How to transfer from Pasadena Community College?

I'm a student at Pasadena Community College and thinking about transferring to a four-year university. What are the main requirements I should be aware of, particularly regarding GPA and completed units?

The requirements for transferring from a community college to a four-year university can vary significantly based on the specific universities that you're interested in, but there are some general aspects that nearly all universities look at. Firstly, your GPA is of considerable importance for transferring. A high GPA, preferably above a 3.0, will make you a stronger applicant, and some selective universities have a higher expectation, leaning towards the 3.5-4.0 range.

Secondly, each university has different unit or credit requirements for transfer students. Many require you to complete a certain number of units or specific prerequisite courses at the community college before you're eligible to transfer. For example, some institutions might require you to have completed 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units), which typically equates to two years of full-time study. These units usually need to include general education coursework.

Additionally, the admissions officials will also consider the rigor of your coursework. This means that in addition to a solid GPA, universities like to see that applicants challenged themselves with their course selection.

As you proceed, one consideration could be if your community college has articulation agreements, also known as transfer agreements, with any of the four-year colleges. These agreements can simplify the transfer process and guide you to take the correct courses.

Remember, it's always a good idea to speak directly with the admissions offices of the colleges you're interested in. They can give you specific and up-to-date information about their transfer requirements.