How do transfer credits work at Sierra College?

I'm hoping to start at Sierra College and then transfer to a university. How does the credit transfer process work, and is there anything special I should know to make my credits count?

At Sierra College, you should work closely with your academic counselor to make sure that the courses you're taking will transfer appropriately to your target university. California has articulation agreements with the CSU (California State University) and UC (University of California) systems that lay out which community college courses are equivalent to which university courses, giving you a clear path for transfer. This can be extremely helpful in planning your course schedule.

For other universities, both in-state and out-of-state, you'll need to work more closely with your counselor and potentially the admissions office at your target university. The most transfer-friendly courses tend to be general education and course requirements for your intended major. Do check with both Sierra College and your target university to make sure that the courses you're taking at Sierra will fulfill the requirements at your future university.

In addition, Sierra College is part of the California Community College System, which has an agreement known as the "Associate Degree for Transfer" (ADT) program. If you earn an ADT in a relevant major, you are guaranteed admission into a CSU, although not necessarily your first-choice campus or major. Some private and out-of-state colleges also recognize ADTs, but their policies can vary, so it’s worth researching if you’re considering that path.

It's important to maintain a strong academic performance at Sierra College, as the GPA you earn there will be one component universities consider when deciding whether to accept your application. Overall, starting at a community college like Sierra College can be a fantastic way to save money on your general education classes while preparing to transfer into a four-year university. Good luck on your educational journey!