I'm trying to understand how transfer credits are handled at Santa Ana College. Are there specific courses that automatically transfer to certain universities, or is it more complicated? I want to make sure I choose the right courses.
As a Community College in California, Santa Ana College follows the state's intersegmental general education transfer curriculum (IGETC) structure, for students looking to transfer to the California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) systems.
Taking IGETC pathway courses guarantees that your general education requirements will be accepted by these schools. This doesn't take into account major-specific course requirements, though. For that, you'll need to browse through each individual university's transfer admission guide.
It's also important to check with prospective universities outside the CSU and UC systems about transfer credit policies, as these can vary significantly from institution to institution. Private and out-of-state colleges may use a different system for evaluating transfer credits.
To ensure you're making the best choices, it would be very helpful to have a preliminary list of colleges you might wish to transfer to. Then, work with your academic advisor at Santa Ana College to develop a course plan that aligns with your transfer goals. They can help you navigate articulation agreements, which are formal agreements that spell out how specific course credits will transfer between institutions.
Lastly, as with all college courses, make sure to do well in them! Just because a course is transferable does not mean it will be accepted with a low grade. Admission into your prospective four-year college will not only depend on the courses you've taken but also on the grades you've earned.
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