<p>Would this be a good idea? </p>
<hr>
<p>I'm an applicant for transfer admission to Cal-Berkeley for the Fall 2010 semester. I'm a 19 year old hispanic american from New Jersey who comes from a low income household. My parents have been divorced for 11 years and I've been at odds with my father since I was 13 and do not communicate with him (bc to put it shortly and nicely, he's a total jerk).</p>
<p>Anyway I'm aware that as an OOS applicant, the UCs don't give good financial aid packages to OOS students. If I even get admitted, the only way I can possibly afford to attend the school is to join an ROTC program, however I really don't want to do that because I'm a social liberal who believes in freedom of expression and also because my father served in the military and I don't want my life to parallel his life in any way.</p>
<p>So what I was thinking was that if I get in for next year, would it be a good idea to defer enrollment, move to California, seek full time employment and use the money I have from my current job (in NJ) to get a cheap apartment and then apply again for Fall 2011 as a California resident? </p>
<p>I know this sounds outrageous for a 19 year old kid to do this, but I figure that one year out of my life will beat the 3 years of miserable active duty in the military (ROTC commitment). And maybe it would make for an interesting read on my application when I have to explain why I wasn't enrolled in school for the Fall 2010 and Spring 2011 semesters right?</p>
<p>What do you think of this idea?</p>
<p>Apply for scholarships…it’s a tricky situation. You didn’t mention your GPA/Major.</p>
<p>Why do you want to go to Cal? their are many good/great schools on the East coast, it seems like such a commitment and risky move to put all your eggs into the one basket of Berkeley</p>
<p>My major is English and my GPA is a 3.6 atm. I did apply for scholarships but I don’t think I can amass enough in scholarships to cover all the costs of attending Cal as an out of state student. </p>
<p>I’ve just fallen in love with Cal, I think that given my academic interests (English, History, Anthropology) it’d be the best school for me. And I just want to travel, I dont want to stay on the East Coast my whole life, I want to see what’s out there and my opinion of Berkeley is that its the best public school for undergrads. So if I got in, I’d be ecstatic. Also applied to UCLA too and UC Davis.</p>
<p>There are a lot of scholarships, it’s just a pain to pay for school $500 at a time (when compared to large scholarships). </p>
<p>Have you considered going to a CC for a year or two to save money?</p>
<p>Don’t go ROTC unless you want to. To join for money and hate the job would be a disservice to those under your command.</p>
<p>Hey Dreamingbig, I was thinking about doing ROTC too, and like you, I’m as liberal and free thinking as they come, but give it a chance man! Do some research and talk to the folks at Cal’s ROTC detachment, the guy in charge is really really nice and understanding! I never got a “recruiter” vibe at all. And just a word to the wise, joining the ROTC doesnt mean you have to sell your soul. My aunt and uncle are in the Air Force and its just like any other job. You have your ********, but then you have your amazing experiences. Just do a little research is what I would recommend! But best of luck to you man, hopefully I see you at Cal in the next few years… </p>
<p>P.S. I hear you on the father thing… me and my dad dont get along too well either…</p>