What are the best transfer credit courses at the College of San Mateo?

Which transfer credit courses at the College of San Mateo would you recommend if I'm planning to transfer? I'm looking for courses that are commonly accepted by universities and would love input on what worked well for others.

It's encouraging to see that you're planning your educational journey strategically. When it comes to College of San Mateo (CSM) transfer credit courses, it's usually worthwhile to focus on General Education (GE) courses, as they are more universally accepted. Here are some common course areas that are often accepted by universities:

1. Math and Science: Calculus, statistics, biology, chemistry, and physics courses are usually accepted as transfer credits. These fundamental subjects are a part of many university general education requirements.

2. Social Sciences: This includes courses like psychology, sociology, anthropology, or history courses. These are also quite common in GE requirements, hence more likely to transfer.

3. Humanities: Courses in philosophy, literature, or art history often transfer well too. They offer a balance to your educational profile and typically are part of any university's GE requirements.

4. Languages: If you're proficient in a second language or looking to learn one, many universities take language courses as transfer credits.

Remember, the most important step to ensuring your credits transfer is to communicate with both CSM advisors and the universities you're interested in transferring to. CSM probably already has articulation agreements with some universities. Such an agreement outlines which CSM courses can be used for credit at the university, giving you confidence when making decisions on course registration.

Keep an eye on unit limits, though. Universities usually have a cap on how many credits they accept from community colleges.

And don't forget, some courses can count toward multiple requirements. For example, a course on the history of philosophy might count as both a humanities and a social science course. Don't be afraid to ask advisors about these "double-dipping" courses!

In terms of "what worked well", other students, mention that those courses with clear descriptions, structured syllabi, and committed teachers have worked for them well. They comment that such classes made it easier to get credits transferred as universities could see clearly that the courses matched their requirements.

However, keep in mind that the "best" courses will depend on your future major and interests. A class that is an easy transfer credit for a business major might not help a nursing major as much. So while it's useful to aim for broadly accepted classes, also consider how these courses fit into your longer-term academic plan. This alignment will make your transition smoother once you transfer to the university. Good luck with your academic journey!