Pasadena City College to CSU Transfer Process

I'm considering transferring from Pasadena City College to a CSU campus. What are the requirements I need to fulfill? I'd appreciate any tips on the application process or personal experiences from those who have gone through it.

The transfer process from Pasadena City College (PCC) to a California State University (CSU) campus involves a number of steps, but it's a journey many students successfully navigate every year.

Firstly, you'll want to take advantage of the articulation agreement between PCC and all the CSU campuses. This agreement lists the courses at PCC that will fulfill general education and major-related requirements at the CSU campus. It's essential that you work closely with your academic advisor to ensure you're on track with your classes.

Your minimum GPA for transfer really depends on the major and the CSU campus you're interested in. However, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is generally required for in-state applicants, although more competitive programs might require a higher GPA. In terms of credits, you'll need to have at least 60 semester units of transferable credit, including the "Golden Four" (Oral Communication, Written Communication, Critical Thinking, and Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning) completed with a grade of 'C' or better.

The application process itself is fairly straightforward. You'll submit your application through the Cal State Apply website, which opens for the fall term usually in October and closes at the end of November. The application will require you to provide information about your academic history, list all the courses you've taken, and those you plan to take. Unlike some university applications, CSU does not require letters of recommendation or essays for most of their programs.

Lastly, for students at PCC, you'll also want to make use of the Transfer Center which offers workshops, college fairs, and individual counseling sessions designed to help students transfer smoothly from PCC to a four-year institution.

Keep in mind that CSUs are currently test-blind, which means these schools do not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.

Good luck with your transfer journey! It can seem daunting at first, but with good planning and resources, you'll be able to make a seamless transition.