Is Foothill College a good option for transferring to four-year schools?

I'm considering starting at Foothill College before transferring. Does anyone have experience with how well they facilitate transfers to top universities?

Absolutely, Foothill College is an excellent starting point for individuals seeking to transfer into four-year universities. Community colleges such as Foothill often have transfer agreements (commonly known as articulation agreements) with many local and in-state universities that guarantee or streamline students' transition from the two-year institution to the four-year one. This can make for a smoother transfer process overall and ensures that your course credits align with those required at the four-year institution you hope to attend.

In fact, California community colleges, including Foothill College, feature a specific program called the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program, which provides guaranteed admission to six University of California (UC) institutions for students who meet certain requirements. So, if you have your eyes set on a UC school, starting at Foothill could be a strategic move.

For more competitive or out-of-state schools, it's important to maintain a strong academic record at Foothill. Additionally, taking leadership roles in extracurricular activities can be beneficial, as four-year institutions tend to look for well-rounded transfer applicants who contribute to their campus community.

However, keep in mind that, while starting at a community college can be a strategic and cost-effective path, it often requires extra planning to ensure your credits transfer correctly to your target four-year school. Regular consultation with an academic advisor is highly recommended to ensure you're on track.