Can anyone explain how CSULB handles course transfers from community colleges? I'm planning to transfer, but I'm concerned about which of my credits will be accepted. Any advice on who to contact for accurate information?
It's great that you're planning to transfer to California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) and you're absolutely right in taking these crucial steps to ensure smooth credit transfer.
When it comes to transferable credits, CSULB and other Cal State schools generally accept credits from regionally accredited colleges, and particularly from California community colleges, as part of the CSU General Education Breadth Requirements or with an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT). Particularly advantageous is having completed the "Golden Four" requirements (Oral Communication, Written Communication, Critical Thinking, and Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning) which are critical for junior standing.
CSULB has a few resources you might find helpful to understand the transfer credit process. First, you may want to visit Assist.org, which is the official articulation system for California’s public colleges and universities and provides insights into the transferable courses from community colleges to CSU and UC schools.
Additionally, CSULB has a dedicated Transfer Admission Planner (TAP) where you can input your completed courses and receive instant feedback about how they will transfer.
In terms of personal contact, the admissions department would be a good start point. Better yet, you could contact CSULB's Transfer Center which is specifically geared to answer queries like yours. They can provide you with detailed, school-specific advice that is much more tailored to your situation and they help all prospective transfer students understand the entire application and credit transfer process.
Also, don't forget to meet with a counselor at your existing community college—they can provide valuable guidance regarding transferable courses and might have a lineage of past students who transferred to CSULB to give you a more detailed picture.
Remember, each university has its own policies about transferring credits, so it's always best to reach out directly to the school for the most accurate information.
Good luck with your transfer process!
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