I'm mapping out my course load at Palomar College with the intent to transfer to a CSU. Which courses are absolutely crucial, and is there a specific order I should take them in?
Your course selection at Palomar College will ultimately depend on two primary factors: the requirements of the Cal State institution you intend to transfer to and the program you wish to study further. Generally, though, there are a few classes that prospective CSU-transfer students should consider.
The first of these is the general education breadth requirement. This consists of a wide range of courses that provide a foundation in various disciplines. The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) is a series of courses that community college students, like yourself, can take to satisfy these lower-division general education requirements at any CSU. This includes subjects like English, Mathematics, Arts and Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Physical and Biological Sciences.
Next, follow the specific prerequisite coursework for your chosen major. Different programs may require different pre-requisites and you need to complete these before your transfer application. You can use the website “ASSIST” to identify these courses.
Finally, you should also check the minimum grade and unit requirements for transfer admission. Traditionally, Cal State schools require students to have completed between 60 to 70 semester units before transfer, as well as maintain a minimum GPA of at least 2.0 for California residents, and 3.0 for out-of-state applicants.
Remember to consult an academic adviser at Palomar College or reach out to the admissions team at your prospective CSU campus to discuss your specific academic plan and transferability of your chosen courses. They will guide you on the best sequence to take these courses in, since some might have pre-requisites or are offered only in certain terms. Planning ahead of time can help ensure a smooth transfer process.
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