I'm studying at Cabrillo College and planning to transfer to a CSU. I'm a bit confused about the requirements and how credit transfers work. Does anyone have experience with this process and can provide some insights on what to prepare?
Absolutely, as Cabrillo College is a recognized community college within California, and they have articulated courses and programs with the CSU system. The means they have worked out agreements for how specific courses (or a set of courses, for a program) at Cabrillo will transfer to fulfill certain general education or major requirements at CSUs.
To ensure that your credits will transfer, I suggest following an "IGETC" plan (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum), which is intended for California community college students to fulfill all lower-division general education requirements at any CSU. It's a series of courses that you can complete at Cabrillo College to fulfill lower-division general education requirements and it's valid across all CSU campuses.
That being said, if you're targeting a specific major, you should also consider completing an "AA-T" or "AS-T" degree (Associate in Arts for Transfer or Associate in Science for Transfer). These degrees are designed to make transferring a seamless process. When achieved, they also offer priority admission with junior status. The priority depends on your major and campus, and there are some exceptions, but it can be a great option.
Finally, you might find it helpful to utilize the tool "ASSIST" - an official online system which provides the most accurate and up-to-date information about student transfer in California. ASSIST irons out how course credits earned at one public California college or university can be applied when transferred to another.
Just remember, the most accurate and current transfer information will come directly from your school's transfer center, and/or the admissions office at the CSU to which you plan to apply, so make sure to touch base with them as well.
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