How do you choose the right transfer classes at a California community college?

I'm planning to transfer from a California community college to a four-year university and I'm really confused about which classes I should take. How do I figure out which transfer classes will count toward my major?

When selecting classes with the goal of transferring from a community college to a four-year institution in California, the two main resources to leverage are Transferology and ASSIST.org.

Transferology is a nation-wide network that provides detailed information about how courses and exams might transfer between institutions. You can find out exactly which of your community college credits will be accepted by the target four-year institution. It can provide you a clearer picture of what credits you have, what you'll need, and how they apply to your desired major or degree.

ASSIST.org is a student-transfer information system specifically for California's public colleges and universities. It displays reports of how course credits earned at one public California college or university can be applied when transferred to another. ASSIST.org has agreements that show which community college courses can be applied to general education requirements, major preparation, and electives.

Here's how you can proceed:

1. Identify your intended major at the four-year institution. If you're undecided, it might be a good idea to lean towards general education courses that are likely to transfer.

2. Use ASSIST.org to look up the specific transfer agreement between your community college and the university you plan to attend. This will show which classes count towards general education and major-specific requirements.

3. Similarly, use Transferology to check the course equivalencies.

4. Take the classes indicated by these resources.

It's crucial to remember that plans can change, so it's wise to periodically check the transfer details as you progress in your community college journey. Furthermore, most colleges have academic advisors who can provide valuable guidance on this topic. You should reach out to them to discuss your concerns and get their advice. Lastly, while not all classes may count towards your major, they can often fulfill those important general education requirements or can be counted as elective credits. Keep that in mind while you plan out your course load.