Classes Needed to Transfer from Pasadena City College

What are the essential classes I need to take at Pasadena City College to successfully transfer to a four-year university? I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and could use a checklist or guidance to get started.

First off, kudos to you for already looking ahead at this early stage. The classes you'll need to take can depend largely on the four-year university and the major you intend to pursue. Here are some general steps you can take.

1. General Education (GE) Requirements: Most transfers require you complete a series of general education courses. For California schools, you can fulfill the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) requirements, that cover areas such as English communication, mathematical concepts, arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and physical and biological sciences.

2. Major-Specific Courses: Different universities and even departments within the same university may have specific prerequisites you need to complete before you apply to transfer. For instance, if you are interested in engineering, you might need to complete calculus, physics, and maybe some introductory engineering courses.

3. Meet with an Advisor: Meeting with a counselor at Pasadena City College can be extremely helpful. They can guide you based on your interests and the four-year university you want to attend. It might be wise to do this as early as your first semester so that you can plan efficiently.

4. Assist.org: If you're considering transferring to a UC or CSU, this online tool can be a helpful resource. It tells you what courses are transferable and even details major-specific prerequisites.

5. Research Universities: Different universities have different requirements, so it's vital to understand the specific needs of the potential schools you're considering. Many university websites will provide a checklist or guide for transfer students.

Remember, the most important thing is to keep up with your grades. Although there are no set rules for GPAs when transferring, higher is usually better—especially for more competitive schools. Good luck!