With the fall semester coming to an end, the transfer period is underway for California community college students who are wanting to transfer to a California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC) campus.
With big deadlines coming up, counselors and the Sacramento City College Transfer Center are encouraging students to finish up their documents, confirm their transfer units and make sure their general courses are on schedule.
For both CSUs and UC applicants wanting admission for fall 2026 will need to submit their applications by Dec. 1. However, three Cal State schools have extended their deadlines; Sacramento State on Jan. 15 (with priority ending on Dec. 15), Cal State San Bernardino on Jan. 31 (except pre-nursing) and Cal State Channel Islands on Dec. 5 for non-impacted majors.
Because requirements differ by the school and major, planning ahead is essential and has been one of the biggest aspects in student success.
Most of the community colleges in California follow the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) for UC campuses and the CSU GE pattern for state campuses. Both of these routes require students to finish 60 transferable units, especially the English and math requirements before receiving admission as a junior. Impacted programs such as nursing, business, engineering and psychology normally have extra prerequisites and require higher than normal GPAs and because of this the transfer center on campus recommends meeting with them early to make the process as easy as possible.
One City College student who knows how critical it is to plan early is Destiny Harmon, a business administration major who recently just completed one of her transfer applications to Southern Oregon University, her No. 1 choice. Harmon said she’s gotten offers from other universities expressing interests to her without formally applying herself due to her time volunteering for an organization that toured various campuses.
Harmon said juggling her transfer application while working full-time and enrolled in a full-time course load this semester was a challenge she endured. “Staying in regular communication with the schools while working, studying and keeping up with responsibilities was difficult at times” Harmon said. “There is a lot to manage, and it can become overwhelming if you wait too long.”
Even with the challenges, Harmon found the transfer center at City College to be a helpful resource. “They answered many of my questions about the transfer process and helped guide me through financial aid information as well.” Harmon said. “I’d definitely recommend students visit early ideally a year ahead.”
For students who may be timid about transferring particularly out of California, Harmon recommends having confidence. “Being nervous is normal, but it should not hold you back. You won’t know what you’re capable of if you stay afraid of new opportunities.” Harmon said. “Even though I’ll be leaving my family behind. Oregon feels like the place where I’ll be the happiest and where I can really start my life.”
With the deadlines coming up, it is recommended that students confirm their transfer units, meet with a counselor or adviser to confirm major prerequisites and turn in applications before the deadlines. For others like Harmon, the journey can be challenging, but it also is the start of a new chapter for the future.
