<p>I don’t think you are stupid but don’t make the same mistake second time around. Research several schools you think would suit your needs, not just UCLA but the basic: reach, safety and match and apply to several. Investigate their curriculums so you know what you would need to take at a cc. </p>
<p>I don’t know how CA does it now but here on the east coast there are some more direct entry programs so the idea is you go from a cc to a 4 yr schools in some sort of engineering track.</p>
<p>It doesn’t sound like you would fit at UCSC and Santa Cruz is isolated. Its a trek to get to S.J. or S.F.</p>