I’ve done pretty well in community college, 4.0 GPA here with a STEM major. I’ll give you some advice:
- Be motivated, and be interested in what you're learning. If you're not motivated to study, you'll half-ass it and end up doing worse than you should.
- Try not to work too much. It's a tough one, but working really only serves as a distraction from school. It clouds your mind and adds another stressor to your life. Money seems nice, but think about the bigger picture, the better you do in school now, the better your financial prospects for the future.
- Balance yourself, studying is great. But, be sure to have fun and do things you want to do. Party, travel, relax. Find the perfect balance between everything.
- I wasn't able to do many ECs because of family obligations, but I would say pick up an intermural and join a STEM club. Maybe do volunteer work outside your EC. I'm not sure how Berkley works, but many schools don't really emphasize transfer students ECs as much as they do grades.
- Don't be afraid to talk to your professors! They often have great insight and amazing advice.
You seem to have the drive to succeed, so I like your chances of doing well. Good luck! Keep that drive.