Should I stay at CSU or go to community college for UCR??

Archive State Forums
1

Hello, everyone! I am going into my second year as a Biology (b.s.) major at CSUSM, but am not happy with the school! I got into UCR senior year of high school, and was so overjoyed because it was my first choice - but, couldn’t attend because financial aid. I tried reapplying to go for my second year, but they told me that their priority goes to community college students. I talked to a local community college (MSJC) and they said they had a high success rate for their students going to UCR, as it is within the county. The issue here is that it would take me a good couple of years in the community college (as a Biology major) to make it to UCR, because of how impacted science classes are in SoCal community colleges. I already enrolled for my first semester back at CSUSM, due to the lack of classes available for the fall semester at the community college, but they are open to me joining the CC in the spring semester.

I want to go to UCR because I admire their science program and faculty, and I also appreciate the quarter system. Please help! Should I stay at CSUSM for my undergrad, or go to CC (save some money) for a good couple of years and end up at UCR. Ultimate goal here is to be a PA!

2

Pros of CSUSM

  • I stay within the Biology major, whereas I’d have to probably change my major at CC to get classes
  • Cheaper than UCR

Cons of CSUSM

  • I’m a commuter and it sucks, especially when I get sick
  • Semester system
  • Lack of research programs
  • More of an arts based school

Pros of MSJC

  • Closer to home
  • Cheaper
  • Can end up at UCR, in due time

Cons of MSJC

  • Time consuming
  • Hard to get classes
3

lolol also sorry for grammar mistakes, I’m at my internship right now and realized I should make a college confidential post

4

Since you plan on going into PA, you need to consider future loans.

How will you pay your fees for UCR? Has your financial situation changed?
You only get so many semesters of financial aid and then it runs out.

Didn’t you visit San Marcos before attending? That visit should have given you a BIG clue of the school’s limited research facilities and its direction towards Liberal Arts majors.

5

I’d suggest you stay put and apply again as a Jr transfer this year. If that doesn’t work, got to UCR for grad school.

6

I will try, but community college students are priorities for UC’s. 4-Year university students are last priority