What are the requirements for transferring colleges?

I'm in my sophomore year at community college and considering transferring to a four-year university. Can anyone breakdown the general requirements I should be aware of?

When you're preparing to transfer from a community college to a four-year university, there are several things you'll want to keep in mind:

1. GPA Requirement: Each university has its own GPA requirements for transfer students. Usually, it’s higher for transfer students than for high school applicants, so aim to excel in your classes at community college.

2. Course Credits: In order to transfer, you'll need to have accumulated a certain number of credit hours. Many universities require that students have completed at least 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours. Keep in mind that not all credits may transfer, it depends on which courses you took and the university you're applying to.

3. Articulation Agreements and Pathway Programs: These are arrangements between community colleges and four-year institutions designed to help students transition smoothly between the two. If you are attending a community college that has an articulation agreement with your target university, the transfer process can be smoother because the 4-year school recognizes the credit of certain courses from your community college.

4. Required and Recommended Courses: Depending on the university and the program you're applying to, there may be specific courses you need to have completed before you transfer. For instance, engineering programs might require that you have completed certain foundational math and science courses. These courses will also count towards your degree requirements after you transfer.

5. Application Materials: Application materials generally include an application form, college transcripts, a high school transcript (in many cases), letters of recommendation, and often an essay or personal statement. Deadlines can vary greatly, so it’s important to start the process early and be aware of each college’s deadline.

6. TAG or Guaranteed Transfer Programs: Some universities, such as a few in the University of California system, offer a Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) for students from in-state community colleges. These programs guarantee admission for students who meet certain GPA and coursework requirements.

Remember to take advantage of your community college's counseling resources. They will have a wealth of information on transfer requirements and may even have relationships with local four-year universities. Good luck with your transfer journey!