Advice on transferring from Citrus College to Cal Poly Pomona?

I'm considering starting at Citrus College and then transferring to Cal Poly Pomona. How tough is this process, and what should I be focusing on now to make it happen?

First things first, congratulations on your plan to further your education; it's great to aim big! Let's break this down into a few practical steps:

1. Academic Performance: Maintaining a high GPA at Citrus College is crucial, as academic performance is primarily what four-year colleges look at for transfer students. Aim for as close to a 4.0 as possible, though students have successfully transferred to Cal Poly Pomona with GPAs around a 3.0 as well.

2. Follow a Transfer Curriculum: California Community Colleges (which include Citrus College) and Cal State schools (which include Cal Poly Pomona) have something known as the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) pathway. This guarantees admission into a CSU in a similar major, though not necessarily the campus or program of choice. To ensure the smoothest transfer process and not to waste time and money on classes that won't count towards your bachelor's, consider following one of these pathways if your desired major at Pomona offers one.

3. Apply to Transfer: The CSU application filing period is from October 1 to November 30. Make sure to submit your application during this time frame.

4. Extracurricular Activities: While your academic performance is crucial, don't ignore extracurricular activities. They can enhance your application by demonstrating your leadership, commitment, and passion.

5. Transfer Counselors: Utilize your resources at Citrus. Meet regularly with academic or transfer counselors to make sure you're on track to transfer.

Remember, each student's situation is unique, so what works for one person might not work for another. The most important thing is to stay dedicated to your end goal. Best of luck on this journey!