Transferring from community college to a UC?

I'm currently at a community college and aiming to transfer to a UC school. What should I be aware of in terms of transfer requirements and the admission process? Any personal experiences would be helpful!

The University of California system has a clear transfer pathway from community colleges, which is an advantage for students like you! Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

1. Complete the IGETC: The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) is a series of courses that community college students in California can use to satisfy lower-division general education requirements at any UC or CSU campus. Plan your coursework to fulfill the IGETC in order to ensure that you have the prerequisites out of the way.

2. Major Preparation: Certain majors have specific requirements to be admitted. Make sure to check the assist.org website which provides a comprehensive database of community college courses that are transferable for credit to UC campuses. It also provides details about transferable courses for specific majors.

3. Maintain a Good GPA: UC schools generally require you to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8 for out-of-state residents and 2.4 for California residents. Yet, being competitive usually requires a higher GPA, with many campuses and majors needing a GPA above 3.0.

4. TAG Program: The Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program offers guaranteed admission to one of six UC campuses (UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Merced, UC Riverside, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Santa Cruz) when you meet specific requirements. This could be a safety net for you if you have a particular campus in mind.

5. Personal Insight Questions: The application will require you to answer Personal Insight Questions - make sure to take your time in crafting thoughtful responses. Through these questions, UC schools want to understand who you are, how you have prepared for your intended major, and your future ambitions after graduation.

6. Deadlines: Lastly, be aware of the deadlines. The application period for transfer students typically opens in the fall and lasts about two months.

Transferring to a UC school from a community college is a well-trodden path. Just stay organized, do well in your courses, and clearly express your motivations for wanting to transfer in your application. Good luck!