Transferring from De Anza College to UC Campuses: How Does It Work?

I'm considering transferring from De Anza College to a UC campus. What steps do I need to take, and how do I figure out which credits transfer? Any tips from those who've done it before?

Sure, I can definitely provide some guidance on this! Transferring from a community college to a University of California (UC) campus involves a few steps.

First, you'll need to meet the eligibility requirements. UC campuses require a minimum GPA (usually a 2.4 GPA for California residents and a 2.8 GPA for non-residents), and that you've completed at least 60 semester (or 90 quarter) UC-transferable units.

Next, you'll want to look into the UC's Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program. Six UC campuses offer guaranteed admission to California community college students who meet certain criteria. To be eligible for TAG, you'll need to complete specific courses and maintain a certain GPA. Each campus has specific TAG agreements, and you can only accept one TAG offer.

The most important step, I'd say, is to work with your De Anza College counselor and use resources such as the UC Transfer Admission Planner to ensure you’re taking the right courses that will transfer to your choice UC campus. This would typically include general education requirements along with pre-requisite courses for your desired major.

Application-wise, you'll apply to UC campuses through the standard UC application for undergraduate admission and scholarships, which is available online. The application typically opens August 1 and you can start submitting it from November 1st to 30th. Be prepared to write responses to the personal insight questions specifically designed for transfer students.

Finally, if you've done any AP or college-level coursework while in high school, be sure to have those transcripts sent to your new institution as well. This is important for credit transferring and ensuring that you're not retaking coursework unnecessarily.

Remember, it's always a good idea to reach out directly to the transfer admissions offices at the campuses you're interested in for precise information and guidance. Best of luck with your transfer journey!