Transferring from Santa Monica College to Cal State LA?

I'm planning to start at Santa Monica College with the goal of transferring to Cal State LA. Does anyone have any information on how feasible this path is or what I might need to prepare for the transfer?

Absolutely, transferring from a California community college like Santa Monica College to a Cal State school like CSU LA is not only feasible but also rather common.

First, keep in mind Cal State LA has a minimum GPA requirement of 2.50 for transfer students, so you'd want to aim to maintain at least that. However, I'd recommend aiming higher in order to be competitive, especially if the major you're hoping to enter is highly sought after.

Next, you'll want to ensure that you've completed the "Golden Four" requirement, which consists of a course in oral communication, written communication, critical thinking, and mathematics/quantitative reasoning, each with a grade of "C" or better.

It could be really beneficial for you to take advantage of California's Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program or the Associates Degree for Transfer (ADT). The TAG program provides a guaranteed pathway to certain universities if you meet specific requirements, and the ADT guarantees admission to a California State University campus upon completion.

Lastly, it's crucial to form a relationship with an academic adviser either at your current school or Cal State LA. They can offer guidance on specific prerequisites you'll need to fulfill based on your intended major and can keep you updated on transfer admission processes and deadlines.

Transfer rates vary depending on major and year, but the transfer pathway from a community college to a Cal State school is well-trodden and with careful planning and preparation, definitely achievable. Best of luck!