<p>I got into Berkeley as 1-year undergrad, but it’s way too expensive for out-of-state, at least for the full 4 years. I just found out though that, at my state school, I’ll be entering with 30 credits (maxing out) and thus be a sophomore. Berkeley, however, is my dream school, and everyone says it’s perfect for me. You have to have 60 credits though to be eligible to transfer, right? So would I meet this requirement after a year at my SUNY? I wouldn’t mind paying 2 years of Berkeley tuition…just not 4.</p>
<p>You may be better off moving to California and attending a community college for a year before transferring. This may allow you to gain California residency as well (if you work and pay California taxes, and stop getting claimed as a dependent by your parents in NY).</p>