Best community colleges for transferring to a UC?

I'm trying to plan my path to eventually get into a UC school. Does anyone know which community colleges are considered the best for transfer students when aiming for schools like UCLA or UC Berkeley?

A great path towards transferring into the UC system is through the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program, which guarantees admission to a choice of six participating UC campuses - UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Merced, UC Riverside, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Santa Cruz — if you meet specific criteria. However, it's important to note that UCLA and UC Berkeley, which you specifically mentioned, do not participate in TAG.

Nevertheless, you can increase your chances of transferring to these highly ranked UC schools by attending a California-based community college with a strong transfer record and rigorous academic programs. High on that list would be Santa Monica College, De Anza College, and Diablo Valley College.

Santa Monica College tops the list for transfer rates to UC schools and has a strong reputation for its transfer programs. It also offers a comprehensive "UCLA Transfer Alliance Program" that provides students with academic support and specialized counseling to facilitate a smooth transfer to UCLA.

De Anza College, located in Cupertino, also boasts high transfer rates to UC campuses. This college has transfer agreements with UC Berkeley's College of Letters and Science.

Diablo Valley College, situated in Pleasant Hill, is also known for a high rate of transfer to UC schools, especially in STEM fields, which could be a factor if you're considering a major in this area.

Remember to use assist.org, a transfer planning tool for California community college students, which can give you detailed insight into which classes at your chosen community college will transfer to your desired UC. You can utilize this tool to map out a transfer path that aligns with your personal academic goals.

So, while no community college can guarantee admission to UCLA or UC Berkeley, your chances are certainly strengthened by following an articulated path from a community college with strong transfer agreements and student outcomes. Definitely consider meeting with the transfer advisors at your community college and keep in close contact with them throughout your time there for advice specific to your own situation and goals.