If I were to get accepted into a CSU what would I have to do to transfer into a UC?
Not CC to UC, even though it seems somewhat easier based on what the Internet says…
My Humanities teacher had gotten accepted into CSULA, and then transfered two years later to USC, and graduateD two years later from USC.
I understand that this is doable, but she told me that it was a weird process, can anyone maybe try to elaborate on what she meant?
This is because most CSUs tend to have lower graduation rates than UCs, and I want to graduate on time, like my teacher did.
She aspires to earn a PHD in the future, since she has her masters… and based on her route it looks very successful, she even said it herself that USC helped her prosper more as a student, something she didn’t find at CSULA.
- USC is not a UC, it is private so different transfer requirements.
- Yes, many CSU’s are impacted but if you plan your schedule carefully, are flexible on class times and professors, you can graduate in 4 years from a CSU. Also CSU’s can be generous with AP credit, which can shorten your time to graduate.
- There are many reasons for lower graduation rates such as students changing majors, having to work while going to school so taking longer to fulfill degree requirements, students wanting to study abroad which can impact their time to graduate etc…
- Going from a CSU to UC is possible, but many of the CSU courses do not articulate well with the UC course requirements. Going to a CC is a well proven path since you can use assist.org which will list the CC’s required for UC transfer. Also there is TAG for UC’s where you are guaranteed acceptance into a specific UC if you fulfill the GPA and course requirements.
If you want to go the CSU to UC route, then you need to match your CSU courses to the UC transfer courses. You can use assist.org to get a list of the transfer courses for your target UC. Look up the course descriptions and try to match them to your CSU courses. I would also enlist the help of a transfer counselor.
Best of luck.
To add on to your great insight, it is EXTREMELY important to note that as a result of the TAG program and the popular path that is CCC --> UC Campus, all UC campuses hold immense preference towards California CC (CCC) students when it comes to transfer admissions. 93% of the accepted transfer students at UC Berkeley were CCC students.
In any event, I definitely recommend RedIsLovely to apply broadly. While you should totally apply to the UC Campuses, DO NOT only apply to UC’s.
transferring between School A and School B takes careful planning if you want to graduate in 4 years - no matter which schools they are. It is sometimes hard to tell which courses to take - and most students loose a few units with each transfer. CCCs are the most well worn paths so, they are also pretty well documents through programs like TAG and TAP. Thousands of students use these programs to gain UC admission every year. Hundreds of students move from a CSU to a UC. You can use this tool to see for yourself. Admitted students from both systems have similar GPAs - though some preference is given to CCC stuents.
https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/infocenter/admissions-source-school
If your target school and major are TAG eligible, a CC might be the best choice. If your hope is to transfer to UCB, UCLA or UCSD - or a growing list of TAG excluded majors, you really don’t gain much from the CC route. Either way, you need a really strong GPA and the right classes. You can work with your target school for the classes. You’ll have to earn the GPA on your own.
A well prepared and motivated student can certainly get through any of the 23 CSUs in 4 years. True most don’t but the reasons are well documented above. You shouldn’t think of a 4 year grad rate as your odds of getting out in 4. It is much more in your control than that.
If you choose the CC route, look up the success metrics for your local CC, they vary widely.
http://scorecard.cccco.edu/scorecard.aspx
Good luck