Tips for transferring community college credits to Cal Poly?

I'm considering a transfer to Cal Poly from a community college. How does the credit transfer process work, and is there anything I should pay attention to, like course matching or GPA requirements?

Transferring credits from a community college to a university like Cal Poly can be a straightforward process, but it does require some thoughtful planning. Here are some tips to help you navigate it:

1. Use assist.org: It is an online student-transfer information system that shows how course credits earned at one public California college or university can be applied when transferred to another. This tool can help you confirm which of your community college classes will transfer over as credit at Cal Poly.

2. Check for articulated courses: Articulated courses are those that a community college and Cal Poly have agreed are equivalent, meaning they would count towards the same requirement. For example, English 101 at your community college might be considered equivalent to Cal Poly’s freshman English class.

3. Look into Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) programs: Cal Poly may have certain agreements with California community colleges to accepted a set number of transfer students who fulfill specific requirements.

4. Keep your GPA up: Transfer students often need to have a minimum GPA to be considered for admission. Make sure you know what the requirement is for Cal Poly and strive to maintain a GPA above that threshold. For Cal Poly, the GPA requirement might vary depending on your intended major, so do some research to find out the specifics.

5. Complete prerequisites in community college: If there are lower-division (freshman and sophomore level) courses that are prerequisites for your intended major at Cal Poly, aim to finish these before you transfer. Keep in mind that, if accepted, your admission may be directly to the program in your declared field of study, so ensure your current program aligns well.

6. Talk to a counselor: Both your community college and Cal Poly likely have counselors who can help you through the transfer process. That person will be very familiar with the course requirements and can guide you about what classes you should take at your community college to stay on track for the transfer.

Lastly, make sure you follow any transfer application deadlines at Cal Poly and submit all required documents on time. Early preparation will make the process run more smoothly. Best of luck with your transfer process!