Advice for California Community College Transfer Students
Most transfer students come to UC from California community colleges. In fact, in the last five years, the University of California has admitted, on average, nearly 8 of every 10 California community college students who apply.
The University of California works in partnership with the community colleges to make admission attainable for transfer students. UC gives California community college students first priority over other transfer applicants, including those from four-year institutions and UC's own intercampus transfers. It's important that you are familiar with the minimum admission requirements and that you plan your community college program wisely by taking transferable courses and fulfilling general education requirements.
Each UC campus also offers its own programs and services to support transfer students. Among them, many campuses offer individual transfer agreements that guarantee students space in a particular major, provided they complete specific academic requirements in community college.
What to Expect When You Transfer
Your academic experience at UC will be challenging and stimulating. You will be stepping into a new environment, and much of your success in adjusting will depend on your own initiative. Here are a few tips that may help:
Expect rigorous coursework.
You likely will take most of your coursework at the upper division (junior and senior) level, which is more demanding. Subjects will be presented in more depth and with a tighter focus than in the broad-based survey or foundation courses you took to prepare to transfer.
And while some of your classes may be larger than you are used to, big lectures are typically paired with small group discussions. Many campuses also offer seminar-style courses each term that enable you to have more one-on-one interaction with instructors.
Plan for a faster pace.
Transfer students familiar with the semester system may find that it takes some time to adjust to the different rhythm of the quarter system. Every UC campus except Berkeley and Merced operates on the quarter system, with three 10-week terms in the academic year. (Berkeley and Merced have two semesters in the academic year, each 16 to 18 weeks long.) The faster pace means learning to budget your time well — you cannot afford to get behind in your reading or coursework — and expecting midterm exams to come around more quickly.
If you do transfer to a UC campus on the quarter system, try not to take more than 12 units your first quarter. This will give you time to get a feel for the change without being overwhelmed.
Give courses priority over work.
Many community college students are used to fitting part-time classes around a full-time job. UC expects you to do the opposite and will help you connect with financial aid that can allow you to keep your work hours manageable. The best way to deal with all the changes you'll encounter is to allow more time for your studies at UC.
Seek out career contacts early.
Establishing a relationship with your UC professors requires effort beyond attending weekly lectures. Visit them during office hours. Ask about internships or research prospects in your field. Professors often are the key to unadvertised opportunities that can give you vital career experience, particularly if you plan to attend graduate school. Campuses also have career centers that can help you research your career or graduate school options.
Get involved.
Each UC campus offers hundreds of clubs and organizations where you can quickly get to know your fellow students. Many campuses also have transfer centers and specialized support services to help smooth your transition.
Concentrate on preparing for your major.
Most important in making the transition is your academic preparation while you are still at community college. The more comprehensive and challenging your community college program, the better prepared you will be for university work and the better your chances for academic success. Concentrate on classes required as preparation for upper division work in your intended major. Completing your major preparation coursework and general education requirements while at community college can make you a more competitive applicant and help you graduate sooner after you transfer.
