Looking to transfer in Fall 2021

[mikemac]

My instructor for College Planning said I can choose whether to apply as a transfer applicant or a first time freshman,

The instructor is wrong

A student who attends a college summer program immediately after graduating from high school or who has completed college work while in high school is still considered a freshman applicant.
University of California Counselors

CSU has similar rules. See for example https://www.calstate.edu/sas/onestopkiosk/documents/freshmaninstructions.pdf

You can contact admissions at any UC or CSU to confirm