Transferring credits from community college to CSU or UC

I'm planning to transfer from a community college to either a CSU or UC. How does the process differ between these two systems? Are there specific courses I should focus on to ensure maximum credit transfer?

The process of transferring credits from a community college to a CSU or UC system is quite streamlined due to specific transfer programs established in California.

For transferring to a CSU, there’s a program called the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) designed to ensure that community college students are prepared for upper division coursework at CSU. By earning an ADT, which entails completing a minimum of 60 units of CSU-transferable coursework with a GPA of at least 2.0, you are guaranteed admission into the CSU system with junior standing.

Similarly, for the UC system, there’s the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program, which offers guaranteed admission to one of six UC campuses to students who meet specific requirements at their community college. You’ll need to complete certain general education requirements and major preparation coursework. The GPA requirements vary by campus, but most recommend a minimum GPA between 3.2 and 3.5.

For both CSU and UC, the key to ensuring maximum credit transfer is to focus on completing general education courses and prerequisites for your intended major. Both systems outline this clearly. To find the specific courses required for your intended major, you can consult a counselor at your community college or use the Assist tool, which is the official repository of articulation agreements between California’s public colleges and universities.

Make sure to take advantage of the counseling resources at your community college, as they are well-versed in these transfer agreements and can provide personalized advice based on your academic and career goals. It’s also important to submit your applications by the deadlines to ensure a smooth transfer process. Remember that the UC application period is October 1 to November 30 and deadlines for CSU vary, so keep an eye on those dates. Good luck!