Hello!
So I am in a SUPER similar situation, as I am currently a sophomore at UCSC, however I applied to transfer this cycle. I, like you, want to study a more specific major that UCSC doesn’t offer (animal science) and didn’t really enjoy the overall vibe of the school. I think my largest piece of advice would be to GO FOR IT! If you feel like UCSC is not the right school for you, It doesn’t hurt to apply to other places! At least at that point you have put yourself out there and gotten to explain your situation, and tried your best to end up where you want to be. I’ve also found that in applying to transfer, as I think about leaving UCSC, I have been starting to find things that I enjoy about the current major I am studying, so maybe if nothing else, applying will help you realize there are more things at UCSC that you enjoy than you think!
Unfortunately, on a more logistical side, based on my research and my experience thus far applying as a UC to UC/ UC to CSU, GPA is going to be a large factor on your application and your shot at admissions. However!! Don’t count yourself out just yet! The UC website states that you must have at least a 2.4 cumulative GPA to qualify for any transferring, so you already meet that requirement, even if you feel like you’re on the lower side you have already ticked one box! Before transferring, you MUST also have 90 quarter units, so taking CC classes will help increase the number of credits you have and give you an even better shot at being accepted.
Also to boost your GPA take classes that you KNOW you will be successful in! That way you are confident when you begin the course and able to keep increasing that GPA to give yourself the best opportunity to be successful and to be accepted into another school!
Let me know if you have any other questions about my transfer application experience thus far, and I hope this helped!