Skyline College and UC Transfer Promise: How Reliable Is It?

I'm curious about the Skyline College UC Transfer Promise. Can someone explain how this program works and whether it's a reliable pathway to a University of California school? I'd love advice from anyone who's been through it.

The Skyline College UC Transfer Promise, often referred to as a transfer admission guarantee (TAG), is designed to provide students at Skyline College a clear and guaranteed admissions pathway to certain University of California campuses.

Here's how the process generally works:

1. You start by enrolling at Skyline College and specifying that you're interested in the UC Transfer Promise.

2. During your time at Skyline, you will need to complete certain course requirements and maintain a specific GPA to be eligible for the TAG. The exact required GPA will differ from campus to campus.

3. You submit your TAG application, typically a year in advance of when you wish to transfer. In the application, you will specify which UC campus you are applying to.

4. If all requirements are met, you will receive a guaranteed offer of admission from the UC campus specified in your TAG application.

Now, it's important to note that not all UC campuses participate in the TAG program. As per my knowledge, six of the nine UC undergraduate campuses currently participate: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Merced, UC Riverside, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Santa Cruz. Therefore, if you're aiming for UC Berkeley, UCLA, or UC San Diego, this may not be the pathway for you.

In terms of reliability, the program has been successful for many students. However, like any other plans, its effectiveness boils down to your ability to meet the necessary requirements and follow the plan as laid out.

Lastly, ensure that you seek advice from transfer advisors at Skyline college from day one so they can help guide you through the process and ensure you meet all requirements. This kind of ongoing advice and assistance can make a significant difference in successfully transferring to a UC school through the program.