Santiago Canyon College Transfer Center Frequently Asked Questions
- What does transfer mean, and why do students transfer?
A community college transfer student refers to students who begin their bachelor’s degree at a community college and complete it at a university. This process allows students to get the same content in a way that is more convenient and less expensive than at a university, or to transfer to a school for which they may not have been eligible to enter directly from high school.
- What are the differences between community colleges and universities?
Universities offer both lower division (100-200 level) and upper division (300-400 level) coursework. Community colleges offer lower division courses only. Many community college courses are transferable and count toward the requirements to graduate from the university. Community colleges offer certificates and Associate degrees, whereas universities offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as PhDs at many institutions.
- What are the basic requirements to transfer?
For CSUs you need 60 transferable units with a G.P.A. of at least 2.0; UCs require 60 units and a 2.4 minimum G.P.A. Additional general education requirements may also apply, and many schools or majors have specific course and higher G.P.A. requirements as well. Private and out of state schools may allow transfers with fewer than 60 units. For more information visit www.assist.org (for CA public schools) or see a counselor or transfer specialist.
- Can I transfer as a sophomore?
Some campuses accept lower-division transfers (with less than 60 units), however, these students must meet freshman eligibility requirements, including fulfilling A-G subject area requirements and SAT/ACT scores.
- Where can I transfer?
SCC students have successfully transferred to a wide variety of universities ranging from local CSUs, UCs, and private schools, to Ivy League universities.
- Do universities really like accepting transfer students?
Yes: CSU and UC campuses give priority admission to local community college transfer students. Universities know that well-prepared transfer students succeed at a rate equal to or higher than those who enter directly from high school.
- What is the difference between the California State University (CSU) and the University of California (UC)?
The mission of the 23 campus CSU is system is to train students in practical, applied knowledge and skills. The 10-school UC system was established with an emphasis on theoretical research and learning. UCs offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. The CSUs emphasize bachelor’s and master’s programs, though some doctorate programs are also available.
- What is the cost of attending a CSU, UC or private institution?
CSUs cost about $3,000 per year for tuition only, and average $17,000 including all other fees for off-campus living. UC’s cost about $8,000 per year for tuition only, averaging $23,000 with tuition, room & board, transportation, books, fees, and health insurance for off-campus living. Private school tuitions vary from $20,000-$50,000 per year.
- What are the three General Education plans (Plan A, Plan B (CSU), and Plan C (UC IGETC))?
These are lists of classes which fulfill lower-division general education (GE) requirements. Plan A is for students seeking an SCC associate’s degree only. Plan B applies only to students intending to transfer to a Cal State University. Plan C, also known as IGETC, is designed for transfer to the UC, though CSU campuses also accept IGETC. Some private and out of state schools also accept the CSU or IGETC plans
- What if I want to transfer to a private or out-of-state university?
The Transfer Center can help you research admission requirements for private or out-of-state institutions, but we also encourage you to contact the school to get guidance on the best plan to gain admission.
- How do I find out about the transfer requirements of a particular school?
The school’s admissions website is a good resource to find information on transfer requirements. For CSU and UC schools, www.assist.org, www.csumentor.edu, and uctransfer.org are great resources. At some schools you may also get assistance through the Admissions Office or the department that houses your major.
- Can I transfer without completing the mathematics requirement?
Some private institutions may accept students without transfer level math; however, CSU and UC campuses are very firm on transfer math completion. Students with a documented math disability may be able to gain admission on a case-by-case basis prior to completing the math requirement, but will generally be required to complete a transfer-level math course in order to graduate
- How can I improve my chances for being accepted to a university?
Earn a high GPA, complete General Education, get GE certified, and show commitment to your major by completing lower-division major preparation. The SCC Transfer Center’s “Transfer Planning and Strategy” workshop is designed to help with these steps. If you are transferring to a participating UC, apply for admission through their Transfer Admission Guarantee program (see #14 below)
- Do any universities offer guaranteed transfer admission?
Yes: Most UC campuses participate in the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program (http://uctransfer.org/transfer_admis_guar.html). Other universities may offer priority consideration to community college transfer students.
- Does participation in the SCC Honors Program affect my admission to a university?
Yes: Honors participation looks great on any university application, and you may gain priority consideration or guaranteed admission to some campuses. For example, UCLA’s Transfer Alliance Program (TAP) offers priority admission consideration and other benefits for students who have completed SCC’s Honors Program. For Honors Program details and eligibility info, visit www.sccollege.edu/honors.
- What is cross-enrollment?
Cross-enrollment gives students the opportunity to take one university course per term at a CSU or UC without formal admission for a minimal administrative fee ($10-$40). For more information on eligibility requirements and cross-enrollment forms, contact the Transfer Center at 628-4865.
- What if I have attended another college or university?
You should have official transcripts from all colleges attended sent to SCC to be evaluated. You will have to send official transcripts from all colleges to your transfer institution: SCC cannot forward transcripts from other colleges.
- What about AP / IB credits?
You will earn college credit for AP exams with scores of 3 or higher. Check with a counselor to see how specific transfer institutions grant AP/IB credit. You can request official test scores from http://www.collegeboard.com
- Do I need to take the SAT/ACT to transfer?
Not if you transfer to a CSU or UC as an upper-division student. However, some private institutions may still require submission of SAT/ACT scores for admission
- What resources and services does the SCC Transfer Center offer?
The Transfer Center staff aims to foster a seamless transfer process through services and resources that include:
- University research
- Individual advisement
- College/university representative appointments
- Transfer specialist appointments
- Application workshops
- Campus tours
- College fairs
- Guaranteed admission programs
- Course equivalent articulation agreements with numerous 4-year institutions
For more information on specific services and how to access them, go to www.sccollege.edu/transfer.
- How can I contact the SCC Transfer Center?
We are on the SCC campus in room D-104N, adjacent to the Counseling Center.
Office hours are: Monday-Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Our mailing address is 8045 E. Chapman Ave., Room D-104N, Orange, CA 92869
Phone: 714-628-4865
Fax: 714-639-2780
Email: transfer_center@sccollege.edu
Web: www.sccollege.edu/transfer