How do transfer credits work from Foothill College to other schools?

I'm planning to start at Foothill College, but I'm worried about how easy it is to transfer my credits to a four-year university later. Can anyone share their experience with the credit transfer process?

Transferring credits from a community college like Foothill College to a four-year institution can be a manageable process when you know what you need to do. Here are some generally applicable steps in this process:

1. Understand the prerequisites: First and foremost, understand that not all credits are transferable. Transferability depends on both the course and the university you plan to transfer to.

2. Articulation Agreements: Research if Foothill College has articulation agreements with the four-year universities you're considering. An articulation agreement is a formal partnership between two colleges that outlines how credits transfer between them.

3. Course Compatibility: Use tools like assist.org (for transferring within California) to determine course compatibility. Chase down whether your particular classes will satisfy equivalents or general education requirements at the four-year school.

4. Advisor Meetings: Meet with both your Foothill College academic advisor and an advisor from your prospective university. They can provide personalized advice and help you recognize any potential sticking points in the transfer process.

5. Transcripts: When it's time to transfer, you will need to send your official transcript from Foothill College to the four-year university.

Keep in mind, these steps are pretty general. Your particular case might have other considerations – for example, if you're transferring into a highly competitive program, or if you're thinking about out-of-state schools. Start the process early and ask lots of questions to your advisors at both Foothill College and the prospective university to ensure a smooth transition.