What's needed to transfer to SDSU from community college?

I'm planning to transfer to San Diego State University from a community college. I've heard their process is a bit selective, so I'm curious about what requirements I should be meeting. Any advice on how to strengthen my application?

The transfer process to San Diego State University (SDSU) consists of several steps and can indeed be competitive. Here are some key points to consider:

Academic Preparation: According to SDSU's transfer requirements, you must have at least 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units of coursework completed by the end of the Spring term prior to fall admission. You should have a GPA of at least a 2.0 (C average) in all transferable courses. However, meeting this minimum does not guarantee admission given the competitive nature of the process. Strong candidates often have GPAs well above this minimum.

Major Preparation: SDSU's admission also considers how well you have prepared for your intended major. This is called 'Major Prep', and it includes the lower division courses you should complete before transferring. In the SDSU admission's website, you can look up the Transfer Admission Planner (TAP) for guidelines on the courses you should complete.

Golden Four: Completion of the "Golden Four" is required. These are four key courses: Oral Communication (usually a public speaking course), Written Communication (usually English Composition), Critical Thinking (courses in English, Math, or Science that include critical thinking), and Math/Quantitative Reasoning.

Local Preference: Students from local community colleges are also given priority in the admission process, escalating their chances of securing a transfer spot successfully.

Non-academic factors: Apart from the academic side of things, it would also be wise to work on strengthening your non-academic factors. This could include activities, leadership roles, community service, and work experience.

Lastly, I'd recommend speaking with a transfer center advisor at your community college or an SDSU representative, as they're familiar with the transfer process and can provide valuable advice tailored to your situation.

Remember, these are general guidelines and the specifics might differ based on the major you're applying for, so it would be best to review the official SDSU transfer student page for the most accurate information. Best of luck!