How does IGETC transfer work at Merced College?

I'm planning to start at Merced College and might use IGETC for transferring to a UC or CSU. Does anyone have experience with this? How does the process work, and is there anything specific I should be aware of?

IGETC, or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum, is a series of courses that California community college students can complete to satisfy freshman/sophomore level general education requirements before transferring to most colleges and majors at UCs and CSUs.

At Merced College, you would start by meeting with a counselor to develop an education plan that includes the necessary IGETC courses. It's crucial to have a consultation with an academic advisor or a transfer center representative so they can guide you through the process and help you understand the requirements.

You'll need to complete a specific set of required and elective courses in areas like English, Math, Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, and possibly a foreign language, all while maintaining a certain GPA, which can vary depending on the school and program you intend to transfer to. Note that some UC programs may have additional prerequisites or requirements that are separate from or not covered by IGETC, so you'll need to verify everything with the specific UC campus and the major department.

It's important to know that IGETC completion does not guarantee admission to a UC or CSU. However, completing IGETC can improve your chances because it demonstrates that you've satisfied lower-division general education requirements.

After completing all the required IGETC courses, you'll want to have an IGETC Certification done. This process involves submitting a request to the Records Office at Merced College once you've completed or are in your final semester of the IGETC pattern. Once your certification is completed, it's sent to the four-year school you're transferring to, and it puts on record that you've fulfilled the lower-division general education requirements.

Remember to plan early and carefully when using IGETC. Not all courses are offered every semester, so you'll need to map out your plan in advance to ensure you can take the necessary courses when they are available. It's recommended to meet with your counselor regularly and always refer to the official IGETC list for the most accurate and updated information.

Also, keep in mind that the UC system and CSU system each have a separate IGETC, and some UC majors do not recommend following the IGETC, instead preferring students to focus on major prerequisites. In all cases, look closely at your intended major and university's specific requirements.

The key to a successful transfer is staying organized, taking the correct classes, achieving a strong academic performance, and working closely with your counselor to ensure all your courses will transfer and meet the requirements for your intended major.