Hi, I am international student applying for community college and now i’m just wondering that this is my last year in high school, and I planned to enroll to one of the community colleges in CA, because people said that the chance of being admitted in one of the UCs is higher if you are enrolled in a CC first.
I’m confused between the four of them, which one is the best?
I don’t mind the location (whether it’s in a big city, or rural) and the students (native, Asians,etc).
I want to be admitted in Berkeley.
Which one has the most high transfer percentage (not the amount) to UCLA/UCB?
Is it true that the more people want to transfer to a university from the same CC means the fewer chance you have to be admitted there?
How about the academics quality in the college?
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Can you afford to attend a Community college as an International student?
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Yes attending a CA community college does give you priority to transfer to a UC but it does not necessarily mean a guarantee unless you TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee) to one of the 6 participating UC campuses: Merced, Riverside, Santa Cruz, Davis, Santa Barbara and Irvine.
Regarding TAG, there are several majors that are excluded from the TAG program so something to consider if going that route.
- You can use this link and filter by Transfers and Campus to see the number of applicants/admits/enrolled transfers for each community college.
California community colleges overall have very good academic quality. I would look at Berkeley City college and De Anza College.
- Of course more transfer applicants, more competition.
You also need to consider that you are regarded as an international student and even if you apply from a CC, your chances for admission are not guaranteed simply by attending a California Community College. Many students are rejected. Too many students vying for spots at the universities.
The State of California is under pressure from its taxpayers to admit more California residents. Attending a CC wont change your international status. Expect to pay $75K per year at a UC.
Plus, please consider housing, while at a Community College in California, since it will be a challenge.
Most Community colleges in California do NOT have housing. Where will you live?
You will have to find a place to live, have a credit check done, make a minimum cash deposit of first and last month’s rent, or possibly pay rent for 24 months in advance if you lack credit experience.
You will need to pay utilities, buy furniture, buy supplies for the upkeep of the apartment, buy food, and have access to transportation. (California has lousy public transportation in most areas of the state. We have and use our freeways, a lot!) Gasoline is hovering over $5 per gallon.
As an example: Rents in San Diego, near the universities are running about $3000 per month for a 1 bedroom. That does not include utitlities/cable or anything else.
What if you become ill? You will need to pay for medical insurance and that’s not cheap. As a non-citizen you will not qualify for any state or local subsidized insurance or aid. You will be full pay when you go to a clinic/hospital and these bills are in the hundreds of thousands of dollars if you are seriously injured.
Have you considered these issues?