What's the Process for Community College Transfer to SDSU?

I'm attending a community college in California and want to transfer to San Diego State. What are the main requirements, and how do I make my application stand out? Any help or personal experiences would be awesome!

Transferring to San Diego State University (SDSU) from a community college, especially a California-based one, is a fairly common path. Here are some key things that you should note:

1. Requirements: Transfers are mainly based on having 60 semester (90 quarter) transferable units completed before enrolling at SDSU, maintaining a GPA above 2.0, and being in "good standing" at your current college. SDSU does look at your major GPA, so try to do well in the classes relevant to your field of study.

2. Course Transferability: All CSUs, including SDSU, use a system named Assist to show which classes are transferable from a California community college. Most courses are transferable, but some may not count toward your General Education or major-specific requirements.

3. Course Planning: To plan your courses, you may consult with a counselor at your community college. They can help you select the courses that align not only with the transfer knowledge requirements but also with your intended major at SDSU.

4. Transfer Agreement: You should explore TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee) programs. SDSU does not have a TAG agreement, but it still participates in what is called the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program. This program guarantees admission into the Cal State system (though not necessarily to SDSU or your desired major) for students who complete a degree (AA-T or AS-T) at a California community college.

5. Impaction: Keep in mind that SDSU is an "impacted" school. This means the number of applications received is far greater than the number of spaces available. Because of this, the admission process may be more competitive than the minimum requirements suggest.

6. Standing Out: Beyond your courses and GPA, personal achievements can also contribute to making your application stand out, depending on the field you're attempting to enter. For instance, involvement in related extracurricular activities, such as clubs, internships, or volunteer work that align with your intended major can underscore your commitment and passion. Strong letters of recommendation can also fortify your application.

Finally, prepare a compelling transfer essay. This is your chance to tell a unique story about your academic journey, why you want to transfer, and what you plan to accomplish at SDSU. Avoid generic statements and try to be specific about how SDSU's offerings align with your academic and career goals.

One last thing: start your application early. The earlier you begin, the more time you have to refine and improve every component of your application. Good luck!