Can anyone break down the CSU transfer requirements from Foothill College? I'm especially interested in what courses I should prioritize to ensure a smooth transfer. Any tips from someone who’s been through this process?
When you're planning to transfer from a California community college like Foothill College to a California State University (CSU), the guidance is quite clear. The transfer process is eased by the fact that California has a well-structured transfer agreement between its community colleges and its public universities.
First and foremost, you should focus on completing your general education requirements, also known as breadth requirements. These are usually guided by the IGETC (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum). It covers areas such as English communication, mathematical concepts, arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, physical and biological sciences.
In addition to these, you should also try to complete at least 60 transferable semester units (or 90 quarter units), which include both the general education courses and the pre-major courses related to your intended major at CSU. Completing these would qualify you for junior standing.
The pre-major courses differ based on which major you are aiming at. Information on specific prerequisite courses can be obtained from a counselor or the Transfer Center at Foothill College or by referring to the ASSIST.org website, which is an online student-transfer information system that shows how course credits earned at Foothill College can be applied when transferred to a CSU.
It's always smart to maintain a high GPA, as the competition for popular programs can be intense, and more often than not, your GPA would be a determining factor. The higher your GPA, the better your chances of gaining entry into your desired program.
Meeting with your academic advisor periodically to discuss your academic progress is very important. Your advisor would help to ensure that you are on track and help you plan any necessary actions based on your progress and changing circumstances.
Lastly, do remember to check if your target CSU's campus is impacted or your major is impacted as this can affect admission requirements. An 'impacted' major or campus is one that has more qualified applicants than it can absorb. In such cases, you should always have a back-up plan in place.
Keep in mind, just ticking off the requirements does not guarantee admission, but it puts you in a better position to compete for a spot.
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