Experience transferring from Palomar College to CSU San Marcos?

I'm currently at Palomar College and considering transferring to CSU San Marcos. Has anyone done this? How easy was the process, and are there specific requirements or hurdles I should be aware of?

There is an understanding with most community colleges in California and the California State University (CSU) system that enables students to transfer between these institutions relatively smoothly. This is also true for Palomar College and CSU San Marcos. The general aim is to achieve a seamless transfer, ensuring you get credit for your previous coursework.

To facilitate this process, Palomar College has articulation agreements with the CSU system. This agreement includes the list of courses from Palomar that are accepted by CSU San Marcos for credit. Being familiar with this agreement can save you time and prevent you from taking classes that won't count towards your degree at CSU San Marcos.

As far as specific requirements go, this typically includes a certain number of academic credits. Furthermore, keep in mind that CSU San Marcos requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 for California residents and 2.4 for non-residents or foreign students.

There is also a program in place called "Associate Degree for Transfer" if you're at Palomar College. Essentially, you complete an associate degree at Palomar College in a specific major (that corresponds to a similar bachelor's degree at CSU), and you're guaranteed admission into the CSU system. This may not guarantee admission into CSU San Marcos specifically, or into your degree program of choice, but it’s something you may want to look into!

The biggest suggestion I can give is to work closely with your advisor at Palomar College. They can really help navigate these things, and make sure you're on track with all your requirements and deadlines.

On a final note, keep in mind that despite the articulation agreement and other transfer student support initiatives, transitioning to a new university can often be challenging. From adapting to new academic expectations to getting used to a new campus culture, be prepared for a period of adjustment. However, don't be disheartened. There are resources available to help you succeed, such as academic skills workshops, peer tutoring, and faculty office hours. Good luck with your transition!