I was also confused about this when I first started at my CCC. I know for any engineering school completing the IGETC is not required and often discouraged. Most schools want you to focus on completing your physics, math, and chemistry requirements. The counselors at my school did not give me much information outside of IGETC requirements so I had to do a lot of research on my own about transferring as an engineering major. I used assist.org to create an education plan for myself. I would also recommend going to each school’s website and search through their transfer admissions section for more information on what they want. http://admissions.calpoly.edu/applicants/transfer/criteria17/eea.html check that out.
As for physics or astrophysics at UCs, I imagine they have a similar attitude towards the IGETC. I found this http://www.admission.ucla.edu/prospect/Adm_tr/lsmajors/astrphys.htm and http://web2.assist.org/web-assist/report.do?agreement=aa&reportPath=REPORT_2&reportScript=Rep2.pl&event=19&dir=1&sia=LACC&ria=UCLA&ia=LACC&oia=UCLA&aay=15-16&ay=16-17&dora=ASTRPHYS keep in mind assist information might be different for your CC.
I would also recommend calling or emailed the admissions offices of all the schools you want to go to if you have any questions about which classes you should be taking. I did and most people were very helpful.
Lastly, if you really want to have a strong application have a high GPA, that’s a give, but something most people don’t talk about is finding an internship or enrichment program while at CC.It shows your dedication towards your major and towards science. If you are more interested in this I have a few links I can send you. If your not too interested, I would recommend getting involved with clubs at your CC or even starting your own club.
My time at CC:
I’m applying to transfer as a chemical engineering major (alt. major, mechanical engineering) to most UCs, the Cal Polys, USC, and Stanford. My GPA is a bit low for most schools, 3.4, maybe a 3.5-3.6 after this semester, but I spent almost a year working at an electroplating lab for an aerospace company and a summer at USC in a research lab, so I’m hoping that will make up for it.