Best Tips for Transferring to a Cal State from Community College?

I'm planning to transfer from my community college to a Cal State school. Can someone share tips for standing out in the application process? Are there specific courses or extracurriculars that might boost my application?

Sure, happy to help! The California State University (CSU) system has a specific process in place designed to help community college students seamlessly transfer into their programs. Here are a few tips for standing out as you navigate this process:

1. Identify Your Major Early: It's important to identify your desired major early on because some majors have specific requirements or prerequisites, particularly if you're looking into more specialized fields like engineering or health sciences.

2. Complete the General Education (GE) Requirements: CSU has a general education program called the Breadth Requirements that all students need to complete. By maintaining a high GPA in these courses, you can set yourself apart.

3. Choose the Appropriate Transferable Courses: To increase your chances of being accepted, focus on completing transferrable courses related to your desired major. CSU acknowledges IGETC (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum) which lists courses you can complete at your community college that can transfer to CSU.

4. Participate in the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) Program: This program guarantees you admission with junior standing somewhere in the CSU system and gives priority admission consideration to your local CSU campus or to the program that is similar to your community college major.

5. Maintain a High GPA: While it's important to maintain a strong GPA in all of your classes, demonstrating academic excellence in the courses directly related to your desired major is especially crucial.

6. Seek Leadership Positions: If you can, become involved in extracurricular activities—like clubs or student organizations—and seek leadership positions. This involvement demonstrates your commitment to your field of interest and shows that you can balance multiple responsibilities.

7. Start the Application Early: The CSU application can take some time to put together. So, start the process early so you don't end up feeling too rushed, and make sure to double-check everything before submitting.

Remember, while each CSU campus will have its specific requirements and quotas for transfer students, the overarching aim is to demonstrate your interest and aptitude for your chosen major, along with your capacity to thrive in a university setting. Good luck!