So you want to pass up a scholarship , a better school , and something you know you like in general for a name you like more on a degree ? And you want to change to stem that ' s fine , but why ? I have a VERY strong opinion that if you are switching to stem from another area because of financial reasons , you will most likely either not succeed or not be happy . You NEED to be fascinated with what you are doing and ENJOY ALL of the technical aspects of the field to be successful and happy . Because of this , going back to the CC is a huge risk . What if you start taking math and are like , wow , I can ' t believe I went back to a CC for this boring shit . This has happened to QUITE a few people I know . So just ask yourself a few questions and answer on your own . WHY do you want to go to UCB so badly ? I feel like the reasons you listed for not liking your current school are just things someone would make up because they feel guilty about Berkeley not being the name on their degree . And lastly , Berkeley is kinda hot garbage for undergrad . Maybe some prospective students will try and fight me on this , but UCB is much too focused on grad research in STEM and their Law division to give a crap about undergrads . I know a few people who have tried to transfer there and ended up going to a state school close to home because out of all the schools you might want for the name , Berkeley is truly the one that doesn ' t live up to it for undergrad . Just goes to show you can ' t throw money at a program and just hope it ' s good . You have to give a shit .