I'm thinking about transferring to a CSU from Bakersfield College. What are the specific requirements or things I should prepare for the process?
The California State University (CSU) system has outlined a clear pathway for transferring from a community college, such as Bakersfield College. Here are some requirements and important things to keep in mind:
1. Completion of 60 CSU-transferable semester units: CSU systems require you to finish at least 60 CSU-transferable semester units prior to transfer. The good news is that these units can come from various classes and do not need to be tied to your major.
2. Completion of General Education requirements: You need to complete your general education requirements, often fulfilled by completing the CSU General Education-Breadth Requirements or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).
3. Meet GPA requirement: CSU system requires a minimum of a 2.0 GPA for California residents for transfer. However, some programs may have higher admission standards, so it's advisable to aim for a higher GPA to boost your chances of admission.
4. Golden Four Requirements: There are four basic skills courses that you must complete with a grade of C- or better: Oral communication, Written communication, Critical thinking, and a course in Mathematics/Quantitative reasoning.
5. Completion of Major Requirement: Depending on the specific major you're interested in, there might be major-specific courses that you need to complete before transferring.
Remember, these are just the requirements for consideration. Each CSU campus and major might have additional recommended or required coursework, so you should also check the specific requirements for your planned major at the CSU campus you're aiming to transfer to.
Also note that extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or work experience can also greatly add to your application, as they help create a more well-rounded profile.
Lastly, the process typically includes submitting an application through Cal State Apply, which includes details about your academic history, your planned major, and possibly personal insight questions. You'd also need to arrange for your official transcripts to be sent to the CSU campuses to which you're applying. Keep an eye on deadlines to ensure you don't miss out!
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