For context, I’m a freshman in college right now and I’m really regretting my college choice. I picked my current school over Cal Poly SLO. All the signs were pointing me towards CPSLO, the reputation, the weather, the location, etc. The only reason I picked my current because it was slightly cheaper but now I’m seeing that the price would’ve been worth it. I know there’s nothing I can do it about now, but I just wanted to get this off my chest.
Anyways, I’ve been thinking about transferring after 2 years. Not just to SLO, but maybe to some UCs and privates. What do you guys think? Any advice?
(Also, I don’t plan on pursuing a graduate degree, just a bachelor’s)
What are the things you don’t like about your current school? What would be the reasons to transfer? Not saying transferring isn’t the right move, but sometimes it takes getting through the first year to really know if it’s not something that could be overcome by just having a good group of friends to hang out with.
Major?
Are you a California resident?
Current school?
Some California residents who are dissatisfied with the first four year school do their second year at a California community college, since the transfer pathway to CSUs and UCs is better known and documented (with course articulation on assist.org, the possibilty of doing IGETC, and transfer advising at the community colleges).
College courses and grades are the most important factors in transfer admission at the junior level. Admission selectivity does vary by major.
Can you tell us your major or likely choice of majors, and what university you are currently attending? This would make it easier for us to give a knowledgeable or at least useful opinion.
Hey guys, thanks for your input. Sorry, I thought I mentioned my major but I guess not. I’m majoring in mechanical engineering with an emphasis in aerospace. If I were to switch, I’m most likely gonna stay in mechanical, hopefully finding classes or ECs in aerospace.
That’s good to know. Would my credits here be valid for CC? For example, I’m taking Calculus I next semester, would I be able to take Calculus II at a CC?
Single variable calculus for math and physics majors usually has standardized content, although different colleges may have differences in pacing. You may want to check the syllabus of the calculus 1 and calculus 2 courses at your current school, the community colleges, and four year schools you are interested in to check if there are any gaps.
Note that many UCs are on the quarter system, so their courses may not line up that well if you bring in transfer credit from semester system schools.
For a mechanical engineering major, you preferably want to complete math through multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations by the time you transfer as a junior, in order to avoid any misalignment of course content for frosh/soph level math.