Navigating Community College to Cal State Transfer

I'm trying to figure out how to transfer from a community college to a Cal State school. Are there particular courses I need to complete beforehand, or is there a standard transfer process I should follow?

Absolutely, transferring from a community college to a Cal State school can be a great route towards your educational goals. Here's how you'd generally proceed:

Get Familiar With Transfer Requirements: First and foremost, check the transfer requirements of the specific Cal State school you're targeting. Each CSU campus has specific admission criteria for transfer students, so it's vital to meet those requirements. You can typically find these requirements on the school's admissions page.

Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT): Cal State schools have a specific transfer pathway called the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program. This is a special degree offered through the California Community Colleges (CCC) that grants you a guaranteed saved spot somewhere in the CSU system if you meet the minimum eligibility requirements - which differs depending on your major and campus.

Complete Required Courses: Through the ADT program, you'll work towards a specific associate’s degree that provides you with priority admission to the Cal State system. You'll need to complete a total of 60 semester or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the CSU. These units typically consist of your general education requirements and prerequisites for your intended major.

Meet GPA Requirements: Cal State schools have a minimum GPA requirement of 2.0 for transfer applicants. However, admission can be competitive, so meeting the minimum requirements might not guarantee admission, especially to more selective campuses or programs.

Rely on Resources: Utilize the resources available to you. The California Virtual Campus - Online Education Initiative (CVC-OEI) provides the Course Finder tool where you can find the courses you need that will transfer to your chosen CSU campus.

Remember that cooperation is key in the transfer process. Stay in regular contact with the academic advisors both at your community college and at the intended Cal State school. They can provide guidance about the courses you should take to make a smooth transition into your intended major. Make sure to always double-check eligibility and transfer paths, as agreements and requirements can change from year to year. Good luck!