Transfer from top private school to UC

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1

So I’m currently a Freshman at a brand-name “Tech” school where I applied Early Decision (not a super techy major though), which I’m really regretting. I’m not happy here for a variety of reasons (not fitting in with school culture/vibe, homesickness, weather, depression/lack of motivation) and am strongly considering transferring to a public school back in California (likely a UC).

Right now, my options appear to be either:

Try sticking it out for another semester to see if things change, while applying to UC’s and other West Coast schools (University of Washington etc.) directly from my current university in the Fall. My issue with this is that the UC’s greatly prefer California students and may look down upon someone transferring from a top private school. Also I’m not sure how my credits will transfer from private to public schools.

Attend a local community college for my sophomore year to work on my mental health and work part time to establish some sort of routine, while taking courses I know will transfer. My community college has a strong record of sending students to top UC schools, so this might be the better option if my heart is set on moving closer to home.

I know my current university will likely open up more career paths and transferring will make me feel like I’ve “failed” everyone who’s helped get me here, but I’m afraid of the consequences that staying here will have on my mental health and overall happiness. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

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You seem to have a pretty good handle on your options… There isn’t one single path to success, and course correcting should never be considered failure. Another option would be a CA private like Chapman, LMU, USD or Santa Clara. They take non-jr transfers and may be your most direct route to a credible degree here in CA. Your mental health is nothing to mess with so, listen to your inner self and trust your gut. If you come back to a CA CC, don’t do it with your tail between your legs - It was an adult decision you should wear proudly.

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I’m liking the CC option, primarily because there have been so many students transferring to UCs from the community colleges that many students trying to transfer from out of state are getting completely shut out. Your chances of getting into a UC will be much higher from a CC.