Is it better to start at a community college then transfer to a UC?

I'm thinking about starting at a community college because it might be easier and then transferring to a UC. Does this approach make sense, especially if my grades from high school aren't great?

Your plan to attend a community college before transferring to a University of California (UC) school is a well-established path known as the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program. This program allows students to secure guaranteed admission from one of the six participating UC campuses, provided they meet specific requirements.

Community college can indeed be a good starting point, especially if your high school grades weren't stellar. It provides an opportunity to strengthen your academic record and develop your skills in a less competitive environment. Moreover, it's more cost-effective than starting at a 4-year institution.

However, there are a few factors to consider. First, you'll want to ensure that the courses you take are “UC-transferable," because not all community college credits may transfer or count towards your major. Second, you'll need to maintain a strong GPA (usually above 3.0 or higher, depending on the UC campus and major). Specific requirements can vary based on the UC campus you're interested in, so you should reach out to both your community college counselor and the UC campuses you're interested in to learn more.

Additionally, keep in mind that about 90% of UC transfer students come from California community colleges. This means that if you're going to community college outside of California, transferring might be a bit more competitive.

Overall, starting at a community college can be a strategic move if you meet the requirements for transfer to a UC. Use available resources, such as academic advising, to help you plan your course load effectively. It's important to remember that this is your educational journey, and there's more than one path to success!