I'm considering starting at a community college and transferring to UCSD later. What are the major requirements I should be aware of for the transfer process?
For transferring to UC San Diego (UCSD) from a community college, the first thing to consider is the minimum requirements set by the University of California (UC) system:
1. Complete 60 semester (90 quarter) units of transferable college credit with a GPA of at least 2.4 (for California residents) or 2.8 (for non-residents). Do note that the competitive GPA for UCSD is often much higher than this.
2. Complete the following course pattern requirements:
- Two transferable college courses in English composition
- One transferable college course in mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning
- Four transferable college courses chosen from at least two of these subject areas: arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, physical and biological sciences.
Additionally, UCSD recommends (though not required) that you complete Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) requirements or college-specific GE requirements prior to transfer.
For major-specific requirements, pay close attention to UCSD’s Major Preparation Paths. These guides outline the preferred or required coursework for each major for transfer students.
Lastly, consider looking into the TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee) program. UCSD, however, does not participate in TAG, but it offers the UC Transfer Pathways, which provide a roadmap for students interested in the most popular majors.
Keep in mind that while meeting these requirements aids in the admissions process, it does not guarantee admission, as UCSD has a competitive and holistic review process. For the most accurate and current information, always refer to the official UCSD admissions website.
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