Hopefully I can give you a bit of an insider's point of view. I work in Admissions at UC Davis and work with a lot of people at the other UCs. First, you've got a good start with your grades and scores. That is the most important thing for getting into college. That's the first step.

If you are set on going to UCLA or Berkeley, definitely apply there. BUT, also apply to as many other UCs and other schools as you can. I know that fees can be a limitation but if a school has a good program in what you are interested in studying, definitely apply there. And don't consider something a "Fall-Back" school unless you'd actually consider going there.

Yes, community colleges do change the dynamic a bit, but ultimately, the degree/diploma is exactly the same when you are done. Take advantage of resources on campuses. Use your counselors. If you are going to a community college, contact the UC Admission Offices of the schools you are interested in before you start to find out what resources they have at the campuses. UC Davis has a guaranteed transfer program and representatives that go to many campuses. Other schools have similar programs.

I'm assuming that you are a California resident. If so, the $28,000/year figure is high. The estimated cost for UCLA, depending on whether you live on-campus, off-campus, or commute, is $15-21,000/year (This takes into account tuition, books, room and board, transportation, etc.). Of course, this is the average expected cost and can be lower depending on your needs and how frugal you are. The costs for the other UCs are comparable and the main difference is housing. Some of the UCs are in expensive areas to live if you are close to the campus.

When filling out the UC application, you also have the application for scholarships. Do your research and apply for any and all scholarships that you think you have even the remotest chance of getting. Leave no stone unturned because a lot of campuses have scholarships that aren't well known. For example, UC Davis has an alumni scholarship that is for ANY student and has nothing to do with anyone in your family being an alum. Also, look for new scholarships each year. Some of them are available only to "Juniors" or "International Relations Majors" or whatever. Another reason to apply to many UCs is that each school has the Regent's Scholarship and they review candidate's individually. I hope your parents are willing to divulge their income, even if they aren't going to help out with the cost because it can make some things difficult if they won't reveal anything. In addition, you can do work-study programs and earn money and units and gain experience.

Ultimately, even though I'm an advocate for Davis and the University of California, I'm primarily an advocate for higher education. UCLA and Berkeley (Go Bears!) are big names and cream of the crop, but explore other options, visit campuses, don't neglect privates (they can cost more but their financial aid packages are often better with the possibility of the same amount of actual debt or less at the end of your time there), and smaller schools. Name recognition is only one part of the diploma.

I hope this helps some.

Ferrick

> > > I have had a job since freshman year, saved up $7000 (also from scholarships/awards and other general saving). That only pays for the cheapest colleges.
> > > I was planning to attend UCLA or Berkeley, I have a pretty good academic record (1500 SAT, ranked 3/216 in my grade, 4.0 GPA, good ecs), I worked really hard for it. They're $28,000 a year (the cheapest first tier college I think), so pretty much out of the question. I don't want to attend my community/two year college, I guess I'll have to though. le sigh. BTW my mom and dad and I didn't fight, I've known this since freshman year but I always thought I'd manage save up more money. *fool*
> >
> > One of the first lessons that you learn in college is that life isn't fair and sometimes it doesn't go the way you want it to. Congratulations, you're learning it early.
> >
> > Community colleges are better than you imagine. I didn't want to go to one either, but when I did, I was much happier than I was at a larger college. Smaller class sizes allow you to get used to the work load while still being able to access professors for help and guidance (not always easy at a large school). This was incredibly helpful to me.
> >
> > Still there's been some good advice here too. Taking a few years off to work full time and save will give you an experience that most college students just don't have. Or applying for student loans with the help of a guidance counsellor should do.
> >
> > You're only wasting time if you're sitting around moping about how sad your situation is, a lot of people have it worse. There are definitely ways to go to the school you want to. You just have to find one of them and run with it.
>
> Geez Louise! You never mentioned before that you'd chosen two of the most expensive schools in the state. There are a lot of other good schools near you, your not stuck with JC if you can't do Cal or UCLA. The college you went to doesn't matter much 10 years down the road. The reputation you make for yourself matters more.
> I know a research scientist for Lockheed Martin. He's doing work usually done by Ph.D. Chemists. He doesnt have a Ph.D., he has a B.S. from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He says "There's no secret, you just work hard!"
> My sister just got her Ph.D. last month from Ohio State. She is looking for a full time position that she wants. She can pick and choose. She has so much consulting work that she does not need to find a position right away. She is doing a big project for the State of Alaska. She is asked to speak all over the country and has been written up in major newspapers like The Boston Globe, and been interviewed 2 times on NPR.
> Where she got her B.S. has been superceded by what she has done since.
> She is a highly successfull alum of Cal Sate Chico.