Understanding Skyline College's UC Transfer Agreements: How Do They Work?

I'm considering starting at Skyline College and transferring to UC Berkeley later. Does Skyline have specific agreements in place that would facilitate this transfer, and how do they typically work? Any tips for ensuring a smooth transition?

Skyline College, like many community colleges, has a program known as the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) with several schools within the University of California system. The TAG agreements offer guaranteed admission for students who meet certain achievement and course requirements during their time at Skyline.

Unfortunately, for UC Berkeley, such a guarantee does not exist. Unlike other UC schools, UC Berkeley and UCLA don't participate in the TAG Program. That being said, transferring to UC Berkeley from Skyline College is still very much possible. It just means there isn't a set program laying out guaranteed admission criteria.

To prepare for transferring, your first step should be to familiarize yourself with the requirements for your intended major at UC Berkeley (course prerequisites, GPA, etc.). That way, you can tailor your curriculum at Skyline to meet those requirements. Consultation with an academic advisor is highly recommended to ensure that you are on the right track and taking the necessary courses.

Another tool that may be beneficial to you is ASSIST.org. ASSIST is the official repository of articulation for California's public colleges and universities which provides the most accurate and up-to-date information about transferring coursework from one school to another within California.

Lastly, take full advantage of the UC Berkeley Transfer, Re-entry, and Student Parent Center resources. They offer excellent support for potential transfer students, providing counseling and other resources to facilitate a smooth transition.

Remember to keep your grades up and get involved on campus. While involvement in extracurricular activities doesn't replace solid academics, it can add another dimension to your application that can make you stand out.

In short, while there is no official transfer agreement between Skyline College and UC Berkeley, there are still numerous resources and strategies for making your transition between the two schools as smooth as possible. Remember to start planning early, stay informed, and make full use of the support networks available to you. Good luck!