If I'm planning to transfer from Cabrillo College to a CSU, what should I keep in mind regarding general education or major-specific requirements?
You're on the right path in proactively planning your transfer! Navigating between California community colleges and the California State University (CSU) system can be complex, but here are some key points to consider:
1. Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) pathway: Various CSUs participate in the ADT transfer agreement. If you complete an approved associate degree for transfer, usually an AA-T or AS-T, at a California community college, like Cabrillo, you're guaranteed admission into a CSU.
2. General Education Requirements: CSUs have a set package of lower division General Education requirements known as the "Golden Four" - Oral communication, Written communication, Critical Thinking, and Quantitative Reasoning. These are typically required of all transfer students, regardless of your intended major.
3. Major-Specific Requirements: Look for a Transfer Admission Agreement (TAA) or Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) for your anticipated major. Some CSUs have specific courses that you must complete for your intended major before you can transfer. These vary by institution and major. You can find this information on the Transfer Center website of Cabrillo College, or on websites like Assist.org.
4. IGETC: This is a series of courses that California community college students can complete to satisfy lower-division general education requirements at any CSU. If you think you might be interested in transferring to a University of California as well, this route would cover those requirements, too. However, keep in mind that not all majors encourage this pathway (engineering programs often have their own distinct requirements).
5. Counseling: Lastly, work closely with your Cabrillo College Counselor. They can help you navigate all these steps effectively, and ensure that you're taking the exact course requirements to optimize your transfer process.
Understanding these transfer requirements can put you on an efficient pathway to your degree at a CSU. Best of luck in your academic journey!
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