Tips for transferring from Saddleback College to UCI?

I'm hoping to transfer from Saddleback College to UCI. If anyone's successfully done this, could you share how it went? Any advice on specific classes or credits that are critical in making the move?

Getting a transfer from a community college like Saddleback to a UC system school like UCI can be a very smart move! Here are some steps you can consider to make that happen successfully.

1. Major Preparation: Start by investigating what major you want to pursue at UCI. Use the UCI's Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) matrix and assist.org to see what course work is recommended for your intended major. This way you can make sure the classes you're taking at Saddleback will indeed count towards your required major coursework at UCI.

2. IGETC (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum): This is a series of courses that California community college students can take to satisfy the lower-division/general education breadth requirements at UC (including UCI). Completing it might be a good start, as it covers a wide range of areas and ensures you can start upper-division classes upon transfer.

3. Keep your GPA up: The higher your GPA, the better your chances of getting accepted into UCI. The average GPA of transfers getting in is typically around 3.5, so aim for a GPA around or above that.

4. UC Application: When the time comes, make sure to clearly articulate your reasons for transferring in your UC Application. Tailor your application to show how you've prepared for your desired major and why you think UCI is a good fit for your academic and career goals.

5. UCI's Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG): If you meet certain criteria, UCI offers a Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) that secures your spot before you even apply. It's a great option if you meet the criteria (which include having a certain GPA, completing specific course requirements and having a certain number of UC-transferable units).

While these are some general points, I would highly recommend speaking directly to a transfer counselor at both Saddleback and UCI. They will have more specific advice tailored to your situation. Remember that every student's path is unique, so what worked best for one person might not be the best path for you.