How to Transfer Units from Community College to UC Schools?

I'm attending a community college and want to transfer to a UC school like Berkeley or Davis. What's the process to make sure my units transfer? Any advice on what to look out for or specific requirements?

Transferring from a community college to a University of California (UC) school involves multiple steps, but specific tools and systems are designed to make this transition as smooth as possible.

First, you'll want to identify your target courses or program at the target UC. Once you have a clear understanding of your academic goal, you must align your current community college courses with the prerequisites needed for your intended major.

Each UC has its own set of requirements for each major. You can find these prerequisites on the UC campus' respective websites, or through resources like ASSIST.org, an online database that shows how course credits earned at one public California college or university can be applied when transferred to another.

Next, the key part is fulfilling IGETC (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum). IGETC contains a series of courses that California community college students can follow to satisfy lower-division general education requirements at any UC or California State University (CSU). You don't have to complete IGETC before transferring, but by doing so, you'll be in a position to concentrate on your major courses once you transfer.

The UC schools require you to be in good academic standing, and each college may have a different minimum GPA required to apply as a transfer student, so make sure you meet this condition.

You should aim to complete at least 60 semester (90 quarter) units of UC-transferable credit. No more than 70 semester (105 quarter) units of these courses will count towards your bachelor's degree, but additional coursework may satisfy the requirements. These units must encompass a 7-course Pattern of General Education, which includes two transferable courses in English composition, one course in mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning, and four in arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, or physical and biological sciences.

In terms of application timeline, follow the standard UC application periods and deadlines that are available on the UC Admissions website. You typically apply about a year before your intended start date.

Remember to consult with your community college advisers and potentially also reach out to the admissions offices at the UC schools you're interested in, to ensure you're on the right track. They can provide you with the most current and personalized information. Good luck!