Ten Transfer Tips from The College Transfer Guru

                                              Ten Quick Tips for College Transfer Planning 
To be eligible for transfer you will be expected to complete some or all general education requirements and major prerequisites prior to transfer.
1.     Identify your target four year colleges.
2.    What are the minimum number of units (credits) needed to be eligible for transfer.   At most Cal State campuses and all UC campuses the number is 60 semester units (90 quarter units).  Private colleges and other state public university systems may accept fewer units for transfer eligibility. 
3.     Research the general education requirements (also called breadth requirements) at target schools and plot your general education course sequence accordingly.
-    If you are enrolled in a California Community College you can find Cal State University transfer requirements at:
               http://calstate.edu/transfer/requirements/csustudents.shtml
-     UC transfer requirements at:
      admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/transfer/general-education-igetc/index.html
4.      If you are targeting private colleges or other public universities check your community college course catalogue for course articulation agreements. For example, here is the articulation link at Santa Monica College:        
www.smc.edu/StudentServices/TransferServices/AreasofStudy/Pages/default.aspx/
The articulation agreement will tell you which courses at your community college satisfy general education requirements at the target college.
5.      Next find out what major prerequisites are required, or recommended, for eligibility at your target colleges.  For transfers from California Community Colleges to the University of California or the Cal State University systems, the best place to start is at: www.assist.org.
6.     If your target colleges are outside the UC or Cal State System then you will have to research major requirements at each college website.  Some of the prerequisites could overlap with UC or Cal State major prerequisites. 
7.     Check your community college catalogue to see how many of your high school AP or IB exam scores satisfy general ed or major prerequisites. 
8.     Plan your course sequence.  For the University of California you can use the online Transfer Admission Planner at:
​                 admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/transfer/transfer-admission-planner/
9.     Now that you know your target transfer colleges check application deadlines.  This is critical.  Some colleges, including the UC and Cal State systems require transfer application almost a year in advance of enrollment.  Application deadlines for other colleges and universities are often in the spring prior to fall enrollment.
10.    Remember to apply for financial aid.  Research college financial aid deadlines   
   and don’t miss them.   
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                          The College Transfer Guru can help you navigate
                                 the system and plan your transfer path.