I'm trying to map out my classes at community college to ensure a smooth transfer to CSU. What are the general requirements and most important classes I should focus on to meet CSU standards?
To ensure a smooth transition from a community college to a California State University (CSU), it's essential to pay attention to the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) requirements, which detail the set of courses that community college students can use to satisfy lower-division general education requirements at any CSU campus.
The IGETC includes coursework in English composition, mathematical concepts & quantitative reasoning, arts & humanities, social & behavioral sciences, and physical & biological sciences. Acquiring this certification can help you streamline your transfer process, as it ensures that you've met the breadth requirements at CSU.
In addition to IGETC, keep in mind the major-specific coursework. This varies depending on the major you intend to pursue at a CSU. You can find this information through the articulation agreement between your community college and the CSU you want to transfer to. These articulation agreements help because they list coursework at your community college that fulfills major prerequisite requirements at the CSU.
Another key requirement for transfer students is maintaining a good GPA. The minimum GPA requirement for transfer to CSU is 2.0 for California residents and 2.4 for non-residents. However, CSUs are becoming increasingly competitive, and many programs require a higher GPA for admission.
Lastly, remember to complete at least 60 transferrable semester units (90 quarter units) before you apply. This is the minimum unit requirement to transfer as an upper-division student into a CSU.
Remember, planning is essential, so try to meet with a community college advisor regularly to discuss your intention to transfer to a CSU, ask any questions you may have about the process, and make sure you stay on track. They can provide invaluable resources and guidance.
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