How do credits transfer from Saddleback College?

I'm considering starting at Saddleback College and then transferring to a university. Can anyone explain how the transfer credits work? Like, what should I know about which credits transfer smoother to UCs or CSUs?

When it comes to transferring credits, every university has its own policy. The process generally involves evaluating the course content and learning outcomes of the completed courses against the standards of the destination university, and then deciding how many, and which ones, to accept as equivalent to courses on their own campus.

For transferring from a California Community College like Saddleback College to UCs or CSUs, the system is designed to be fairly seamless. Saddleback has articulation agreements with the UC and CSU systems, which specifically outline how credits from Saddleback will transfer.

For CSU, Saddleback College has specific Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT) which guarantee admission into a CSU, given that the student meets certain requirements. These requirements usually include a specific GPA and completion of certain prerequisites. Do be aware ADT only guarantees acceptance into the overall CSU system, not any particular campus.

For UCs, the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program offers guaranteed admission to students from all California Community Colleges, including Saddleback. Six UCs (UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Merced, UC Riverside, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Santa Cruz) offer the TAG program. In order to be eligible, students must meet certain requirements which may include a specific GPA, a certain number of UC transferable credits, and completion of certain prerequisites. In contrast to ADT, TAG does allow you to choose your destination campus.

However, be aware that not all majors or programs may be covered under these agreements. Additionally, even if a course is transferable, it may not necessarily fulfill specific program or degree requirements at the destination university, and could instead count as a general education or elective credit.

I recommend you utilize Saddleback’s transfer center resources. They offer workshops, individual counseling, and university representative visits to help students with the transfer process. They will assist you with understanding transfer requirements, identifying the courses you should take, and navigating the application process.

Additionally, always work closely with your academic advisors both at your current college and potential future universities. They will be able to guide you through the specific processes, deadlines, and requirements at both Saddleback and your target school to ensure a smooth credit transfer.

Remember, planning is crucial in the transfer process, and the earlier you start, the smoother the transition will likely be. Take control of your education, and be sure to advocate for yourself throughout the process. And once you arrive at your transfer school, be proactive about understanding what's necessary to stay on track with your academic plan. Good luck, and enjoy the transfer journey - it can be complex, but is also ultimately rewarding!