Requirements for Transferring to a Cal State from Community College

What are the general requirements for transferring from a community college to a Cal State school? I'm planning my transfer path and would like to understand GPA and coursework expectations.

The California State University (CSU) system has some key requirements you need to meet if you're hoping to transfer from a community college. Here they are in some detail:

1. Minimum Units: You need to complete a minimum of 60 semester or 90 quarter units of transferable coursework.

2. General Education Requirements: You need to complete the majority of the general education (GE) requirements. This typically involves fulfilling the "Golden Four," which are classes in oral communication, written communication, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking.

3. GPA Requirements: The minimum GPA requirement for CSU schools is 2.0 for California residents, and 2.4 for out-of-state applicants. However, some programs may have higher GPA requirements or be impacted (more applicants than available spots), and thus will be more selective.

4. Preparation for the Major: You should complete as many lower division major preparation courses as offered at your community college. The specific courses required will vary depending on the major you are pursuing.

5. Application Deadlines: Be aware of application deadlines. For fall semester, the application period is during the previous October to November.

6. Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT): If you earn an Associate Degree for Transfer (either an AA-T or AS-T) at your community college, you will receive priority admission to the CSU system in a similar major, though not necessarily at the campus of your choice.

Remember, it's advisable to work closely with your community college counselor/advisor to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements for the transfer process. They can provide guidance unique to your situation and help you map out your coursework. Best of luck!