Guaranteed Transfer Pathways from Foothill College?

I've heard there might be guaranteed transfer options from Foothill College to some universities. Can anyone clarify how these work and which schools participate? Are there specific criteria or agreements I should know about while planning my courses?

Yes, Foothill College does offer several Guaranteed Transfer (also known as Transfer Admission Guarantee or TAG) agreements with a diverse range of universities, and these options can significantly streamline the transfer process. The general idea is that if you meet specific criteria outlined by the individual universities, then you are guaranteed admission to that university.

As for the institutions that participate in such agreements, they vary widely and constantly, but often include many campuses within the University of California (UC) system, including UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Merced, UC Riverside, UC Santa Cruz, and UC Santa Barbara. However, please note that not all majors are included in the TAG agreements, and each university and major might have different criteria, including certain minimum GPAs and completed prerequisite coursework.

Besides the UCs, there are other universities, including some private and out-of-state institutions, that have such transfer agreements with Foothill College.

Upon matriculation at Foothill College, students should meet with a transfer or academic counselor to discuss their goals and make sure they are taking the appropriate courses to best position themselves for a successful transfer. The counselor can provide up-to-date information about the specific requirements for each TAG agreement.

Before opting for a TAG, remember to carefully review each program's specifications and requirements. Not all majors or programs of study may be available for a TAG. For example, some popular or high-demand majors may be excluded.

Lastly, one crucial detail to bear in mind is that even with a TAG agreement, you are still required to submit an application to the participating university. It doesn't exempt you from the traditional application process, but provides an added layer of assurance for your admission, assuming you meet the criteria.

This can be a great way to ease the stress of uncertainty during the transfer process and provide a clear pathway to a four-year degree, and many students at Foothill College have successfully used these agreements to streamline their transfer journey.