Requirements for Transferring from Citrus College to Cal State

I'm currently attending Citrus College and planning to transfer to a Cal State. Can someone help me understand the specific transfer requirements I need to meet? I'm trying to make sure I have everything in order before applying.

Happy to help with your transfer journey from Citrus College to a Cal State institution!

First off, it's important to establish a good academic standing. Typically, a minimum GPA of around 2.0 for California residents (3.0 for non-residents or international students) is required, but the more competitive your GPA, the better.

Second, make sure to complete at least 60 transferable credits (semester units) or 90 quarter units. Keep in mind that these credits are not just any credits, they need to be credits that will fulfill the lower division general education requirements. This is usually arranged into the 'Golden Four' requirements—these courses are in written communication, oral communication, critical thinking, and mathematics/quantitative reasoning.

Additionally, you should be aware that certain majors may require the completion of specific lower division major prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or better. These prerequisites vary widely depending on the major and the specific Cal State campus. You should check out a tool called ASSIST (assist.org), which helps you see what courses at Citrus College correlate with requirements for your intended major at the specific Cal State universities.

Also, remember to check the deadlines for transferring as they can vary across campuses. For example, applications for Fall term typically open in the prior October and end in the following February.

To maximize your transfer success, make good use of the resources available at Citrus College’s Transfer center. They can offer personalized guidance, assist with the application process, and keep you in touch with representatives from the Cal State campuses.

One last but key point, the COVID-19 pandemic brought about changes to the admissions process which are still in effect, such as credit/no credit grades for GE and major prerequisite courses.

Keep in mind that each Cal State campus and each major at each campus may have different levels of competition for admission, so it's wise to apply to multiple campuses if you are able. This brief overview should give you a good starting point, but be sure to consult with your academic advisor at Citrus College or a transfer admissions counselor at the Cal State schools you're interested in for the most accurate and up-to-date advice. Best of luck with your transfer journey!