How do transfer units from Cerritos College work when moving to another college? Do most credits transfer, or are there specific ones that usually don't? I'm trying to plan my courses accordingly and would appreciate any advice.
The exact transferability of course credits from Cerritos College (or any community college) to a 4-year institution can depend on a few factors. Here are a few general pieces of advice:
1. Articulation Agreements: Many community colleges have articulation agreements with four-year institutions, which are essentially agreed-upon plans that make it clear which courses are transferable and what they count for at the four-year institution. Check if Cerritos College has these agreements with the schools you're considering.
2. Public vs. Private: Public universities within the same state as your community college tend to accept more transfer credits than private or out-of-state institutions. This isn't a hard and fast rule, and exceptions exist for respected private schools that are known for accepting a good amount of transfer credits.
3. Lower-division Requirements: Courses that are similar to lower-division (freshman and sophomore level) courses at the 4-year schools are more likely to transfer. These are often general education requirements or introductory classes for your intended major.
4. Major-Specific Courses: Major-specific courses may also transfer, but you should make sure to cross-reference these with the course catalog of the 4-year school that you're considering to ascertain that the material covered is similar. You can usually find course catalogs on the university's website.
5. Consult Advisors: Discuss your plans with both your advisor at Cerritos College and an advisor at the four-year institution you're aiming for to make sure there's alignment, and that you're on track.
One final note – a course does not necessarily have to transfer directly for it to be beneficial for your academic career. For example, even if a course does not transfer for credit, having it on your transcript may show a college that you're able to handle more rigorous coursework, which can indirectly benefit your application.
Remember that while maximizing transferable credits is important, you should also follow your interests and take some courses that genuinely intrigue you and help you grow academically.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.