I'm exploring online associate's degrees at California community colleges that are set up for transfer to a 4-year university. Has anyone here done this? Any advice on programs or things to consider?
Response: One good place to start your search for transfer-friendly online associate's degree programs in California would be with the California Virtual Campus. This resource will allow you to browse different online programs offered by community colleges across the state.
When it comes to selecting a degree program, pay attention to whether the degree is designed for transfer. In California, Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT) are specifically designed to provide a clear pathway to a CSU (California State University) degree. These may be tagged as "Associate of Arts for Transfer" (AA-T) or "Associate of Science for Transfer" (AS-T). Achieving an ADT not only guarantees admission to a CSU, but also gives you priority consideration for your local CSU campus.
Also important to remember is the concept of 'impacted' majors within the CSU and UC (University of California) systems. An impacted major is one where more applications are received during the initial filing period than can be accommodated. Therefore, these majors have additional requirements and selection criteria. Check whether your desired major is listed as impacted at your target schools.
Furthermore, establish whether the 4-year universities you're considering recognize the classes you're taking (either by contacting the university or utilizing a tool like assist.org, which is specifically designed for California schools). Make sure that your credits will transfer over to your eventual 4-year university; the last thing you'd want to happen is to take a class only to find out that it doesn't apply to your bachelor's degree!
Lastly, consider reaching out to an academic counselor at your community college or at the 4-year university you're planning to transfer to. They can provide valuable guidance tailored to your personal academic and career goals. To sum it up: do your research, pick a program that both interests you and has a promised pathway to transfer, make sure your credits carry over, and take advantage of the academic counseling resources available to you.
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