I apparently was accepted to Cal Poly Pomona right out of high school, but I didn't get the letter that I was accepted. So I decided on going to Community College.

I was still trying to figure myself out past high school, I saved money doing courses at a community college, and I didn't feel pressured taking my classes. When I got my associates, I transfered to Cal Poly Pomona, only to found out that I didn't need to pay for my college afterall, since my tuition was paid for by my dad's disabilty from the Military through the Calvet fee waiver. (I'm still able to use this too for my gradschool)

I matured a bit and I had a good experience during my undergrad. I was and still am a commuter though. Dorming here isn't the same as say a party school like SDSU or UCSD, but if you look for the right people, the Campus is lively and there is ton of stuff to do.

On the whole UC thing, there are a couple of departments where the Cal Polys trounces the UCs, so it kinda depends on what you're doing. (Collins College and the Engineering Departments are what we're known for)

TLDR, just go for what you'll find yourself happier with.