Straight to University or Transfer?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the speaker's interest in pursuing a career in physics and their options for undergraduate education. They are unsure if their grades and test scores are good enough for top universities like Stanford or Berkeley, but they are considering UCSB, which has a strong physics program. They are also considering going to a community college and transferring to a better university, such as UCSD or Caltech. The conversation also mentions the importance of lab research for getting into a good graduate program and the possibility of financial assistance. Ultimately, the speaker will need to weigh their options and consider their goals and financial situation before making a decision.
  • #1
rakbarut
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Over the past summer, I have really fallen in love with Physics. It is the most beautiful of subjects and I am pretty sure I want to pursue it as a career. Here is the problem i am facing right now...I am currently a senior in high school and although my grades and sats/acts are alright (3.7 Unweighted, 2040 SAT, and 32 ACT) they are not good enough to get into a top-notch university like Stanford or Berkeley, yet I am almost positive I can get into UCSB, which has a really good physics program. The question I ask is should I go to UCSB straight out of high school, where i have opportunities to work in labs and intern, or should i go to a CC and transfer after two years(maybe one because i have already taken 5 college courses as well as multiple A.Ps) to a better university like UcB or Caltech (since i live in Pasadena, and they have an agreement with Pasadena Community College)??
 
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  • #2
If you really want to work in the field of physics, you will probably find yourself going to graduate school, in which case your choice of undergraduate institution is somewhat less important. In that case, I would say that your decision is mainly a matter of economics... CC and then a university would be cheaper, but if you can afford it, it is probably better to go directly to a university so you can get to know the profs and students in the department.
 
  • #3
rakbarut said:
Over the past summer, I have really fallen in love with Physics. It is the most beautiful of subjects and I am pretty sure I want to pursue it as a career. Here is the problem i am facing right now...I am currently a senior in high school and although my grades and sats/acts are alright (3.7 Unweighted, 2040 SAT, and 32 ACT) they are not good enough to get into a top-notch university like Stanford or Berkeley, yet I am almost positive I can get into UCSB, which has a really good physics program. The question I ask is should I go to UCSB straight out of high school, where i have opportunities to work in labs and intern, or should i go to a CC and transfer after two years(maybe one because i have already taken 5 college courses as well as multiple A.Ps) to a better university like UcB or Caltech (since i live in Pasadena, and they have an agreement with Pasadena Community College)??
I'm sure you can get into Berkeley with that GPA and SAT score. There's also UCSD and others. Caltech should also be possible.

Just apply to all of those schools and see what happens. Scholarships and perhaps student work/employment should be available. Explore ALL your options for financial assistance and work.
 
  • #4
Thanks for the advice, ill defiantly take what both you guys said into consideration...also, does UCSD or UCSB have a better physics program? I kind of like UCSB better because there seems to be a lot of opportunities to do lab research which I know is crucial to getting into a good graduate program, but will I get the same opportunities or more at UCSD?
 

FAQ: Straight to University or Transfer?

What is the difference between going straight to university and transferring from a community college?

The main difference is that students who go straight to university attend a four-year institution from the beginning, while those who transfer start at a community college and then transfer to a university after completing their first two years of study. This allows transfer students to save money on tuition and possibly have a smoother transition into university life.

Can I still get accepted into a good university if I transfer from a community college?

Yes, absolutely! Many universities have transfer agreements with community colleges, making it easier for students to transfer credits and be accepted into the university. As long as you have a strong academic record and meet the university's requirements, you have a good chance of being accepted.

How do I know if transferring is the right choice for me?

It ultimately depends on your individual circumstances and goals. Some students may benefit from starting at a community college, while others may prefer to go straight to university. Consider factors such as cost, academic preparedness, and desired university experience to make an informed decision.

Will my credits transfer to the university?

In most cases, yes. However, it is important to research and confirm the transfer policies between your community college and the university you plan to attend. It's also a good idea to speak with an academic advisor at both institutions to make sure you are taking the appropriate courses for a smooth transfer.

How long will it take me to complete my degree if I transfer from a community college?

This will vary depending on the number of credits you transfer and the specific program requirements at the university. On average, it may take an additional 2-3 years to complete a bachelor's degree after transferring from a community college. However, some students may be able to graduate in 1-2 years depending on their academic progress and course load.

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