How do economics transfers work at Orange Coast College?

I'm studying economics at Orange Coast College and considering transferring. Does anyone know how the transfer process works for econ majors, especially to UC or CSU schools? Any tips on preparing my application?

As an economics major at Orange Coast College (OCC) looking to transfer, it's important to understand the preparation steps and criteria for transferring to a UC or CSU.

To begin, it's essential to complete the necessary coursework for your intended degree. For economics, this will often include courses in macroeconomics, microeconomics, calculus, and statistics. Make sure you're fulfilling all prerequisites for your intended program at the university you're transferring to. Most CSU and UC campuses provide assistive online tools like ASSIST.org, where you can check how coursework at OCC will transfer to your desired university.

You'll need to maintain a competitive GPA, as well. Although minimum GPA requirements for admission vary by campus, having a strong GPA can certainly make your profile more competitive. The exact GPA you'll need often depends on the target university and the popularity of the economics program.

Community college students in California who are planning to transfer to a UC or CSU campus should preferably complete the IGETC (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum) to satisfy the lower-division general education requirements. It's not a requirement for transfer, but it can make the process smoother, ensuring that you have satisfied the breadth requirements at the university you're transferring to.

When it comes to your transfer application, beyond your GPA and completed coursework, your essays can play a significant role. Use your essays to highlight your interest in the field of economics and any related experiences or achievements that have prepared you for your future studies. This could include relevant extracurricular activities, internships, or part-time work experiences.

Make sure to submit your applications by the deadlines. For most CSU and UC schools, the application period for fall admission is typically from November 1 to November 30 of the prior year. Take note that for the 2024-2025 application cycle, all of the CSU campuses, in addition to the UC campuses, are test-blind and don't consider SAT or ACT scores at all.

Lastly, reach out to the transfer center at OCC or to the admissions offices at your target universities if you have specific questions or need additional guidance. They can provide valuable insights and resources to help you navigate the transfer process efficiently.