Transferring courses from community college to UCSD?

I'm planning to attend a community college with hopes to transfer to UCSD eventually. How do I make sure the courses I'm taking will transfer over? Any advice on which ones to prioritize?

You're starting on a good path, and your plan to transfer is a common one with lots of support.

To ensure your community college courses will transfer to UCSD, I recommend using the University of California's ASSIST program. This is an online resource that provides comprehensive information on how courses from California community colleges can be applied to UC and CSU schools, UCSD included. It's essentially a database that matches each community college course to its UC or CSU equivalent, which can help you make sure you're taking classes that will count at UCSD.

As for which courses to prioritize, I'd suggest you focus on courses that fulfill UC's general education requirements and your intended major's prerequisites. Keep in mind that UCSD, as with any UC schools, requires a minimum of 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units from a community college, including certain requirements in English Composition, Mathematical Concepts, and four courses from at least two of the following subject areas: the arts and humanities, the social and behavioral sciences, and the physical and biological sciences.

One more thing: UCSD evaluates transfer applicants based on their major preparation. It’s really important that you complete the recommended or required courses for your intended major as stated by UCSD.

Finally, connect with a counselor at your community college who is familiar with the transfer process. They can help guide you to choose the right classes, make sure you're meeting requirements, and help you understand the transfer admissions process to UCSD.

Stay proactive and diligent in your research and course planning, and you'll be on track to fulfill your transfer goals.