Ravenasque

Hi, I need some advice toward transferring back to California. I originally posted this in the "Transfer Students" thread, but was advised to repost here. So lets see how it goes...

A little background info:
I grew up in California, and due to a series of unfortunate events (my father died when I was 15, mother was unable to afford our house in CA) I had to move out-of-state (the deep south, I won't indicate where unless its necessary). Needless to say, I am tired of living here (I am now 19) and I want to transfer back to CA.

I have been taking classes at a local community college and have my AA nearly complete (core classes are done, just electives now). I was thinking I should transfer to a 'feeder' college in CA in the interest of:

[1] Obtaining residency at a cheaper college than trying for a university and paying a big non-residency fee

[2] So my transcript will be more appealing to a CA university since I would be coming from a California community college rather than an out-of-state one

**Additionally, my mother WILL be moving back to CA approximately around the time I will. So my dependent residency status should depend on when she obtains residency, right?

I have already consulted one community college (Santa Barbara City College) and they said my classes would transfer. I am not sure what CA campus I want to go to, but I do not want to go to any other university than in California (California is where my heart and home will always be). I think I would prefer the SoCal area, since that is the area I am most familiar with. I was thinking UCSB, but I don't know if I can afford the rent. I would love to go to a private university, but I don't think I could ever afford the tuition or the rent. Also, I was looking into Cal. Poly Pomona. I have a girlfriend who will be attending classes with me so we can split costs. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Additionally, here's my info:

Major: Biological Sciences/Pre-Medical
GPA: 3.72
I think I have a little over 33 credit hours at the moment.
I don't recall my test scores at this moment...

Thanks!
-Ravenasque

p.s. I have no idea if this means anything, but I am also the Science senator for the SGA and a member of Phi Theta Kappa. I can't seem to find much Phi Theta Kappa stuff in CA, so I think it's probably worthless.

mobilemayhem

Are you financially independent? I am not sure of the residency requirements among the universities in CA. UC residency policy are complete crap. If I were you, I'd talk to a counselor about the residency issue just so you know what to expect when you transfer to a 4yr school.

begum088

phi theta kappa is DEFINITELY NOT worthless in California...I'm a PTK charter president and I was told it can make the difference in an application. PTK sets you apart from all other applicants because of the GPA requirement involved. PTK is probably the best ec you could have on an app trust me.

Ravenasque

That's great to know about PTK...

mobilemayhem: I am not financially independent, but my mom will be moving approximately the same time as I will to CA, so when she obtains residency, it should be about the same time as myself.

Residency reqs. ARE a pain... there's all kinds of exclusions, but they're tailored towards police & military families.

mr18359

if you dont get immediate resident status, the UCs grant it to you in either 1 or two years. I don't remember which.

OceanPoet87

Isn't it 1 year, like everyone else and that they also have certain dates to establish residency for each term.