Palomar College to CSU Transfer Guide

I'm studying at Palomar College and aiming to transfer to a CSU. Could someone outline the main transfer requirements or any tips for navigating this journey?

Transferring from a community college like Palomar to a California State University (CSU) is a path that many students have successfully undertaken, so you're definitely not alone in your quest!

Here are the main transfer requirements and tips to have in mind:

1. Unit Requirement: You need to have completed at least 60 semester (90 quarter units). It is important to note that no more than 70 semester units of credit from a community college will transfer to CSU.

2. Grade Point Average: You must have at least a 2.0 GPA, although some campuses and programs may require a higher GPA for admission.

3. Coursework: You must also complete and pass a series of courses that CSU refers to as the "golden four", with grades of C- or better. These courses cover: written communication, oral communication, critical thinking, and mathematics/quantitative reasoning.

4. Major Specific Courses: In addition to the courses above, complete as many lower-division courses required for your intended major as possible. This will help you stay competitive for more selective programs and graduate on time once you've transferred."

Going through this process becomes more manageable when following the tips below:

1. Educational Plan: Meet with a counselor at Palomar to develop an educational plan. This maps out the classes you need to take at Palomar to meet transfer requirements and helps ensure that you're on track to meet your goals.

2. CSU's Major Preparation Prerequisites: Check out the "Lower-Division Transfer Patterns by CSU Campus" on the CSU site to see what courses you need to take at Palomar to prepare for your intended major at the CSU school you're interested in.

3. Use ASSIST: ASSIST is an online student-transfer information system that lists which lower-division courses are transferable between Palomar College and the CSU system.

4. Keep Track of Deadlines: Transfer admission deadlines can creep up on you before you realize it. Keep a calendar of when you need to apply for admission, financial aid, housing, and any other necessary aspects of your transition.

5. Consider the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT): In some situations, you may want to consider getting an ADT degree at Palomar. This specific type of Associate Degree can guarantee admission to the CSU system.

Remember, transferring is a process, not a single event. It's a journey that involves planning, meeting some requirements, and adjusting your life to a new college. Best of luck with your transfer!