Not a California Community College student? Don’t worry, there are other transfer paths to UC.
At UC, junior-level transfers from California community colleges are our highest priority, but if you’re a student at another college, or hoping to transfer as a freshman or sophom*ore, we have some additional guidance for you.
Transferring from a four-year (or out-of-state two-year) institution
You can transfer to UC from a four-year or a non-California two-year institution. You should complete your transfer application following the instructions, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Even if you’re transferring from a four-year school or an out-of-state two-year institution, you'll still need to meet the same minimum admissions requirements as California community college students.
- Do as much preparation for your major as possible.
- Find out if your courses will transfer to UC. Compare them to similar courses in a UC campus catalog or to a transfer course agreement (TCA) that UC has with any California community college.
- A formal evaluation of your coursework most likely will not take place until after you have applied.
See UC's Statement of Transfer Credit Practicesfor more information
Lower-division transfers
Some campuses admit a limited number of transfer students before they reach junior standing. You’ll need to check the website of the UC campus you’re considering to learn if they will accept applications from lower-division transfers.
Returning to your previous UC campus
If you were previously enrolled at a UC campus in a regular academic term (fall, winter, and/or spring) and would like to return to the same UC campus, you must contact the Registrar’s Office and follow specific re-enrollment procedures.
The process may be called “readmission”, “re-enrollment”, or “reinstatement.” You should not submit a UC application if you are seeking readmission. Instead, you must file paperwork for readmission with the Registrar’s Office at your former UC campus.
If you left your previous UC campus on academic probation or not in good academic standing (last term and/or a cumulative UC GPA below 2.00) and wish to return to the same UC campus, you must contact an advisor in the school/college where you were previously enrolled. The advisor will be able to provide guidance about the requirements for readmission.
Transferring to a different UC campus
If you want to transfer to a different UC campus, there are a few things you need to know:
- You must be in good academic standing (last term and/or cumulative UC GPA of 2.00 or above) at your prior UC campus to be considered for transfer admission, even if that UC campus is not your last school of attendance.
- All courses completed, and grades and units earned at a UC campus during fall, winter, spring, and summer terms are transferable to another UC campus (however, some UC Extension courses may not be transferable). This means the UC GPA "follows" you to another UC campus.
Second baccalaureate and limited status
You are a second baccalaureate applicant if you’re a college graduate who wants to obtain a second bachelor's degree with a different major from your first degree.
You are a limited status applicant when you are a non-degree-seeking student. Limited status applicants are held to the same restrictions as applicants pursuing a second B.A. or B.S. degree.
You’ll need to check the website of the UC campus you’re considering to learn if they will accept applications from second bachelor’s degree or limited status applicants.
FAQs
In general, a transfer student begins their college academic career at one institution, earns some credits through the completion of coursework, and then decides for whatever reason to transfer to a different school to finish their education.
What is a transfer student type? ›
In general, a transfer student begins their college academic career at one institution, earns some credits through the completion of coursework, and then decides for whatever reason to transfer to a different school to finish their education.
When transferring how many types of universities are there in California? ›
There are four main college systems (or types of Colleges) in California: Community College (CCC), California State University (CSU), the University of California (UC) and Independent Private College and Universities.
Are transfer admissions more competitive? ›
transfer students are more prepared. So what? The applicants compete with each other NOT with the existing students or freshman applicants. Outside of state schools which are required to provide a path for CC students, private schools have very few spots for transfers, so admissions are more competitive.
Can I choose not to transfer credits? ›
Can I choose which credits to transfer? Yes and no. Although you can choose not to transfer certain course credits (especially ones you didn't do well in), you also don't get to decide what your new school will accept.
What is a transfer type? ›
Transfer types are global settings that you can import to any transfer that connects one conveyor to another conveyor. Conveyor-to-conveyor transfers are different from entry transfer types or exit transfer types, which are for transfers to non-conveyor objects.
What is a transfer category? ›
category transfer means an approved transfer of funds from one budget category to another budget category, provided that a category transfer does not include a transfer of funds between divisions; Sample 1Sample 2Sample 3.
How many transfers did UCLA accept? ›
Transfer Applications
| Total |
|---|
| Applicants | 23,974 |
| Admits | 6,189 |
| Enrolled | 3,696 |
| Admit Rate | 26% |
Harvard University received 1580 transfer applications in 2019, out of which 15 were accepted, giving an acceptance rate of 0.95%. For the 2021-22 academic year, Harvard University only accepted 12 of the 1969 students who applied for transfer, indicating a selectivity rate of 0.6%.
What are the golden 4 classes required to transfer to a CSU? ›
Completion of the “Golden Four”
The following semester campuses require the "Golden Four" courses (Oral Communication, Written Communication, Critical Thinking, Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning) be completed the semester before the start of the upcoming term.
Common application colleges tend to have higher transfer requirements, with some requiring a 2.5 to 3.0 GPA to transfer, with some program-specific requirements being even higher.
Which university accepts the most transfer students? ›
20 Schools That Accept the Most Transfer Students
| School | Transfer Acceptance Rate | Number of Transfer Students Admitted |
|---|
| San Francisco State University | 90% | 13,341 |
| CSU Sacramento | 89% | 12,129 |
| San Jose State University | 69% | 10,312 |
| UC Davis | 55% | 9,876 |
16 more rowsThe most recent available data is for the 2023 fall semester. Similar to freshman admissions, UCLA and Berkeley are the hardest UCs to get into for transfer applicants. The transfer acceptance rate for community college students is 30% at Berkeley and UCLA, compared to about 70% at UC Davis, Santa Cruz and Merced.
Is a 1.5 GPA bad in college? ›
A 1.5 GPA is equivalent to 70% or C- letter grade. The national average GPA is 3.0 which means a 1.5 GPA is definitely below average and will not work in your favor.
Will my GPA reset if I transfer schools? ›
A high GPA can improve your chances for college admissions, but that 4.0 you worked so hard to achieve won't transfer to your new college. When you are accepted to a new school, your GPA is essentially wiped clean, and your new GPA will be determined by your level of success in your classes at the new institution.
What community college does UCLA accept the most from? ›
Santa Monica College (1,548) – 36% accepted. Pasadena City College (1,043) – 35% accepted. Deanza College (891) – 23% accepted.
What is the difference between first year student and transfer student? ›
Students who have completed high school and enrolled in college, even for one term or less, must apply as transfer applicants. Students who have completed two years or less of college coursework at the time of application are eligible to apply as transfer applicants.
What is a transfer student USA? ›
Transferring universities involves leaving the university where you are enrolled, then enrolling at a new US college or university. As a transfer student, you may continue to pursue your original degree, or you may opt to change to a new degree program altogether.
What is a transfer student athlete? ›
A student who participates in an interscholastic athletic contest or attends a school shall be considered enrolled in that school and shall be classified as a transfer student if the student subsequently enrolls at another school.
What is the difference between a freshman and a transfer college student? ›
Some freshmen will have AP or International Baccalaureate credits, and perhaps some credits from dual enrollment in a community college. A transfer student who comes in as a junior typically has completed an associate's degree or two years of academic coursework elsewhere.
