What college is the best?

If money is an issue, what is the best college decision: Cal Sate or Community College then UC?

• I do not know what is the best choice in terms of college for me since money is the sole factor preventing me from making a definite decision. I want to go to a UC (UCLA or Berkeley) mainly because of the prestige and the type of students that attend these schools but it is too expensive. That is why I am considering going to community college and then transfer to one of these schools. However, my only fear is that I will not be accepted again into these schools when I try to transfer. I mean, if I don't get accepted I will end up at a Cal State which is what I can choose to go right now. I can afford a Cal State price for 4 years, which is the max I'll be there because I've taken classes at community college and I've passed many AP exams. The only problem with this is that I will not be surrounded with the type of students that typically go to UCLA or UC Berkeley and I feel like I'll be labeled "smart" or something. I do not know what to do. Either way, which ever college I choose (community and then UC or Cal State), I will live at home. Can you offer any advice? I do not qualify for any financial aid, subsidized interest on loans, or work study. My major will be civil engineering. I MIGHT go to grad school after getting my bachelor's, but I am not fully sure as of yet. If I choose a Cal State, it would be Cal State Long Beach.

• Answer:

  Okay! I am just gonna let you have it! With all honesty you shouldn't be worried about money! Okay so you don't qualify for any financial aid but there are so many ways you can still receive money for school! www.fastweb.com (probably the main reason I am going to school) is a free online scholarship matching service and college search service. and yes the chances of winning is possible! I was fortunate enough to win a scholarship that will follow me until I graduate (1 more year) Plus, most of these schools have money! and will help you that why they have financial aid offices You would be surprised on how many students, that go to Cal States, are "smarter" than the ones that go to UCLA or Berkeley. ( TRUTH! ) How do I know that? because I went to Cal State Long Beach for a semester and (during that time I was also interning at UCLA)saw the potential that many of the students. Honestly do not go to a school because of its name or because you heard how "great" it is. Go to a school that will feel like home and you know that you would have a great time in. Because trust me! You would want to love your environment during the next 4 (stressful) years :) -Hope that helped if it didn't well lets hope that it helps one else reading this Ps: Don't go the Community College route for the following reasons 1. Not Challenging at all 2. some staff really don't give a **** 3. you might stay there forever if there is no motivation 4. especially in So Cal. its OVERCROWDED