I'm in the nursing program at Contra Costa College and am considering transferring to San Francisco State University. Has anyone done this before, and if so, how was your experience? Are there any specific requirements or partnerships I should know about?
Transferring from Contra Costa College to San Francisco State University is certainly possible, and many students in California opt for this path. However, transferring credits, particularly from one nursing program to another, is a task that requires detailed attention to different factors.
Following the Admission By Major guidelines from SFSU, the nursing transfer student must complete a minimum of 60 transferable semester units by the time of entry. The nursing program at SFSU states prerequisites like "Applicants must complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or better and maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or better in these courses." Some of the prerequisite courses include Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, English, Statistics, Critical Thinking, Communication, and a course in Ethnic Studies.
Many California community colleges have articulation agreements with CSU and UC systems. These agreements outline what courses will transfer and count towards specific degree requirements at four-year schools, which could be specific to nursing. You'll have to check with Contra Costa College if they have such a partnership with SF State's nursing program.
You will need to submit a Supplemental Nursing Application to the School of Nursing in addition to SFSU's regular transfer application. CSU Apply opens in October for applications for the next academic year.
The most significant suggestion would be to schedule a meeting with a counselor at Contra Costa College and possibly also at SF State to understand fully the transfer requirements, agreements, and process. These individuals are experienced and can guide you through your unique situation. In addition, you can look into joining a workshop or an information session about transferring which many community colleges and CSUs offer.
It would also be beneficial to reach out to current students or alumni who have made a similar transfer. They can provide you with firsthand information about their experiences, successes, and challenges.
While the process can seem daunting, with the right resources and assistance, it's definitely achievable. Good luck!
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