Are Santa Monica College's associate degrees for transfer a good idea?

Thinking about pursuing an associate degree for transfer at Santa Monica College. Are these programs helpful for getting into a four-year school?

Absolutely, pursuing an associate degree for transfer at Santa Monica College can be a smart decision depending upon your academic goals and circumstances. Many students find these programs advantageous for several reasons.

First, these transfer programs have articulation agreements with several four-year institutions, particularly those within the California State University (CSU) system. This means these institutions have a formal agreement acknowledging that certain course credits at Santa Monica College are equivalent to courses at the four-year university and will, therefore, be applied toward your bachelor's degree.

Second, earning an associate degree for transfer typically provides you with a higher priority for admission into the four-year institution as a junior. It's important to mention that this only applies for your local California State University campus and does not guarantee admission to a specific major or campus.

Thirdly, these programs can be a cost-effective approach to obtaining a bachelor's degree. Completing your first two years at a community college before transferring to a four-year institution can substantially reduce your overall college expenses.

That said, ensure you have a solid plan. Consult with your academic advisor about which classes you should take for your specific major and preferred transfer institution. Also, explore how routinely students from Santa Monica College successfully transfer to four-year universities and into their intended programs of study. Taking these steps will help you gauge whether this path is advantageous in light of your specific academic goals.