<p>I put this thread on another forum, but i'm wondering what kind of response I could get here: Here's the deal: would you pick a reputable University with a full ride scholarship (we're talking $30,000 dollars) or a community college? This is my dilemma! Seems pretty easy decision but consider this: the University doesn't really have the major that I want, and instead offers something like a general biology degree. Now, I understand that this is only my bachelor's degree, so the major should be broad anyway,....but, my heart is set on in UCLA since I was little, where they do have my more specific majors I am interested in, like microbiology and molecular genetics. Now I understand that I can transfer to UCLA from a community college, but I have no chances of transferring from the University. So the hard part is deciding which should I value more: the money issue (b/c throwing away $30, 000 is tough) or accomplshing what I always wanted by graduating with the specific major I want! I need your help, or any opinion you can offer me. Thank you so much!</p>
<p>wow, thats a hard decision to make. Now you may hate this answer or you may love it. I am a Christian and I personally would take it to prayer. I mean money is important but its not the end all. If you go to the shool with a full ride but never get to do what you truely have your heart set on was it worth it. Twenty years from now wouyld you look back and ask why you ahdnt done what your heart was set on. All in all I say follow your heart because no amount of money could compare with living with regrets.</p>
<p>Why is it impossible for you to transfer to UCLA from the "University"?</p>
<p>what college are you accepted to?</p>
<p>Why is it impossible for you to transfer to UCLA from the "University"?</p>
<p>It's not impossible, but it would be really really difficult. For transfers, UCs give priority to CA community colleges.</p>
<p>You gotta tell us what the full-ride university is. If it's UCSD, then go there. If it's a less prestigious public uni, it is up for debate.</p>
<p>MOST KIDS CHANGE MAJORS -- even kids who wanted to "be" something for years and years and years and years. Go to a school where you will be happy socially and academically challenged. If they don't have your exact major, don't worry. You can help a prof do research in a related field, apply for summer internships, go to grad school in the field. You would be foolish to turn down a residential college system for a commuter community college experience. College is so much more than just the classes!!!!!!</p>
<p>happy:</p>
<p>reading your other threads, you've been accepted at SDSU & U-Redlands and WL at Reed. You posted an interest in medicine....med schools prefer a Univ of degree over a Cal State degree, other things being equal....</p>
<p>The UCR-Geffen med program is extremely competitive, and almost requires a hook. (I know of kids turning down UCLA honors to attend UCR with the plan of taking one of those med school transfer slots so just know that those kids are extremely well prepared at the HS level -- all honors/APs.)</p>
<p>The community college system is an excellent route to UCLA. Most cc honors programs have a high transfer rate. For example, the program at OCC claims that 85% of their honor students transfer to Westwood. Call the schools in your 'hood, ask for the honors program, and inquire what they have to offer you in the way of transfer assistance, and, of course, ask their stats. Good luck.</p>
<p>btw: Reed is extremely demanding, and not known for grade inflation, which hinders med school apps.</p>
<p>Most</p>
<p>No, i wouldn't</p>
<p>the question is what guarantees oyu that ucla will take you in as a community college for that very specific biology major you want if you plan to apply as a transfer.</p>
<p>what also guarantees you that you'll do well at a community college.</p>
<p>it's harder to transfer from another university to the uc's because they give priority to california community colleges.</p>
<p>You're not giving up $30,000. You're giving up a scholarship. Pick the place you will be happier at.</p>
<p>what's the school? if it's usc, go with usc. screw ucla, they won't be able to give you as much connections or attention as an undergrad as would usc.</p>
<p>Do this:</p>
<p>Pick up the phone talk to someone from the UC school system about your situation. People are VERY impressed when students think AHEAD and try to get things situated becuase it shows commitment.</p>
<p>Theyll work with you and can really give you the best advice.</p>
<p>As for the $30,000. If its not something that youll be happy doing/at dont do it.</p>
<p>I would never pick the CC. never.</p>
<p>Thanks for asking! I guess I shouldve posted this earlier..its University of Redlands, and when I say that there are no chances of me transfering from here to UCLA, I mean it's practically 0. 91% of the transfers are from CC's alone, and then UC transfers are looked at, and then the remainder spots, if there is any left, are from other universities in California.The community college I am considering is Chaffey (please don't try to convince me to go mt. SAC lol) . For right now, i don't really mind going to Chaffey. Quite honestly, I only see it as a different route for me to get to UCLA, and nothing less. I don't think I would mind it as much, but I know that if I choose to go to Chaffey, I know I'm going to wonder there "what if?", you know? Then agian, I would ask that same question if I were to choose the other option too.....Ugh! This is tough! And as for liek0806, I have already talked to the counselors there and I've been told that I can enroll in the honors program there and everything, and a plan has already been made up for me to go there. (keep in mind I'm a straight A student...I know I'll be successful anywhere. ) All your replies are going to help me though, so please, let me hear your thoughts! Thank you so much!</p>
<p>happy:</p>
<p>my S had similar reasoning that you do, at least with regards to the UCs. He decided he'd rather attend a cc and transfer to Cal or LA, then go to Davis or SB, etc. Moreover, you can always apply to Redlands as transfer in two years, as well as some other schools.</p>
<p>I would also not pick the CC.</p>
<p>I am in the exact same dilemma
UCSD and UCI have weak classics programs, and I have always had my heart set on UCLA, so I am going to SMC</p>
<p>And a lot of my favorite teachers went to cc's, so I don't have a problem</p>
<p>it's just you don't get the traditional college experience with a cc, and that's like a right of passage</p>
<p>Would I? Never in a million years.</p>