I'm planning to start at Cuyamaca College and later transfer to a CSU. Can anyone explain what the transfer requirements are like? Any specific GPA or course recommendations?
As a starting point, most Cal State schools recommend a minimum GPA of 2.0 for California residents, and this may be higher for specific programs or majors. However, having a GPA above this minimum will likely increase your chances of acceptance.
Cuyamaca College participates in California's Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program, which offers a streamlined pathway for students intending to transfer to the Cal State system. When you earn an Associate Degree for Transfer at a California community college and meet the CSU’s minimum eligibility requirements, you are guaranteed admission to a CSU, though not necessarily to a particular campus or major.
To qualify for an ADT, you would need to complete 60 semester units of CSU transferable coursework, which includes general education requirements and specific major-related coursework. When planning your courses, it's important to consult with the counselors at Cuyamaca to make sure you're on track and meeting all the necessary requirements for your intended major at your desired CSU campus.
Please note that while the ADT guarantees admission to a CSU, competition may be high for certain campuses and majors. Higher performance (such as a higher GPA, completion of required and desirable courses) can increase your chances to get into your preferred school and major.
Also, since each CSU campus and major might have different policies and prerequisites, it might be beneficial for you to look into the specific transfer policies of the CSU that you’re interested in.
Good luck with your future academic plans!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.