How does transfer to Berkeley from De Anza College work?

I'm pretty interested in UC Berkeley, and I'm looking into De Anza College as a starting point. How does the transfer process work from De Anza to Berkeley? Any advice or experiences would be appreciated!

UC Berkeley has a very strong community college transfer program and many students successfully make that transition each year. It's great that you're taking this path as it allows more flexibility and gives you ample time to prepare for your major requirements.

Community colleges in California, like De Anza College, have special relationships with UC schools through programs like the UC Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG), which guarantees admission to one of six participating UC campuses to eligible community college students. Do note, however, that UC Berkeley is not a participant in the TAG system.

To plan a successful transfer:

1. Course Selection: Start selecting courses at De Anza that will satisfy general education requirements at UC Berkeley as well as any prerequisite courses for your intended major. Use the assist.org website, which provides reliable information about which credits from De Anza will transfer to UC campuses.

2. GPA: Maintaining a high GPA is very important as Berkeley is selective even for transfer students. While GPA requirements fluctuate by major, aim for around a 3.5 or higher.

3. Extra-Curricular Activities: UC Berkeley values students who are academically accomplished and involved outside the classroom. Considering the high competition, getting involved in extracurricular activities, community service or work experience related to your intended major could support your application.

4. Application: When you apply, you’ll need to submit the UC Transfer Application. Make sure to showcase all your relevant experiences on this application, and put effort into the essays, as they’ll be a key way for the admissions officers to get to know you.

Engaging with a counselor at De Anza College to develop a comprehensive transfer strategy can be highly advantageous. They're there to help guide students through the process and can provide direction on course selection, timeline, application advice, and specifics about UC Berkeley's academic programs.

Lastly, consider attending a Transfer Day or similar event at UC Berkeley. These are opportunities for you to learn more about the university, speak with admissions representatives, and potentially even meet with faculty in your intended major.

Best of luck on your transfer journey!