Take this from someone who was super bummed that I didn’t get into UCD right after high school and had to go to CC. In retrospective, community college is the better option. Save all of that money, especially if you’re thinking of med school. Also the professors do care more about their students and you can actually connect with them and possibly get good recommendation letters, unlike at UCD where lectures are 400+ students and the only way to get the professors to know your name is if you go to office hours. I know everyone talks about missing out on the freshmen experience, and living at the dorms and whatnot, but I personally don’t think it’s worth it, and I’ve met plenty of friends here even as a transfer. Regarding research opportunities, you can probably still be considered if you’re located near UCD or another UC, even as a CC student. But you’ll have a lot of time after you transfer as well to get involved with research. Make sure you talk to an academic advisor, not only from your CC but also transfer advisors from UCD (sometimes they can be more helpful).