How does the IGETC work for transferring from Santa Monica College?

I'm planning to transfer from Santa Monica College and heard about the IGETC requirements. Can someone explain how these work and if it's a good option for transferring to a UC or CSU?

Sure, I'd be glad to help shed some light on this. The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) is a series of courses that California community college students can complete to satisfy the lower-division general education requirements at either the University of California (UC) or the California State University (CSU) systems. By fulfilling the IGETC requirements, a student can transfer from a community college in the California Community College system to a campus in either the UC or CSU system without needing to take any additional lower-division general education courses at that university.

The IGETC is typically a good option for students who know early on that they want to transfer to a UC or CSU school, as it allows them to methodically complete their general education requirements. That said, the IGETC is not for every student. For instance, some students may find it more efficient to focus on meeting the more specific prerequisites for their major before they transfer. Additionally, some majors have extensive lower-division requirements, which can make completing both the major prerequisites and the IGETC difficult.

Moreover, not all UC and CSU campuses and majors accept the IGETC, so students should always research the specific acceptance policies of the colleges to which they aspire. If you're unsure of whether the IGETC is right for you, reaching out to a counselor at Santa Monica College or the admissions department of your prospective college can be of great help in navigating your personal transfer path.

Keep in mind that the IGETC does not guarantee admission to any UC or CSU campus, nor does it replace the need to meet the necessary GPA requirements or complete other admission requirements. It does, however, help make the transfer process more streamlined by providing a clear pathway of courses that fulfill lower-division general education requirements.

In summary, the IGETC can be a great way to structure your community college coursework with the goal of transferring to a UC or CSU school, as long as your intended school and major recognize it as fulfilling lower-division general education requirements. Good luck on your academic journey!