How is the Associate Degree for Transfer Program at Cypress College?

Looking into starting my college journey at Cypress College and using the ADT program to transfer later. How efficient is Cypress College in helping students transfer, and what should I be aware of to make this transition as smooth as possible?

Cypress College is known for having a strong Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program. They have numerous agreements with both the University of California (UC) and the California State University (CSU) systems, which creates a reliable transfer path to both systems. Cypress College's counseling services, in particular, receive high marks from many students, primarily for their knowledge about university and major specific requirements as well as the comprehensive support they provide throughout the process.

When you apply to colleges under the ADT agreement, you apply for a specific major. This means that it's important to be clear about your proposed major as early as possible because the classes you take at Cypress will be aimed to introduce you to that major and to satisfy transfer requirements. This is beneficial because it allows you to transition into the next institution without potentially spending additional semesters taking lower-division prerequisite coursework.

One aspect to consider is that not all UC or CSU campuses or majors are applicable for the ADT transfer program, so planning ahead and taking advantage of Cypress College's counseling services is essential to map your path.

Also, most transfer agreements guarantee Junior standing. However, your “standing” and completion of lower-division major-specific courses are two different things. For instance, you could have Junior standing but still need to complete lower-division prerequisite coursework for your intended major.

Lastly, remember that while the ADT program does improve your odds of admission, it doesn't guarantee acceptance into competitive or impacted programs. So, it's essential to maintain a solid GPA while you're at Cypress to stand out when you're ready to transfer.

Remember, this journey requires preparation and attention to detail, but the ADT program at Cypress College does provide you with a supportive community and resources that will help facilitate the process.