[kaycebasques]

> Transfer programs though are a mess

Depends on the state. IGETC [1], the transfer program from California community colleges to the UC system, was very straightforward back in 2007-2009. Cal had a few dorm buildings specifically for transfer students. Each UC even provided stats on the admission rate for each major.

[1] https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/admission-requi...

[legitster]

I took advantage of a similar transfer program in WA state (about which this article is written) but it was not at all straightforward. The state colleges only had so many openings they made available to transfer students, and the application process was worse in many ways.

Part of the issue they won't tell you is that you can apply as a transfer student with basic admissions requirements, but to actually get into some of the specific undergraduate programs had their own admissions requirements.

I was in a weird situation where I got accepted to the college but not into the undergrad program I had been working towards. AND ON TOP OF THAT you couldn't transfer in as a sophomore - you had 6 months to declare a major or you got kicked out. So you were forced to find ANY program at the college that would accept you.

(So as much as people have bad experiences with community colleges, I personally had a much worse time at the university level)

[kaycebasques]

True, the UC system also has the issue where there are general transfer requirements (IGETC) but then each major has its own requirements on top of that.