Pros of applying to a university as a freshman:
- You have a higher chance of being admitted to your dream school.
- You can start building relationships with professors and classmates earlier.
- You can get involved in extracurricular activities and leadership positions that will strengthen your resume.
- You can take advantage of research and internship opportunities that may be available to undergraduate students.
Pros of going to a state school for two years and then transferring:
- You can save money on tuition and living expenses.
- You can get smaller class sizes and more personalized attention from professors.
- You can explore different academic interests and find the major that is right for you.
- You can transfer to a university with a higher acceptance rate or a better reputation.
Ultimately, the best decision for you depends on your individual circumstances. If you are confident that you have the academic qualifications and extracurricular activities to get into your dream school, then it may be worth it to apply as a freshman. However, if you are unsure about your academic performance or if you want to save money, then going to a state school for two years and then transferring may be a better option.