PLANNING GUIDE FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS Oceans of Opportunity

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1 PLANNING GUIDE FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS Oceans of Opportunity

2 ABOUT THIS GUIDE Welcome to Golden West College! As a student planning on transferring to a four-year school, you may have many questions regarding what to do and who to see in achieving your educational goals. Golden West College is a great place to fulfill your lower division General Education Requirements and begin preparing for your major prior to transfer. Your success is important to us and this guide is intended to provide you with the information and resources that will help you achieve your academic goals. This guide was created by a committee of dedicated counselors and every reasonable effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. However, information is subject to change and this guide is intended to be used in conjunction with a counselor. It is important to meet with your counselor regularly to plan for successful transfer. Make an appointment with your counselor early in your education. Call (714) or come by the Counseling Center to schedule your appointment. Non Discrimination Statement The Coast Community College District does not discriminate unlawfully in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or genetic information. Sexual Violence Education and Prevention The Coast Community College District recognizes that sexual assault is a serious issue, and will not tolerate acts of sexual assault on district property or districtsponsored activities. The District will investigate all allegations of sexual assault that occur on District property or at sponsored activities and take appropriate criminal, disciplinary or legal action, with prior consent of the victim. The Coast Community College District is committed to its students safety as a vital ingredient to student learning and success. The District encourages victims of sexual violence to report the crime. Access Coast Community College District s webpage to learn more about Sexual Assault Violence at:

3 Table of Contents Transfer Center Services... 2 Transfer Center Events... 3 Transfer Students... 3 Degrees and Certificates... 4 Higher Education Summary... 5 Preparation for Transfer to UC and CSU... 6 Degree Components... 7 Associate Degree for Transfer... 7 University of California (UC) System... 8 UC Transfer Admission Planner... 9 California State University (CSU) System...10 CSU in 2 years - Guaranteed UC/CSU differences...12 Private/Independent Colleges and Universities...13 California Independent Colleges and Universities...14 Colleges and Universities by Area...15 College and Universities Quick Comparison...16 How to Calculate your GPA...17 Assist ( General Education...20 Step-by-Step completing the CSU and UC Applications...22 The Personal Statement...24 Scholarships...25 Transfer Terminology...26 Useful Websites...28 GWC Transfer Success...29 Golden West College Transfer Planning Guide 1

4 Transfer Center Services University Transfer Fair University Representative Visits Meet with representatives from UC, CSU and Private Universities on the GWC campus to ask questions about admissions, majors, deadlines and more. Make an appointment in the Transfer Center. University Fairs Visit with numerous University/College representatives on the GWC campus all in one day. Ask questions, get answers. Transfer Information Workshops Attend How to Transfer to UC/CSU, Transfer Admission Guarantee, UC Personal Statement, University specific and/or Application workshops. University Tours Join a campus tour of area colleges and universities. Transportation is provided to more than a dozen different universities, including UC, CSU and independent campuses. Take advantage of this great opportunity to check out the campus environment and ask specific questions about admissions, financial aid, housing, and university student life. University Catalog Library Start your university research right here at Golden West College. A variety of catalogs and resources including free university brochures, pamphlets, and fliers are always available. Computer Lab, Transfer Websites, and Internet Resources Utilize our computers to access university catalogs, college ratings, scholarships, and internship information; take a virtual campus tour and much more. Like the GWC Transfer Center on Facebook. Transfer Conference Attend a one-day event scheduled during the academic year. Attend various workshops regarding the transfer process, strategies, major preparation, student success programs and meet with various university representatives. University Admissions Presentations Listen to representatives from different universities and learn about programs, admissions requirements, and other campus specific information. Counseling and Advisement Speak with a counselor about transfer major guide sheets, course articulation, and transfer requirements and options. 2 Golden West College Transfer Planning Guide

5 Transfer Center Events Stay informed of Golden West College Transfer Center Events by visiting the Transfer Center. Some events to look forward to include: FALL Transfer Day Fair (October) University Tours (October/November) University Representative Visits (Monthly) SPRING University Fair (April) University Tours (March/April) University Representative Visits (Monthly) Transfer Workshops (ongoing) How to Transfer to UC/CSU UC/CSU Strategies AA/AS Transfer Degrees (AA/AS-T) Choosing the Right University Transfer Admission Guarantees (TAG) UC Personal Statement University Admissions Workshops Application Workshops Application Assistance (Open Lab) Transfer Workshops (ongoing) How to Transfer to UC/CSU UC/CSU Strategies AA/AS Transfer Degrees (AA/AS-T) Admissions Appeals Next Steps Admit Reception (end-of-year celebration) Transfer Students Planning to go to college starts as soon as you enroll in community college. As a GWC student, you know that you have big plans for your future. Going to college will take dedication and work. Your GWC counselor and instructors will help you get there. Get to know them and don t be afraid to ask questions, such as: Why is college so important for my future? What events should I attend so that I can explore majors? What s the difference between a UC, CSU and private school? What events should I attend so that I can explore different campuses? How do I know which college is right for me? How can I pay for college? Am I taking the right courses? Once you ask the important questions, you need to start searching for the answers. It starts with understanding the basic structure of higher education in California so that you can make an informed decision about your transfer goals. Golden West College Transfer Planning Guide 3

6 Vocational Certificates At community colleges, you can earn These demonstrate that you have a set of skills for a particular occupation. The length of time required varies by occupation, ranging from six months to less than two years. Certificates are available in subjects like auto mechanics, welding, and cosmetology. Associate s Degrees These are two-year degrees that provide preparation for a career or for a transfer to a four-year college or university. Examples of careers that require an associate s degree are dental assistant, teacher assistant, and electromechanical technologist. Students can also earn an associate s degree, then transfer to a four-year school to earn a bachelor s degree. At four-year colleges and universities, you can earn DOCTORATE DEGREE MASTER S DEGREE BACHELOR S DEGREE ASSOCIATE DEGREE VOCATIONAL CERTIFICATE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA G.E.D. Educational Options in California Bachelor s Degrees A bachelor s degree is awarded after four years of study at a college. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) are the most common, and both require general education courses, a major, and electives. This degree is also called an undergraduate degree. Master s Degrees A master s degree is an advanced degree earned in a specialized field after the completion of a bachelor s degree. Most master s degrees take one to three years of full-time study and include writing a thesis or taking comprehensive exams. Common Master s degree programs include School or Personal Counseling, Business Administration, Social Work, Physical Therapy, Public Administration and Education. Doctoral Degrees A doctoral degree, also known as a doctorate (PhD), is the highest educational degree you can earn. A doctoral degree indicates expertise in a specialized field. Doctoral programs typically range from 5-7 years in length and include academic courses, and research and writing a dissertation. While students that enter a doctoral program after completion of a bachelor s degree will spend 5-7 years in the program, others may enter after completion of a master s degree and will spend 3-5 years to complete the program. Professional Degrees Professional degrees are advanced degrees in fields like dentistry, ministry, law, medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. These degrees are earned after completing a bachelor s degree, and the length of study required for each profession varies from 2-5 years. Certificates and Credentials A certificate program is a structured set of courses and requirements in a defined area at the graduate level and is generally less demanding than a degree program. Credential programs prepare individuals to provide service in California public school settings. Credential programs are regulated by standards set by the state of California. 4 Golden West College Transfer Planning Guide

7 Higher Education Summary Offered at UC and Private/Independent Colleges DOCTORATE AND PROFESSIONAL DEGREES Requires Bachelor s degree to enter 3.0+ GPA for entry 3-7 years in length Academic (PhD, EdD, PsyD) and Professional (MD, JD, DDS, PharmD, DVM, etc) Offered at UC, CSU, and Private/Independent Colleges and Universities MASTER S DEGREES Requires Bachelor s degree to enter 3.0 GPA for entry 2 3 years in length CREDENTIAL PROGRAMS Requires Bachelor s degree to enter GPA for entry months in length Single Subject, Multiple Subject, and Special Education BACHELOR S DEGREES 120 semester units (180 quarter units) minimum GPA for transfer student entry General Education, Major, and Campus-based requirements for graduation. Programs vary by campus Offered at California Community Colleges ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE 60 units 2.0 GPA General Education, Major, and Campus-based requirements for graduation Vocational and University Transfer programs available CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS 1 semester 2 years in length 7 54 units Provides vocational training and/or certification Programs vary by campus PERSONAL ENRICHMENT COURSEWORK Coursework to expand knowledge Become a life-long learner Golden West College Transfer Planning Guide 5

8 Preparation for Transfer to UC and CSU As an upper division transfer student you can earn 50 percent of your bachelor s degree at GWC. Meet with a counselor to set up an educational plan, gain upper division status and make yourself as competitive as possible for admission into your university of choice. Upper Division Transfer Student: A student who has completed 60 transferable units and the appropriate course patterns. Admission will be based on college work only. EARN 50% OF A BACHELOR S DEGREE AT GWC AS AN UPPER DIVISION TRANSFER STUDENT Golden West College: Freshman/Sophomore work Lower division general education requirements Lower division major requirements Electives TOTAL NUMBER OF TRANSFERABLE UNITS AT GWC General Education Courses (IGETC or CSU-GE) Major Preparation Visit or the GWC Transfer Center web page Electives (transferable units) University: Junior/Senior work Upper division general education requirements (if necessary) Upper division major requirements Electives (if necessary) Minor (optional) GWC: units University: units = Bachelor s Degree units 6 Golden West College Transfer Planning Guide

9 Degree Components The Associate Degree The Associate in Arts Degree is NOT required for transfer to CSU and UC campuses MAJOR Total units vary by major. At least 18 units are required. ELECTIVES Electives give students the opportunity to explore a wide variety of subjects or to focus more on an area of special interest. Units may vary. GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES High unit majors must consult a counselor UPPER DIVISION G.E. (Varies) Golden West College Transfer Planning Guide GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES Between 23 to 39 units required. Designed to allow students to experience courses in a variety of academic disciplines. The Bachelor s Degree Golden West College Fresh/Soph Min. units 60 - Max. units 70 LOWER DIVISION MAJOR PREPARATION 4-Year University Junior/Senior Min. units for BA/BS = 120 UPPER DIVISION MAJOR COURSES ELECTIVES (If needed) ELECTIVES, MINOR, DOUBLE MAJOR Associate Degree for Transfer What is it? The AA-T and AS-T are acronyms for Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees that are designed specifically for transfer to the California State University System (CSU). The degrees are the result of Senate Bill 1440, a transfer bill that required the California Community Colleges to offer associate degrees for transfer in many of the most popular majors, and for the CSU to provide priority admission to California Community College students who have earned an AA-T or AS-T degree. What does this mean? A student who completes an Associate s Degree for Transfer at a California Community College is guaranteed admission to the CSU, but not to any particular campus or program.* These degrees can be completed in as little as 60 transferrable semester units and include all general education, major preparation, and elective classes needed for transfer. What are the Benefits? Students completing an AA-T or AS-T degree receive priority admission to the CSU system, and are guaranteed admission as a junior. You may be given a GPA bump when applying to an impacted campus outside your local area or an impacted major that is deemed similar. What Associate for Transfer Degrees are offered at GWC? AA-T: Anthropology Art History Art - Studio Arts Communication Studies Elementary Teacher AS-T: Business Administration Geology Mathematics Education English Geography History Kinesiology Music Philosophy Political Science Psychology Sociology Spanish Theater Arts More Information majors.html * Impaction at local CSU campuses (CSULB, CSUF, CSULA) means that students must meet a higher GPA for admission and selection. Please see a GWC Counselor for specific GPA criteria for the campus and major you are pursuing. 7

10 University of California System (UC) In just over a century, the University of California has built a reputation for excellence. Offering a broad liberal arts education, preparation for graduate study, and training for professions, the UC has a multitude of programs to suit your needs. UC campuses are primarily research and theoretical institutions providing transfer students with the skills to pursue graduate level degrees. At most campuses, undergraduate majors are offered by academic units called colleges, such as the College of Letters and Science, College of Engineering, and College of Biological Sciences. At San Diego, there are six colleges with distinct philosophies and requirements. Santa Cruz has eight colleges which form smaller communities with unique intellectual interests and social traditions. LOCATIONS: Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Merced, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz DEGREES OFFERED: Undergraduate: Baccalaureate (B.A., B.S.) Graduate Degrees: Master s (M.A., M.S., M.B.A., M.P.H.) Doctorate and Professional Degrees: Doctoral (Ph.D., Psy.D. and Ed.D.) / Professional (M.D., J.D., D.D.S., etc) ACADEMIC CALENDAR: All UC campuses, except Berkeley and Merced, operate on the quarter system. Berkeley and Merced are semester. APPLICATION DEADLINES: November 1-30 for Fall term entry, July 1 30 for Winter term entry; October 1-31 for Spring term entry. Not all campuses accept applications for Winter/Spring. How to Transfer to the UC 1. Start completing immediately your Math & English requirements. The UC places a high priority on students that complete transferable Math & English courses early in their academic careers. Take the GWC English & Math Assessment test and get started immediately. 2. The UC gives high priority to students that complete major coursework early in their academic career. Meet with a counselor or take a career planning course to help you focus on a particular major. 3. Complete 60 UC transferable semester units with a minimum 2.4 GPA (2.8 for Non-residents) for minimum eligibility. The GPA for admission can be significantly higher due to the applicant pool. Along with Math & English, and your major coursework, you are required to complete four courses in at least two of the following areas with grades of C or better: Physical/Biological Sciences; Art/Humanities; Social/Behavioral Sciences. Complete your General Education (GE) requirements, usually by completing the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC). Apply on time! All UC s accept Fall Admission, which requires you to apply a full year in advance. Some UC s accept Winter and Spring applicants, but you should check with the Transfer Center to see which UC s are accepting. UC Guaranteed Admission programs Six UC campuses offer guaranteed admission to California community college students who meet specific requirements. By participating in a Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program, you can receive early review of your academic record, early admission notification, and specific guidance on major preparation and general education coursework. This is subject to change at the discretion of the institution. To pursue a TAG, you should: Complete the required forms and review with your community college counselor and/or UC campus TAG adviser before submitting to your chosen campus. Once your TAG is approved, fulfill all remaining coursework and GPA requirements designated in your TAG agreement; and apply for admission to UC during the appropriate filing period ( Students do not have to participate in TAG to be considered for admission. Non-TAG students should apply for admission during the appropriate application-filing period. UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, and UCLA do not participate in TAG. 8 Golden West College Transfer Planning Guide

11 UC Transfer Admission Planner UC TRANSFER ADMISSION PLANNER IS AN ONLINE TOOL: Track and plan courses to meet UC admission requirements Complete the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) application with one of the seven participating UC Campuses Communicate with UC Staff regarding important transfer information Don t Delay LOG ON TODAY! Enter completed and planned community college courses from the very beginning of your college career Golden West College Transfer Planning Guide 9

12 California State University System (CSU) The CSU is the largest system of four-year public higher education in the United States. With 23 campuses statewide, it provides a variety of choices for transfer students. The CSU has historically played a critical role in preparing students to enter the job market. Offering degrees in business, engineering, health, education, nursing, and public administration, the CSU offers more than 60 percent of all degrees in these fields. Nearly half of all bachelor s degrees are awarded by the CSU. LOCATIONS: Bakersfield, Channel Islands, Chico, Dominguez Hills, Fresno, Fullerton, Hayward (East Bay), Humboldt, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Maritime Academy, Monterey Bay, Northridge, Pomona (Polytechnic), San Marcos, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San Luis Obispo (Polytechnic), Sonoma, Stanislaus. DEGREES OFFERED: Undergraduate: Baccalaureate (B.A., B.S.) Graduate: Credentials and Certificates Master s (M.A., M.S., M.B.A.) Doctoral (Ed.D. only); Select Campuses only; Ph.D. jointly conferred with the UC system (Chico, San Diego, Los Angeles, Long Beach, and San Francisco). ACADEMIC CALENDAR: 16 campuses are semester system, 7 are quarter system. APPLICATION DEADLINES: October 1 November 30 for Fall term entry; June 1 30 for Winter term entry; August 1 30 for Spring term entry. Not all campuses accept applications for Winter/Spring. How to Transfer to the CSU 1. Start completing The Golden four as soon as you can. Complete one course in each of the four areas below: Oral Communication Written Communication Critical Thinking Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning 2. Complete 60 transferable semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA (2.4 for non-residents). The GPA for admission can be significantly higher because of the major, campus, and/or applicant pool. 3. Complete coursework in the major along with your General Education (GE) requirements. To satisfy GE, you have two choices: IGETC or CSU GE Breadth. Talk to a counselor to determine which option is the best. 4. Apply on time. All CSU s begin accepting applications in October for the following Fall. Most CSU s accept applications through March, and some accept even later. But the sooner you apply, the better your chances are for admission. CAUTION: Check on for a list of impacted majors. Impacted means that there are more qualified students than spaces available, and generally means you need to apply early, complete all general education and preparation coursework in the major, and have a strong GPA for admission. 10 Golden West College Transfer Planning Guide

13 Transfer to a CSU in 2 Years GUARANTEED! Golden West College has pre-scheduled many of its Associate Degree for Transfer majors with a guarantee to complete in 2 years. By enrolling in one of these cohorts, you will maintain priority registration and will be guaranteed a seat in your classes each semester. At the end of the two year program, you will have completed all your CSU General Education requirements and Major Preparation coursework for the CSU campuses under the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT). The ADT guarantees admission to the CSU system, not a particular campus. GUARANTEED WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? This program works best with students that have no prior academic coursework, or have completed only courses in basic skills English and Math (and other non-transferable coursework), and are ready for college-level English and Math. CSU in 2 Benefits GUARANTEED TO GET YOUR CLASSES: Students in this program will continue to receive priority registration each semester to assure available seating in required classes. ASSOCIATE DEGREE FOR TRANSFER IN YOUR MAJOR: At the end of the two year program, you will have completed all of your CSU General Education requirements and Major preparation coursework for the CSU campuses under the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT). GUARANTEED PRIORITY ADMISSION TO THE CSU: The ADT guarantees admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus. You will be guaranteed admission to a similar major at the university. See a GWC Counselor for exact definitions of similar. BUMP UP IN GPA: At some campuses, you may receive a 0.1 bump in GPA for admission ranking. That means, if you apply with a GPA of 2.95, you ll actually be evaluated for admission as if you were applying with a GPA of CSU GENERAL EDUCATION BREADTH CERTIFICATE: The coursework in these cohorts will qualify for the CSU General Education Breadth Certificate for transfer. The following ADT majors have been selected for the CSU in 2 program. Majors in this program are pre-scheduled cohorts. Business Administration (AS-T) Communication Studies (AA-T) Elementary Education (AA-T) English (AA-T) Geology (AS-T) History (AA-T) Kinesiology (AS-T) Mathematics (AS-T) Political Science (AA-T) Psychology (AA-T) Sociology (AA-T) Additional ADT majors are in the process of being added to this program. Check the website often for updated information. Student Responsibility To qualify for the two year completion and transfer guarantee, you will need to follow the enrollment process and the CSU in 2 program requirements. ENROLLMENT PROCESS 1. Apply to Golden West College online at 2. Complete an online orientation to become familiar with GWC s programs, services, and processes. 3. Take placement tests for Math and English and qualify for college-level courses. Make an appointment online at goldenwestcollege.edu/assessment. 4. Attend a planning workshop to develop your Student Educational Plan (SEP) and complete the CSU in 2 registration form. 5. Register on your assigned date and time to take advantage of your priority registration. This is how we guarantee that you will get in to your classes. START COLLEGE-READY for Math and English. If you do not qualify for college-level courses, you will need to take remedial courses and it will take longer to graduate. Remedial courses do not count towards your degree. Study for your placement test (download sample tests) and come ready to do your best! FOLLOW THE COURSE OUTLINE for assigned coursework each semester and pass each class with a C or better (*). See a counselor if you need to make adjustments to your schedule. It is your responsibility to register for your classes each semester on time. APPLY TO THE CSU within the required deadlines. (*) Impaction at local CSU campuses (CSULB, CSUF, CSULA) means that students must meet a higher GPA for admission and selection. See a GWC Counselor for specific GPA criteria for the campus and major you are pursuing. CSU in 2 may also be appropriate for students intending to transfer to a UC Campus. Please see a counselor for details. Golden West College Transfer Planning Guide 11

14 What s the difference between a UC and CSU Campus? You can learn a lot (good or bad) by spending a few hours on campus, including whether or not the college feels like a good fit for you. The University of California (UC) is the research system of public higher education in California. The UC grants professional and doctorate degrees, as well as bachelors and masters degrees. When selecting a campus, students should examine more than the name. Visit each school you are interested in attending, explore the department offerings, and campus surroundings. The California State University (CSU) is the system of higher education in California that grants the most bachelors degrees. It is sometimes called the teacher training institution. The CSU also grants masters degrees. The campus has to be a good fit with your educational and career goals, as well as your personality and interests. The CSU and UC systems vary in their philosophies and focus. The CSU has a more practical, careeroriented approach to education in contrast to the more theoretical approach offered by the UC. The Transfer Center offers college fairs and campus tours to help with the selection process. Check the calendar of events each semester to determine when activities are being held. Humbolt State CSU Chico Sonoma State CA Maritime Academy San Francisco State CSU East Bay San Jose State UC Davis UC San Francisco UC Santa Cruz UC Berkeley UC Merced CSU Sacramento CSU Stanislaus CSU Monterey Bay Cal Poly San Luis Obispo UC Santa Barbara UC Los Angeles UC Riverside UC Irvine UC San Diego 12 CSU Fresno CSU Bakersfield CSU Northridge CSU San Bernadino CSU Channel Islands CSU Los Angeles CSU Fullerton CSU Dominguez Hills CSU Long Beach CSU San Marcos Cal Poly Pomona San Diego State Golden West College Transfer Planning Guide

15 Private/Independent Colleges and Universities There are great differences in size, educational purpose, and emphasis among these institutions. There are over 70 Private/Independent Colleges and Universities in California, and includes the following types of schools: Research Universities: USC, Stanford, California Institute of Technology (CalTech), Loma Linda, Claremont Grad School Specialty Colleges: Art Center, Woodbury, Samuel Merrit Faith-Based Schools: Loyola Marymount University, Biola University, Concordia University, Santa Clara University Comprehensive: Chapman, Claremont McKenna Graduate Schools: Claremont Grad School Women s Colleges: Mills, Mt. St. Mary s, Scripps Some are large and offer both undergraduate and graduate programs; most are relatively small and offer students a personalized campus community life. Some campuses emphasize a particular vocation or religious emphasis. Specific information about the requirements and educational opportunities available at any independent college in the U.S. is available in the GWC Transfer Center or on the web at: DEGREES OFFERED: Private schools offer the full range of degrees, from Associate to the Doctorate, as well as professional degrees in law and medicine. APPLICATION FILING PERIODS: Filing periods will vary from campus to campus. Please refer to the individual catalog of the campus for more information. How to Transfer to a Private / Independent College MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: TRANSFER STUDENTS Most independent colleges have admissions requirements similar to the CSU or UC system, but they vary by university. For example, some private colleges will require only 15 units for transfer admission and others will require units. A good place to begin to explore private universities is on the AICCU website at Golden West College Transfer Planning Guide 13

16 California Independent Colleges and Universities In addition to the public colleges and universities in California, there are many outstanding independent institutions in the state. There are also many private and public colleges located throughout the United States to which GWC students can transfer. Each of these institutions has it own unique requirements for admission. Students may check with a counselor or the Transfer Center for the latest articulation information. Specific information about the requirements and educational opportunities available at most California independent college is available on the AICCU website at GENERAL EDUCATION: Although admission requirements vary and are listed in the catalogs of the various colleges and universities, students who transfer to independent colleges and universities are given credit for most, if not all, of their community college work. Virtually all colleges and universities give full credit for general education courses and for most other courses designated by the community college for transfer. Many independent colleges and universities accept total CSU General Education-Breath or IGETC certification as partial or total completion of their own campus general education requirements. See a listing of California independent colleges and universities that accept either IGETC or CSU General Education at: guide2014. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Most independent colleges have admissions requirements similar to the UC or CSU system, but vary by university. For instance, some private colleges may require as little as units for transfer admissions and many require essays and/or letters of recommendation, and some even interviews. APPLICATION FILING PERIODS: Filing periods will vary by campus. Please refer to individual college catalogs for more information. California Independent Colleges and Universities Articulation Information (Contact each individual College/University for additional GE requirements) College/University Accept IGETC Accept CSU GE College/University Accept IGETC Accept CSU GE Alliant International University Yes Yes National University Yes Yes American Academy of Dramatic Arts - LA Lower-Division 2 year college New College of California No No American Jewish University No No Notre Dame de Namur University Yes Yes Antioch University Los Angeles No No Occidental College Yes Yes Art Center College of Design No No Otis College of Art & Design No No Azusa Pacific University Yes Yes Pacific Oaks College n/a n/a Biola University Yes Yes Pacific Union College Yes No Brandman University Yes Yes Pattern University Yes Yes California Baptist University Yes with AA Yes with AA Pepperdine University No No California College of the Arts Yes Yes Pitzer University Yes Yes California Institute of the Arts n/a n/a Point Loma Nazarene University Yes Yes California Institute of Technology No No Pomona College Yes No California Lutheran University Yes No Saint Mary s College of California Yes No Chapman University Yes Yes Samuel Meritt College No No Charles R. Drew Univ. of Medicine & Science No No San Diego Christian College Yes Yes Claremont McKenna College Yes Yes San Francisco Art Institute No No Concordia University Yes Yes San Francisco Conservatory of Music Yes Yes Dominican University of California No No Santa Clara University No No Fresno Pacific University Yes No Scripps College Yes No Golden Gate University Yes Yes Simpson University Yes Yes Harvey Mudd College No No Soka University n/a n/a Holy Names University Yes No Stanford University No No Hope International University Yes Yes Thomas Aquinas College No No Humphreys College Yes Yes University of La Verne Yes Yes John F. Kennedy University Yes Yes University of Redlands Yes Yes La Sierra University Yes No University of San Diego No No Laguna College of Art & Design Yes Yes University of San Francisco Yes No Loma Linda University Yes Yes University of Southern California No No Loyola Marymount University Yes Yes University of the Pacific Yes Yes Marymount College Yes Yes Vanguard University of Southern California Yes Yes Masters College, The No No Westmont College Yes No Menlo College No No Whittier College Yes Yes Mills College Yes Yes William Jessup University Yes Yes Mount St. Mary s College Yes Yes Woodbury University Yes Yes 14 Golden West College Transfer Planning Guide

17 Colleges and Universities by Area Northern California Drexel University...Sacramento Pacific Union College... Angwin Simpson University...Redding William Jessup University...Rocklin Central Valley Fresno Pacific University... Fresno Humphreys College... Stockton University of the Pacific (UOP)... Stockton San Francisco Bay Area California College of the Arts... San Francisco Cogswell Polytechnical University...Sunnyvale Dominican University of California...San Rafael Golden Gate University... San Francisco Holy Names University...Oakland Menlo College... Atherton Mills College...Oakland Notre Dame de Namur University...Belmont Palo Alto University... Palo Alto Patten University...Oakland Saint Marys College of California... Moraga Samuel Merritt College...Oakland San Francisco Conservatory of Music... San Francisco Santa Clara University... Santa Clara Saybrook University... San Francisco Stanford University... San Francisco Touro University...Vallejo University of San Francisco... San Francisco Central Coast Thomas Acquinas College...Santa Paula Westmont College...Santa Barbara San Diego Metro Area Alliant International University... San Diego National University...La Jolla Point Loma Nazarene University... San Diego San Diego Christian College... El Cajon University of San Diego... San Diego Los Angeles and Orange County American Academy of Dramatic Arts...Hollywood American Jewish University... Bel Air Antioch University of Los Angeles...Los Angeles Art Center College of Design...Pasadena Azusa Pacific University...Azusa Biola University... La Mirada Brandman University... Irvine California Baptist University...Riverside California Institute of Technology...Pasadena California Institute of the Arts...Valencia California Lutheran University Thousand Oaks Chapman University... Orange Charles Drew Univ. of Medicine & Science...Los Angeles Claremont McKenna College...Claremont Concordia University... Irvine Harvey Mudd College...Claremont Hope International University...Fullerton La Sierra University... Riverside Laguna College of Art & Design...Laguna Beach Loma Linda University...Loma Linda Loyola Marymount University...Los Angeles Marymount College... Rancho Palos Verdes Mount St. Mary s College...Los Angeles Occidental College...Los Angeles Otis College of Art and Design...Los Angeles Pacific Oaks College... Pasadena Pepperdine University... Malibu Pitzer College... Claremont Pomona College... Claremont Scripps College... Claremont Soka University...Aliso Viejo Southern Calif. Univ. of Health Sciences...Whittier University of La Verne... La Verne University of Redlands...Redlands University of Southern California...Los Angeles Vanguard University... Costa Mesa Western University of Health Sciences...Pomona Whittier College... Whittier Woodbury University...Burbank Golden West College Transfer Planning Guide 15

18 College and Universities Quick Comparison: Admission, Fees and Tuition University of California (UC) California State University (CSU) Private / Independent Calif. Colleges and Universities Campuses Transfer Admission 60 transferable units 60 transferable units (GWC courses Requirements will vary Minimum 2.4 GPA ) Some colleges/universities will Requirements Two transferable courses in English Minimum 2.0 GPA accept the IGETC or CSU-GE One transferable course in Mathematics Four transferable courses chosen from: - Arts and Humanities - Social/Behavior Science - Physical/Biological Science Language other than English requirement Preparation for the Major 30 units of General Education coursework with a C grade or higher, including: - Oral Communication - Written Communication - Critical Thinking - Mathematic/Qualitative Reasoning Preparation for the Major Breadth pattern. Minimum 2.0 GPA (many are higher) Academic Calendar 8 Campuses on Quarter System, 2 on Semester (Berkeley and Merced) 16 campuses on Semester System, 7 on Quarter System Varies by campus. Refer to individual catalog. Degrees Awarded Cost of Attendance (Approximate Tuition/Fees per year) Bachelor s, Master s, Doctorate, Professional degrees, Teaching Credentials CA Residents: $13,200 Non-residents: $36,078 Bachelor s, Master s, Ed.D. at select campuses, Teaching Credentials, Doctorate at select campuses in conjunction with UC/Private campuses CA Residents: $5,970 Non-residents: $16,044 Associate s, Bachelor s, Master s, Doctorate, Professional degrees, Teaching Credentials Varies refer to individual catalog Financial Aid Scholarships, Grants, Loans, Work Study Scholarships, Grants, Loans, Work Study Main Websites Scholarships, Grants, Loans, Work Study Websites for Exploring Colleges University of California - California State University - or Independent Colleges and Universities - California Community Colleges - ASSIST - All California Colleges - Virtual College Tours - Education Planner - Ready to Apply for Transfer? UC Application CSU Application Common Application for Private/Independent and Out of State Schools 16 Golden West College Transfer Planning Guide

19 How to Calculate Your GPA 1. Gather transcripts from all colleges attended. 2. Line out classes that are not UC / CSU Transferable (anything below 100 level for CSU. For UC check course description in catalog) GRADE EARNED UNITS / CREDITS GRADE EARNED UNITS COMPLETED GRADE POINTS ATTEMPTED Spanish A (4) Art CR (0) 0 -- English B (3) Geology C (2) Math B (3) Totals: Computing your GPA THE STEPS Step 1: Find the grade point value for each course taken (some transcripts already take this step for you). Multiply the number of units/credits of a course by the value of each grade (see values below). Example: Course Credit Grade Grade Points ENGL x B (3) = 9 Step 2: Add together the total grade points received for each course to determine grade point total for all colleges. (Amount from chart above = 49) Step 3: Add together the units/credits attempted. (Amount from chart above = 16) Step 4: Finally, divide ( ) total grade points by total units/credits attempted. The result will be your grade point average. Step 2 Step 3 = G.P.A. Example: = G.P.A. Grade Point Value A = 4 grade points B = 3 grade points C = 2 grade points The following grades are not part of the GPA computation: CR = Credit 0 grade points, no units attempted, but counts as completed NC = No Credit 0 grade points, no units attempted, no units completed W = Withdrawal 0 grade points, no units attempted, no units completed D = 1 grade point I = Incomplete 0 grade points, no units attempted F = 0 grade points IP = In Progress 0 grade points, no units attempted NG = Non Graded 0 grade points RD = Report Delayed 0 grade points, no units attempted Golden West College Transfer Planning Guide 17

20 ASSIST ( The Articulation System Stimulating Interinstitutional Student Transfer (ASSIST) is the official repository of articulation for California s public colleges and universities. Assist is a web-based transfer information system which contains data about how courses taken at a California community college can be used when transferring to a UC or a CSU campus. ASSIST includes information on UC and CSU Transferable Courses, IGETC and CSU GE-Breadth coursework, and coursework required or recommended to be sufficiently prepared in a particular major. How do I use ASSIST? ASSIST helps you find community college courses that are transferable to a UC or CSU campus and how those transferable courses might be used to satisfy subject matter requirements for specific majors or general education requirements. Students can view these lists of transferable coursework by selecting a community college. To view articulation agreements, start at the Explore Transfer Information section. Select the community college, then the four-year institution you will then be able to view additional information. Information may be available for majors, or by departments. ASSIST also provides information about majors offered at UC and CSU campuses. If you know the major that interests you, or a general area of study that interests you, click on Majors to get started. On the next page, follow the directions in the left side bar to narrow your choices and to find detailed information about your major. If you know which campus you want to attend, and would like to see all of the majors offered at that campus. Click on Campuses, and then select the campus you plan to attend. You ll then be able to choose from a list of all the majors offered at that campus. Why isn t the data for the college or university I need one of my choices? There are several possibilities. First, there may not be any formal articulation between the two institutions. Each university campus is responsible for the articulation with community colleges and other universities. Not every university campus provides articulation with every college or for all their majors or departments. Many universities concentrate on their local community colleges and their most popular majors. You may also be looking for a private college or university. ASSIST provides information regarding University of California, California State University, and California Community College campuses only. There is no information about transferring from or to private universities or colleges in ASSIST. Campuses such as USC, Concordia, Chapman, and Vanguard are private institutions. As well, there is no information for out-of-state institutions. Please see your counselor regarding transfer requirements to these campuses. 18 Golden West College Transfer Planning Guide

21 What s the difference between a transferable course and an articulated course? There is an important difference between a transferable course and an articulated course but the terms are sometimes used as if they are interchangeable: Transferable courses A transferable course is a course taken at one college or university that can be used for unit credit at another institution. A course that is California State University (CSU) transferable (or Baccalaureate level) is accepted for unit credit at any California State University campus. For Golden West College, CSU transferable courses include any course numbered # A course that is University of California (UC) transferable is accepted for credit at any University of California campus. The University of California Office of the President determines if a course is UC transferable. Coursework that is transferable to the UC is within the # range, however, not all courses numbered # are UC transferable. Please check the GWC Catalog s course descriptions for transferability of UC coursework. Articulated Courses ASSIST ( An articulated course is a course taken at one college or university that can be used to satisfy subject matter requirements (major or general education) at another institution. Except for a handful of exceptions, all articulated courses must first be transferable. It is important to remember, however, that not all transferable courses are articulated. Articulation is available for most majors at the UC / CSU Campuses. To check which courses you need for your particular major, go to the ASSIST website, and explore transfer information: 1. Select Golden West College as your first institution 2. Next, under Agreements with other campuses select the UC or CSU campus you wish to attend. 3. Finally, select your major (if listed). 4. You will be given a web-based printout of the courses at Golden West College and the equivalent at the UC or CSU campus for that major. 5. You can then select to Print this Report and save for your files. Remember to check back with ASSIST frequently to obtain the most current transfer information and course articulation. As well, you can check ASSIST for current UC and CSU transferable coursework, CSU GE Breadth and IGETC courses, and coursework that meets the CSU US History, Constitution and American Ideals requirements. Golden West College Transfer Planning Guide 19

22 What is General Education? General Education is a series of coursework in the arts and sciences that provides students with a broad educational experience. Courses typically are introductory in nature and provide students with fundamental skills and knowledge in mathematics, English, arts, humanities, and physical, biological, and social sciences. Transfer students take these classes while attending a community college. Completion of a general education program is required for the baccalaureate degree. What s a Major? The major is the principal field of study for a university student. This is where a student develops the greatest depth of knowledge. All students are required to designate a major or field of study when transferring to the university. For transfer students, introductory coursework (often called lower-division/prerequisite coursework) in the major is completed at the community college prior to transfer to the university. See the section on ASSIST and Major Preparation for determining required major coursework. General Education Certification Certification is an indication of the completion of the entire pattern of general education for the California State University (CSU General Education Breadth) and/or University of California campuses (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum IGETC ). This is often notated on the transcript, or can be included with the transcript as a Certification Form. Students must request certification on their transcript. Certification allows students to satisfy their lower-division general education requirements by following the approved community college curriculum rather than the university s lower-division general education pattern. Students must still complete upper division general education and campusspecific degree coursework after transfer. Main differences between UC-IGETC and CSU GE-Breadth IGETC CSU GE-Breadth Critical Thinking Second Composition course emphasizing critical thinking. GWC s ENGL G110 Course emphasizing critical thinking skills. GWC s ENGL G110, PHIL G115, or COMM G220 Oral Communication Not Required Required. GWC s COMM G100, G108, G110, or G112 American Institutions Not Required A course in U.S. History (GWC s HIST G170 or G175) and a course in U.S. Government (GWC s POLS G180) Foreign Language Proficiency equivalent to two years of high school foreign language, or one semester at GWC (G180 or higher) Not Required Lifelong Learning and Understanding Not Required One course in CSU GE: Area E Coun G104 or Puente College G100 meets this requirement Certification All or none Partial certification available 20 Golden West College Transfer Planning Guide

23 FAQ s about General Education (IGETC/CSU-Breadth) Is completion of IGETC / CSU Breadth required for admission to the UC or CSU? No. Students are not guaranteed admission to any campus on the basis of completing general education coursework. Completion of the lower-division breadth requirements may improve a transfer applicant s chances of admission to a competitive campus and/or program. Can a course be used to satisfy more than one GE Category? No. While a course may appear in more than one general education category, it can only be used to satisfy the requirement in one area. Can a course be used to satisfy both General Education and Major requirements? Yes. A single course can meet the requirement for both general education and major requirements. Is there a GPA requirement for the IGETC Pattern? Yes. IGETC coursework must be completed with a grade of C or better. Grades of Pass or Credit will be accepted when a passing grade is equivalent to a C or better. C- grades and D grades are not acceptable. What about the CSU Breadth Pattern? The CSU GE Breadth requirements stipulate that grades of C or better must be achieved in areas A and B4, as well as coursework in 30 of the 39 units of the general education pattern. Grades of Pass or Credit will be accepted when a passing grade is equivalent to a C or better. Can I use Advanced Placement scores for IGETC or CSU Breadth? Yes. Official Advanced Placement scores must be received from CollegeBoard for these to be used in either general education pattern. In most instances, scores of 3 or better will be granted course/subject credit. See GWC Catalog for a listing of AP tests, scores, and approved credit. Are CSU and IGETC Certifications the same? No. While similar, there are some key distinctions between the two patterns. IGETC has a foreign language competency requirement that can be met in a variety of ways. Most students will satisfy this requirement with either two years of high school foreign language with grades of C or better, or one semester of foreign language at the college level. The CSU GE-Breadth requirements Golden West College Transfer Planning Guide include an oral communications course, as well as the graduation requirement of U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals. This graduation requirement can be met at the community college and can be included in the general education coursework. Additionally, CSU GE- Breadth Certification allows certification of separate GE areas, the course requirements for all areas of IGETC must be completed and certified by a California community college to be accepted by CSU or UC. Which General Education Pattern should I choose? Depends. If you are planning on applying to both the UC and CSU, then the IGETC is an appropriate pattern as it meets the requirements for both systems. If you are only seeking transfer to the CSU, then you can follow the CSU GE-Breadth requirements. Are there exceptions to who will accept IGETC? Yes. Some colleges, such as UC San Diego s Revelle and Roosevelt Colleges, and some majors, such as Engineering and UC Berkeley s Haas School of Business will not accept IGETC. Please see a counselor regarding the general education requirements for these campuses. Can I use coursework from any college to meet the IGETC or CSU GE-Breadth requirements? Yes. A community college can include courses from regionally accredited colleges and universities to meet IGETC requirements if the coursework is evaluated and deemed to be equivalent to that of the community college course. Is IGETC Certification or CSU GE-Breadth Certification automatic? No. A student must request certification. At Golden West College, this request for certification is located on the transcript request form. Can any student complete IGETC or CSU GE-Breadth at the Community College? Not all students can use IGETC or CSU GE-Breadth to satisfy their general education requirements. A student who entered a UC or CSU as a freshman, is now attending the community college, and plans to return to that same institution may not be eligible for the IGETC or CSU GE- Breadth. Please see a counselor if you have previously attended a UC or CSU and want to return to the same campus. 21