UC Transfer Pathways vs. Pathways+ vs. TAG

[tenderyeolie]

What is the difference between the new “Pathways+” program and the normal Transfer Pathways and Transfer Admission Guarantee for UCs? If you complete the TAG requirements what’s the point of another admission guarantee through Pathways+?

[mikemac]

Pathways+ is NOT an admission guarantee, TAG is still the only guarantee program. Instead Pathways+ is a program that makes you competitive for admission to majors in the program at all UC campuses.

We also encourage students to consider participating in our new Pathways+ program which extends a guarantee of admission to students who complete a Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) and complete the course expectations of a Transfer Pathway.
https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/admission-requirements/transfer-requirements/transfer-pathways/

Can I just do a TAG without doing Pathways+?
Yes, you can do a TAG without doing Pathways+. If your major isn’t one of the Transfer Pathways, this might be your best option if you want guaranteed admission to one of the six TAG campuses.

Pathways+ is a new transfer option, but it is not replacing the original TAG program. The six TAG campuses will continue to offer TAGs in a wide range of majors, including majors that are not part of the Transfer Pathways. If you decide to TAG to a campus, you’ll need to complete the TAG requirements at the TAG campus you’re applying to in order to qualify for a guarantee.

How do I know if Pathways+ is the right option for me?
Transferring to UC is about making the right choices for you, whether you’re just beginning at community college or already taking classes for your major. Pathways+ might be right for you if your major is one of our Transfer Pathways, and you want to be competitive for multiple UC’s while guaranteeing your spot at one of six campuses offering TAG. You get the academic preparation and guidance you need to be a strong applicant, plus the security of knowing you have a guaranteed place at UC.

https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/admission-requirements/transfer-requirements/pathways-plus.html

My take on this is UC is trying to solve 2 problems. First, TAG isn’t that stringent on required prep, even for majors that require some. So students who complete TAG and apply to other campuses weren’t getting into many other options. So Pathways+ requires more classes. Second, Pathways+ is doing for majors what IGETC did for breadth requirements. If you try to satisfy all the recommended classes for a major you end up with too many to complete if you collect them from several campuses. Pathways+ is a set of classes that all UCs will agree make you a strong candidate, similar to how they all agree IGETC satisifies GE requirements.

[ucbalumnus]

Seems like Pathways+ is the UC analog for the major-prep courses in AA-T/AS-T for CSU.