<p>Hey everyone, I live in Indiana and i’m attending Purdue North Central which is a community college of Purdue University that offers 4 year degrees. I’m finally a sophomore in college and I’m currently working full time in a student temporary position for Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Recently, I sent my resume to another park and took a week off over winter break to visit. The park is in San Diego, they are interested in me and could use some help out there. I don’t want this opportunity to pass me by because ultimately I want to live out west but I feel like this is a perfect chance to get out there. Obviously my education comes first and I want to obtain my 4 year degree…</p>
<p>I want to plan on finishing this semester which begins next week…then move out there in the summer…</p>
<p>What is my next step in this process? Since I’m a sophomore can I go ahead and apply at other colleges or do I need to start at a community college out there?</p>
<p>There are some things I need to figure out before I go like researching schools and saving money. I also do not want to get hit with the out of state tuition. I’m gonna try and take some online classes this summer while moving to California.</p>
<p>Most states require that you live and work there for at least a year before you can be considered in-state for tuition and fees. If you aren’t considered independent for financial aid (by FAFSA rules), where your parents live can also affect whether or not you are considered in-state. </p>
<p>Will your new job be another “student temporary position”? Does that mean that you have to be enrolled somewhere in order to keep the job? If so, find out how to complete parts of your Purdue degree on-line, and then go back to Indiana to finish up after a year or so.</p>
<p>Is the new job a permanent one? Are there any paid educational benefits? In this case, you probably should work for a year (until you can qualify for in-state tuition) while you sort out which college/university in California will suit your professional goals. Do not take any community college or on-line classes until you find out how those credits could affect your transfer application in the California public system. It is my understanding that some of the UCs will not accept transfers who have more than a given number of credits.</p>
<p>For specific ideas on dealing with the California public universities, take a look at the UC Transfers sub-forum [UC</a> Transfers - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/uc-transfers/]UC”>UC Transfers - College Confidential Forums)</p>
<p>Wishing you all the best!</p>