Tips for transferring from LA community colleges to a CSU?

I'm at Los Angeles Mission College and aiming for a CSU. What should I be aware of regarding transfer rates and the best strategies to ensure a successful transfer to a California State University?

That's a great question! Transferring from a community college to a CSU (California State University) can be a well-trodden pathway with the right plan. Here are some tips you might find helpful:

1. Clear understanding of the CSU general education requirements: The CSU system has a set of general education requirements that all students need to complete. As a community college student, you can take these courses at your current school and transfer them over to fulfill these requirements at CSU. This is crucial for ensuring a smooth transfer.

2. Use the IGETC (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum): This is a series of courses that California community college students can use to satisfy lower-division general education requirements at any CSU. Completing the IGETC can be a good way to cover all your bases and ensure that all of your general education requirements will be met upon transferring.

3. Consider an ADT (Associate Degree for Transfer): ADT programs provide a clear pathway for students planning to transfer from California community colleges to CSUs. Once you earn an Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or an Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T), you are guaranteed admission to a CSU in a similar field of study (though not necessarily to a specific campus or major). Be aware that the ADT process requires careful planning and coordination with your community college advisor.

4. Keep your grades up: Maintain a high GPA in your community college courses. While CSUs have a minimum GPA requirement of 2.0 for California residents, competitive programs may require a higher GPA for admission.

5. Stay on top of application deadlines: For the CSU system, transfer application deadlines are generally in the fall a year before you plan to transfer. Be sure to check and double-check all deadlines.

6. Financial Aid: CSUs are generally very affordable, but if you have financial concerns, be sure to fill out the FAFSA form to apply for financial aid.

Keep in mind these are general points. Each CSU campus may have different requirements for transfer students, so be sure to check the individual campus' website or meet with a transfer advisor for school-specific requirements. Wishing you all the best in your transfer process!