UC -> UC or UC -> CC -> UC

Hi guys, I’ve gotten my decision back from uci and i was denied. I was a first-year transfer from ucr (biochemistry major) who did a uc -> uc application (ik my chances weren’t that high) for public health sciences. I had a 3.76 gpa for fall and i increased it to a 3.89 gpa after winter quarter, and i’m hopefully increasing or maintaining that gpa in the future. Despite only having 18 units (4 classes) that I had in my entire application after the tau, i was able to do a first-year transfer thru meeting the unit requirements from AP scores. But I wonder having so little classes was a reason why I was denied.

I’m still unsure if I want to graduate from ucr as i dont know if i see my future in here.

Here’s the question: Should I stay at ucr for my second-year and apply again for next cycle? Or should I go to my local cc for next year and apply.

I know that cc transfers get priority over other applicants and its a much smoother and easier process than doing it from a uc.

I’m on a premed track and my goal for now is to go to uci as it is the closest school to my home.

Any help or advice is much appreciated 🙏