I'm attending Saddleback College and working towards transferring to a CSU. What do I need to know about the process of getting transfer certification here? Any specifics that might be helpful?
Being part of a community college, like Saddleback College, that offers CSU transfer certification has its advantages, as it guarantees that the classes you take will be accepted at CSU for credit transfer. This helps create a clear pathway for you to make it to a CSU institution.
The process for obtaining CSU General Education certification begins with a clear understanding of the list of courses approved by the CSU system. At Saddleback College, their website provides a comprehensive list of approved courses. This will offer some assurance that your credits will count when you transfer.
You will also need to determine which CSU campuses have your preferred major, as some CSU campuses may not offer it. The "CSU Campus Match" tool can be used to find which campuses have your major.
To receive full certification, you must have completed 39 semester units in the CSU General Education pattern with a grade of "C" or better in each course. Full certification means the CSU campus to which you transfer will accept these completed courses to meet lower-division general education requirements.
Be aware that certification isn't automatic. You'll need to request certification from Saddleback College before you transfer, typically via the college's counseling office. It's a good idea to work closely with your community college advisor to make sure you're on track to meet all the required courses.
Lastly, make sure to meet all specified deadlines for providing transcripts, applications, and other documents to the CSU campus you wish to transfer to. CSU applications are usually due during October and November for admission in the following fall semester and August for spring admission but check exact dates with the particular CSU you are interested in.
Good luck with your transfer process!
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