How does the Cerritos College transfer process work with an associate degree?

If I earn an associate degree from Cerritos College, how smooth is the transfer process to a four-year university? I'm considering whether starting at a community college might be a better option than jumping straight into a university.

The transfer process from a community college like Cerritos to a four-year institution can be rather smooth, provided sufficient planning is executed. Many four-year colleges and universities, especially public ones, have transfer agreements or articulation agreements with community colleges which lay out the required courses that will directly transfer for credit.

While there's no blanket answer that applies to every university, Cerritos College offers an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) for some majors. The ADT is a special degree offered through the collaboration of the California Community Colleges (CCC) and the California State University (CSU). This degree guarantees admission to the California State University system with junior standing and prepares you to complete a bachelor's degree in a similar major at a CSU campus.

While this guarantee is exclusive to California State Universities, the coursework done for an ADT will also be valuable for transfer applications at other four-year institutions. However, it's important to be aware that admission to other public or private four-year institutions, or to impacted programs at CSU, will still be competitive, so keeping grades up is crucial.

Be sure to maintain close communication with your academic advisors both at Cerritos and at the four-year institution you aim to transfer to. They can help ensure that all your classes will count towards your bachelor's degree and that you're on track in the admission process. Additionally, Cerritos has a resource called "Transfer Center" that offers workshops, fairs, university tours, and representative visits that can assist in your transfer journey.

Therefore, attending a community college like Cerritos might indeed be an excellent choice for you, depending on your individual circumstances. It can provide significant cost savings and afford you the chance to solidify your academic and career goals. Keep in mind, the process requires careful planning and intentional decision-making, with regular consultation from academic advisors.