Top California community colleges for transfer to UC

I'm planning to start at a community college and then transfer to a UC school. Can anyone suggest some of the top community colleges in California known for successful transfers to UC schools? Any advice on programs or support would also be appreciated.

You're in luck, as California has an excellent system designed to help community college students transfer to both UC and Cal State schools. First, to answer your question about top community colleges recognized for successful transfers to UC schools—according to UC's annual report on CCC (California Community College) transfers, Santa Monica College, Diablo Valley College and De Anza College consistently rank high with successful transfer numbers to UC schools.

While you certainly can't go wrong with these schools, keep in mind each community college also has its strengths and unique programs, so it would be in your best interest to research colleges that align best with your intended field of study.

As for support and programs, consider the TAG program, which stands for Transfer Admission Guarantee. It's offered by six UC campuses: Davis, Irvine, Merced, Riverside, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz. This program essentially guarantees you admission to these schools, provided you meet certain requirements involving your GPA, required coursework, etc. This could be an incredible opportunity if you meet the requirements.

The IGETC (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum) is another useful program that's specifically designed to allow California community college students to fulfill all lower-division general education (GE) requirements prior to transferring. The IGETC can assist you in keeping your course work organized and on track.

In terms of general advice, get to know your guidance or transfer counselor. They'll often be aware of programs or opportunities that you might not discover on your own, and they can be invaluable resources throughout the transfer process. Additionally, always be proactive and take the initiative in understanding what courses you should be taking and ensuring you're on the path towards achieving all your transfer goals. Owning this process and working closely with your counselor will greatly help increase your chances of successfully transferring to a UC school. Good luck!