Is the AA for Transfer at Cerritos College effective?

I'm considering pursuing an AA for Transfer at Cerritos College. How effective is this in helping students move to a CSU or other universities? Are any particular benefits worth noting?

The Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) programs offered by community colleges like Cerritos College can be quite effective for students aiming to transfer to a California State University (CSU) or other participating universities.

The distinct advantage of these degrees is that they guarantee admission into a CSU school. Moreover, this doesn't limit you to any particular CSU — you can choose from various campuses. However, there might be some limitations depending on your major or impacted programs.

Furthermore, once you're admitted, you'll enter as an upper-level transfer student with at least 60 semester units. This is important because it allows you to bypass some of the lower-division classes and get started on your major-focused coursework. It, therefore, helps in saving both time and tuition fees.

In terms of effectiveness, a lot will also depend on your specific performance. If you maintain a good GPA, excel in your major classes, and fulfill the course requirements efficiently, the AA-T or AS-T can provide a smooth transition to the CSU system.

Keep in mind that while earning an AA-T or AS-T is meant to ease your transition to CSU, it doesn't necessarily ensure you'll be accepted into the specific campus or major program of your choice. The program is designed to streamline the admissions process to CSU, but admission to impacted majors and campuses is still competitive, and based on your individual qualifications.

Remember, an AA-T or AS-T could also provide you with a degree to fall back on if you need to start working before completing your bachelor’s degree. It's a milestone in your education and a worthy achievement.

Familiarize yourself with the major to transfer roadmap for the program you're interested in and discuss your plans with an academic counselor to ensure you're on the right track. It's also beneficial to research the transfer agreements at the CSUs or other universities you're interested in attending after Cerritos.