How do California colleges treat transfer credits?

I'm concerned about how my current course credits will transfer to a college in California. Does anyone have experience with what credits are typically accepted or how to figure this out?

In California, both the UC and CSU systems have a well-defined process for accepting transfer credits, especially from California Community Colleges.

In the UC System: Transferable courses are those designated by the community college as appropriate for baccalaureate credit (usually courses that are numbered 100 or above). UCs will typically honor these. However, the school/major you transfer into may decide whether certain credits apply to your specific program of study.

In the CSU System: The CSU System also has a clear transfer policy, and they work closely with California Community Colleges to ensure a smooth credit transition. They have developed an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) specifically designed to streamline the transfer process to CSUs.

In both cases, a good starting point is to speak with your current counselor or academic advisor. They can provide guidance specific to your situation and potentially connect you with resources at the schools you're aiming for to ensure a smooth transfer of credits.

It's also important to ensure passing grades for all the courses you wish to transfer. Generally, a grade of C or better is required.

Keep in mind that each college within these systems may have slightly different rules and it may also vary based on your major, so it's a good idea to reach out to the admissions offices of the schools you're interested in to get the most current and accurate information.

For a more hands-on approach, you can use the ASSIST system, which is an online tool for California students that shows how course credits could be transferred between California Community Colleges and UCs or CSUs. You select the community college and the UC or CSU, then see how specific courses or course categories transfer.

Remember, successful transfer often requires proactive planning, so starting this process early and being thorough in your research can save you both time and stress down the line.