I'm interested in transferring to a California State University but haven’t attended a community college. Is it possible to transfer directly, and what steps should I take?
Absolutely, it's possible to transfer to a California State University (CSU) without having attended a community college. You can transfer from another four-year institution or you may be able to apply directly if you have already accrued sufficient college credit to be considered a transfer student. The key here is you must be eligible to be considered a transfer student.
Most often, you will need at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units before you can transfer, so make sure to review how many college-level credits you have. Keep in mind that these units should be from courses that are transferable - not just any college-level courses.
The application process for a transfer student will require you to submit college transcripts, high school transcripts if you are under certain age and sometimes SAT or ACT scores, depending on the CSU you're interested in and your age. Additionally, each CSU campus has its own requirements for transfer applicants such as a specific GPA, prerequisite coursework, and deadlines.
So, your first step should be to research the specific CSU campus you are interested in to understand its transfer admission requirements. Contact the admissions office directly or look for this information on the school's website.
Lastly, remember that Cal State schools are test-blind as of the 2024-2025 application cycle, meaning that SAT or ACT scores will not be considered in your application review, even if you decide to submit them.
Good luck with the application process!
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