Steps to Transfer from Community College to CSU

I'm attending a community college right now and thinking about transferring to a CSU campus. What is the process like and what should I prepare to increase my chances of being accepted?

Transferring from a community college to a CSU (California State University) campus involves a few steps, but it's a great option for many students.

1. Reserve Time for College Research: Understand your interests, career goals, and what each CSU campus can offer you. Different campuses have varying strengths, so it's essential to find a match that aligns with your academic and career aspirations.

2. Complete General Education (GE) and Major Preparation: CSU campuses require you to complete a series of GE courses, part of the CSU General Education-Breadth (GE-Breadth) or Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) before transferring. Check out Assist.org to figure out exactly which courses you need to take based on your intended major and target CSU campus. Ensure you maintain a strong GPA in these courses - your performance in these can significantly impact your chance of acceptance as CSU campuses generally prefer students that can demonstrate academic proficiency.

3. Completion of 60 CSU-transferable semester units: To be eligible to transfer to CSU campuses as an upper-division (junior) transfer student, you need to have at least 60 CSU-transferrable semester units by the time of your enrollment.

4. Apply to CSU: The application period usually opens between October 1 and November 30, for admission in the following fall. Fill out the application on the Cal State Apply website.

5. Send in Your Transcripts: You need to send your official transcript, displaying all your completed coursework, to your chosen CSU. Be sure to send it in by the deadline. Some CSUs may also require midterm grade reports if you are still in the process of finishing up your 60 transferable units.

To increase your chances of being accepted:

- Maintain a Strong GPA: A key factor in ensuring your admission is your GPA. While the minimum GPA for acceptance is typically 2.0 for California residents (and a 2.4 for non-residents), the more competitive your GPA, the better your chances for acceptance.

- Departmental Requirements: Some majors might have supplementary requirements, like portfolio submissions or auditions. Be sure to check the website of your chosen major at your chosen CSU campus for any additional requirements.

- Use Assist.org: It's a tool to help you understand the requirements for your intended major at your chosen CSU and helps you to plan your course load at community college accordingly.

- Meet with a Counselor: They're informed about the transfer process and can help guide you on the path that's right for you.

- Participate in the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) Program: If your community college offers it, consider pursuing an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program. These are specialized degrees that ensure your admission into a CSU campus (though not necessarily the one you want).

Remember that each CSU has its own specific guidelines and requirements for transfer students, so it's important to research your desired campus' transfer admission process. Good luck!