How Do DVC College Transfers Work?

I'm a student at Diablo Valley College looking to transfer to a 4-year university. Can anyone share how the transfer process works at DVC? Are there particular things to focus on or resources that helped you successfully transfer?

Starting the transfer process from Diablo Valley College, revolves around three main steps: maintaining a good academic record, understanding transfer agreements and college requirements, and utilizing DVC's resources to your advantage.

1. Maintain a Good Academic Record:

Your GPA plays a major role in determining your eligibility for transfer. Different four-year colleges have different minimum GPA requirements, but generally, the more competitive the college, the higher your GPA needs to be. You'll want to emphasize challenging courses in your intended major to indicate to four-year colleges your readiness for advanced coursework. Successful completion of general education requirements is also crucial.

2. Understand Transfer Agreements and College Requirements:

Most community colleges have Articulation Agreements or Transfer Guarantees with certain four-year universities. These are formal agreements outlining which community college credits will be accepted by the four-year university. For example, DVC has such an agreement with UC Davis amongst others. You will want to map out your course schedule at DVC to make sure you're meeting these requirements. Universities often like to see some depth in your chosen field, so consider taking several classes related to your intended major.

3. Utilize DVC's Resources:

DVC offers several services to assist students with the transfer process. Their Transfer Services Center is a valuable resource, offering one-on-one counseling appointments, college visits, application assistance workshops, and more.

An example for a successful transfer might be well illustrated by a student who started at DVC with an intended major in biology, aiming for a transfer to UC Davis. This student maintained a GPA above 3.6, fulfilled all their general ed and major prerequisites by following the articulated agreement between DVC and UC Davis. The student regularly consulted with the Transfer Services Center to make sure they were on track. By presenting a strong application that showcased their academic preparedness, they achieved their goal of transferring to UC Davis.

Remember, every transfer circumstance is unique. The earlier you start planning your transfer and the more you take advantage of DVC's resources, the smoother your transfer process will be.