Transferring to Portland State University from Community College

Is it challenging to transfer from a community college to Portland State University? What kind of GPA should I aim for, and are there any specific coursework requirements I need to satisfy before applying?

Transferring from a community college to Portland State University (PSU) is quite achievable with the right planning and hard work. PSU has a strong commitment to accepting transfer students and there are clear pathways to make the transition smoother.

In terms of GPA, PSU recommends a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 for transfer students, but it's always a good idea to aim for a higher GPA to strengthen your application. A GPA above 3.0, for example, would make your application more competitive.

As for specific coursework, it's worth noting that PSU requires certain prerequisites depending on your intended major. For instance, if you plan on pursuing a degree in Engineering, you might need to complete courses in calculus and physics at your community college before transferring. It's advisable that you check the specific course prerequisites for your intended major on PSU’s official website or speak with an academic advisor at your community college.

Also, if you're an Oregon resident, you might consider taking advantage of Oregon's statewide degree partnership programs. This program allows students to be jointly admitted and enrolled at PSU and any Oregon Community College. It can reduce the risk of credits not transferring and make the transition process smoother.

Another tip for successful transfer is to complete a transfer degree. In Oregon, there are Associate degrees designed to seamlessly transfer to PSU or other public universities, including the Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree (AAOT) and the Associate of Science Oregon Transfer Degree in Business (ASOT-Business).

Keep in mind that each student's pathway may look different, and it's important to discuss your goals and plans with an academic advisor to make sure you're on the right track towards successful transfer. Best of luck with your transfer journey to PSU!