What's needed for CSU transfer from Orange Coast College?

I'm planning to transfer from Orange Coast College to a CSU. What are the requirements? Are there specific classes or GPA cutoffs I need to be aware of? Any advice on which CSU campuses might be best?

The requirements to transfer to the California State University (CSU) system from a community college like Orange Coast College essentially boil down to a few key elements:

1. Units Completed & Transferable GPA: Firstly, you'll need to have completed at least 60 transferable semester units (90 quarter units) with a GPA of at least 2.00. Most transfer students tend to have a higher GPA, so if you're aiming for a competitive program, you'll need to aim higher.

2. Golden Four: Secondly, you should complete the 'Golden Four' requirements, covering these four basic skills: Oral Communication, English Composition, Critical Thinking, and Quantitative Reasoning. These are the core classes you'll need to take and pass with a grade C or better before you can transfer.

3. General Education (GE) Requirements: You'll also want to complete as many general education (GE) requirements as you can. The most comprehensive way to do this is via the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC), an agreement between California's three higher education systems to fulfill all lower-division general education requirements.

4. Major Preparation: A big factor can be major preparation classes. If your target CSU has certain prerequisites for your intended major, you'll want to complete those at the community college level before transferring.

As for which CSU campuses are best, that's subjective since it depends on what you're looking for: academic programs, campus culture, cost, location, etc. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and San Diego State University, for example, are often highly regarded, but they might not be the best fit for everyone. Make sure to research each campus based on what you want out of your college experience.

Lastly, keep in mind that each CSU campus and major may have its own individual admission requirements, so carefully review the transfer admission information for each campus you're interested in. Use a tool like the CSU's Transfer Student Application Guide or ASSIST.org to see the requirements for your specific major and CSU.