I am comparing the UC CS admit rates for freshmen from 2022 to the UC CS admit rates for transfers from 2022
University
Freshman
Transfer
UCB
2.9%/4.5%
5%
UCD
<20%
38%
UCI
5.8%
22%
UCLA
3.8%
4%
UCM
85%
44%
UCR
36%
36%
UCSD
<10%
14%
UCSB
5%-6%
11%
UCSC
60%
36%
From this data, it looks like there is a significantly higher chance to get into UCSB, UCI and UCD CS as a transfer.
I am currently admitted to UCSC CS (B.S.) and waitlisted for UCD CS (B.S.). Would you recommend to go to a CC and apply to UCSB, UCI and UCD as a transfer or go to UCSC as a freshman?
If you want a four year experience, you have your answer. UCSC is a fine school and well located for CS.
I would not say UCSB at 11% or UCI at 22% are good odds, even if better than the initial odds and even UCD at 38% means most, if past data is any indication, will not get in.
Do you want to go to a CC or enjoy school for four years.
Your outcomes will likely not be vastly different so unless you dislike UCSC or have other concerns (housing, for example), it seems a fine choice.
If the purpose of two years in CC is financial, that’s different, and a legitimate reason to choose that path.
But if it’s just because you think Davis, Irvine, or Santa Barbara would be incrementally “better” than Santa Cruz, reputationally… I don’t think it’s worth giving up a four-year experience (and the depth of involvement, faculty mentoring, etc. that being at the same school for 4 years will allow) for an increment that is insignificant-to-nonexistent in CS specifically. Having to go through the transfer application process introduces another layer of uncertainty and stress, and consumes time and energy that you could be spending on your advancement in your chosen field - applying for internships, building a portfolio, getting involved in research or project teams, and so on.
I’d take the excellent bird in the hand, unless there are compelling economic or other reasons to do otherwise.