Your parents are very young. It is entirely possible that they aren’t aware of the true costs of college now. I suggest before proceeding with any kind of list, show them some NPC’s for various colleges you are interested in. Get your info ready first. Ask them if you can all sit down together, so that you can be smart about your college list. Ask them to figure out how much they can actually afford to spend on your education. Go from there.
I am aware of Naviance and it is a great tool to help in deciding which schools to apply however, the data does not include admission specifics for different majors. Competitive majors will require higher than average academic stats. Since you do state GPA nor test scores, again it is difficult to determine the accuracy of your current college list. You are a very knowledgeable poster but intended major can make a difference on your chances and if the schools are indeed Safety, Match or Reach. Below is how the each UC campus admits Freshman based on Intended major:
UCD:
Admission decisions are made based upon the qualifications of the applicant pool and the number of available spaces within each academic area:
• College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences admits by college
• College of Biological Sciences admits by college
• College of Letters and Science admits by division within the college
• (Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies; Mathematics and Physical Sciences; Social Sciences)
• College of Engineering admits by academic department
Students applying as “undeclared” or “undeclared/exploratory” are considered within the college/division to which they applied.
Applicants are encouraged to list an alternate major, but not in the
same area as the primary major (e.g., Computer Science Engineering with alternate Computer Science in the College of L&S). Occasionally, we admit to the alternate major.
UCI:
- Freshman Selection:
UCI admits into the University first and then into the major. In the case that UCI is unable to accommodate all qualified applicants in their first-choice major, those students who indicate a valid alternate major may be offered admission in that major or Undeclared.
UCSD:
The campus does not admit students on the basis of academic major or choice of UC San Diego undergraduate college. Alternate majors are considered and capped majors are highly competitive. Also note: Capped majors require additional pre-req courses and specific GPA to be able to qualify if changing majors. Also if applying to a capped major, select an non-capped major as an alternate.
UCSB:
College of Letters and Sciences: Choice of major is not considered in selection to the College of Letters and Science. The exceptions to this rule are dance and music performance majors. Both majors require applicants to complete an audition in late January or early February.
College of Engineering: Students are selected by major for all engineering and computer science majors. Only applicants with a solid background in advanced high school mathematics will be considered for admission to engineering. This includes high grades in all math courses through grade 11 and enrollment in pre-calculus or higher in grade 12. A student not selected for their first choice major will be reviewed for admission to an alternate major outside of the College of Engineering if one was selected.
College of Creative Studies:
Applicants to the College of Creative Studies submit a supplementary application in addition to the general UC Application, which is reviewed by Creative Studies faculty. Students are selected within Creative Studies majors only. Applicants not selected for Creative Studies will automatically be considered for admission to the College of Letters and Science.
UCSC:
Important Note for Prospective Engineering Students: Choice of major does not influence the selection of first-year students, except for those applicants interested in a major offered by the Jack Baskin School of Engineering (BSOE). Freshmen who are interested in a BSOE program should be sure to indicate a BSOE proposed major. Students who do not indicate a BSOE program or who apply as undeclared might not be able to pursue a BSOE program.
UCR:
Admission by major but alternate/2nd choice major will be considered if applicant does not need their first choice admission standards.
For Business: Freshmen students must apply to Pre-Business under the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS). The College breadth requirements and the prerequisites for a Business major are completed during the freshman and sophomore years. An application is submitted at the end of the sophomore year. Upon acceptance, students become Business majors and are then advised in the Business Department. Students from any academic major may also complete a Business minor.
All Cal states admit by major and you are ranked within that major.
“Match - UC Davis Reach UC Santa Cruz”
As gumbymom mentioned as well, typically UCSC is easier to get in to than UC Davis, you probably want to swap their categories. Also if you’re flexible on major, go with advertising, the others like cs, business are the most competitive at CSUs and UCs. SJSU you can figure out your eligibility index and if you can clear it safely, then you may want to consider business or finance. You can prioritize majors so you could go with CS, bus, advertising and see what happens.
Since you are planning to spend only two years in college, not four because of your transfer credits from middle college, have you discussed the difference that makes in college costs with your parents? Your stepdad might be ready to chip in a bit more if it is clear that your two year plan is fully do-able.
Also, if you are awarded junior status after enrolling, you will be able to borrow $7,500 in federal loans, not the freshman amount of $5,500 . Adding on about $2,500 in private loans that year, and again taking on $7,500 in federal and $2,500 in private loans for senior year would get the $10,000 each year figure he has suggested for you, and would leave you with only $20,000 in student debt total. Provided of course you stick with your plan to finish in two years.