to see what it’s about.</p>
<p>And what classes you start taking don’t really matter - the overall requirement of intercampus UC transfer is that you finish all your GE’s before transferring (so for most people, this would be finishing 90 units by the end of sophomore year, which is when most people transfer out). HOWEVER, certain majors (and certain UC’s that you are aiming to apply for) may have their own specific requirements, so be on top of that.</p>
<p>As for applying, pretty much - just apply for UC’s again at the same time as all students do, but obviously, apply as a transfer student instead of as an undergraduate student. And it’s the same drill from there - same app, same essays (one of the prompts will be specifically for transfers, though), same deadline.</p>
<p>Personally, I can tell you right now that unless your GPA and extracurricular are EXTRAORDINARY, you more likely than not will not make it your goal UC (I’m assuming the likes of UCLA or UCSD). Every year, there’s always one campus that’s taking in a ton of transfers, and it seems that UCSB has been that one campus for the past few years or so (this is probably in an attempt to diversify the campus more, since the student demographic is mainly Caucasian). I know 4 UCR people who transferred the year I did and they all ended up only being accepted by UCSB, just like me. The next year, I know 2 other UCR students who also ended up at UCSB. Furthermore, just as an FYI, intercampus transfers are the last to be considered for acceptance in the UC acceptance process - you’re looked at after all the CC students (who may I remind you, are guaranteed transfer admission) are looked at, so just keep that in mind.</p>
<p>One more piece of advice I’d give is that - yeah, UCR does suck in many aspects (I was a student there before, so I know), but just know you have other options. I know people who decided to study abroad, and pretty much spent the majority of their 4 years not even at UCR. I also know people who got really involved at school in student organizations and clubs - you can really turn the experience around 180 degrees. It’s up to you what you want though. Good luck nonetheless, though!</p>