I'm considering attending LA City College and heard about their transfer guarantee program. Can someone explain how it works and what I need to do to qualify? Any personal experiences would be super helpful!
Los Angeles City College (LACC) is part of the California Community College system, which has several guaranteed transfer agreements with both the California State University (CSU) system and the University of California (UC) system. This means you can make a smooth transition from LACC to a four-year college in the CSU or UC scope if you meet certain requirements.
The two key programs are:
1. Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT): This applies to a specific selection of majors. If you complete an ADT, you are guaranteed admission to a CSU campus, though it might not be the one you prefer. You'll be awarded an Associate's degree and will enter the CSU system as a junior.
2. Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG): Six UC campuses offer guaranteed admission to California community college students who meet specific requirements.
Each program requires you to maintain a certain GPA (usually around 2.0 to 4.0, depending on the institution and major) and complete specific course and unit requirements. Also, it's important to note that some majors, especially more demanding ones may have additional prerequisites.
Importantly, these programs aren't automatic. You'll need to work with an academic advisor at LACC to ensure you're taking the right courses, staying on track with your GPA, and handling your applications correctly. Be proactive and constantly check in to ensure you're on the right track.
One pitfall to watch out for is deadline management - you usually need to apply for these programs one year in advance of when you'll transfer. For example, if you want to transfer in Fall 2026, you would need to apply for an ADT or TAG by Fall 2025.
As for personal experiences, many students have found these programs to be enormously helpful in reducing uncertainty and providing a clear pathway to a four-year degree.
Remember, it's vital to stay focused, meet all the requirements, and work closely with your LACC advisors to ensure a smooth transition.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.