Which is better?

State Forums
1

So I have been considering community college as a path to go to a UC school, specifically USC. I plan to get 30 credits my first year and transfer out my sophomore year. Currently, I am a senior in high school.

I told my dad about this recently, and, while he said it is a possibility, he suggests for me to go to a 4 year university instead (FSU, UCF, UM) and THEN transfer if I still wanted to. To him, community college would be the last line, or last resort, which I understand why. Don’t get me wrong, I am capable of going into FSU, UCF, etc but so far I’ve only seen videos about people transferring into USC from a community college rather than from a university, so I’m not quite sure which is an “easier” path?

So I was wondering which is exactly easier in terms of transferring and getting into a UC school: transferring from a 4 year university to another 4 year university, or from community college to university.? What’s the difference? Is the transfer process easier than the other? Are there any specific requirements that need to done In university and not in cc? Thanks

2

USC is not a UC school. It is private while the UC’s are public.

UC’s require a minimum 60 semester units to transfer and give priority to in-state California community college transfers. They also offer little to no financial aid to out of state transfers so expect to pay full fees at $65K/year.

USC does have articulation agreements with CA community colleges and CA 4 year universities but they accept transfers from all over the country. USC is also very expensive but can be more generous with financial aid.

If you have specific questions on USC only, then I suggest you post your questions on this forum: http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/university-southern-california/

3

Without you stats, it is tough to give you much advice. Generally, if you don’t qualify for a UC as a freshman, the easiest path is definitely from a CA CC. Most people find that to be cost prohibitive.

4

For UC’s there is also a transfer thread to ask questions:

http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/uc-transfers/

In general, if you want to transfer from a CA cc to a top UC (UCLA or UC Berkeley), you must have 60 semester units (2 years completed) and a 3.7+ GPA which would increase your chances. For USC, you can transfer in 1 year (30 semester units) and a 3.7+ GPA would help your chances. For UC’s, it is more difficult for out of state transfers from a 4 year college or CC. USC accepts out of state transfers from 4 years colleges or CC’s if there is an articulation history. Go to their respective threads for questions.