Frequently Asked Questions
Graduation/Transfer
- Should I earn an AA degree before transfer?
- What is the difference between the California State University (CSU) and the University of California (UC)?
- What do I need to do before I transfer?
- Can I transfer if I haven’t decided on a major?
- What is an “impacted” or selective major/college?
- When do I apply to transfer?
- What guaranteed transfer admissions programs does LPC offer?
- I want to transfer, but am not sure I can afford it. What are the costs? What kind of financial aid is out there for me?
Q: Should I earn an AA degree before transfer?
You are encouraged to complete an AA degree before transfer, but it is not required for admissions to a 4-year transfer college. Some reasons why students earn an AA degree before transfer:
- A tangible accomplishment for all the work you’ve done so far
- Looks good on a resume prior to earning a bachelor’s degree
- A “back-up” degree if, for any reason, you need to stop attending school while pursuing your bachelor’s degree
Q: What is the difference between the California State University (CSU) and the University of California (UC)?
Answer: Both CSU and UC are public, state-funded university systems that teach; conduct research, and award bachelors and master’s degrees. The University of California also awards doctorate degrees (PhD, MD, etc.). The UC system’s primary mission is to conduct research. The CSU system is primarily dedicated to instruction. Some UC campuses have more selective (competitive) admissions standards than CSU campuses, although there are exceptions to this rule with certain campuses and majors. Please see a counselor for additional information.
Q: What do I need to do before I transfer?
Answer: One of the most important steps is to make an appointment to see a counselor to make sure that all your transfer requirements are met and to certify your general education. For additional tips, see Getting Started on the Transfer Process.
Q: Can I transfer if I haven’t decided on a major?
Answer: At almost all schools, you must declare a major when you apply as a junior-level transfer (at least 60 transferable semester units). Many schools will also require you to have completed courses in your major. This is especially true for impacted or selective majors and colleges, as well as “high unit majors” (majors with many required classes, such as engineering, computer science, sciences, health sciences).
Q: What is an “impacted” or selective major/college?
Answer: An impacted and/or selective major/college has more applicants than the major/college can accept. To be eligible for admission to an impacted/ selective major/college, you must complete additional requirements above and beyond the minimum, including specified courses and have a higher grade point average to compete for admissions.
Q: When do I apply to transfer?
Answer: For most colleges and universities, you may apply about 8-10 months prior to enrolling in classes. Selective colleges, impacted/selective majors require that students apply during the priority application filing periods. Colleges that are less selective sometimes will admit qualified students up to 2 months before the semester/quarter starts.
The priority filing periods for fall admission are: University of California (UC): Nov. 1-30 and California State University (CSU) -- Oct. 1-Nov. 30. Some CSU campuses and a few UC campuses admit students mid-year and after priority filing periods. Check CSU Mentor and UC Admissions for current admissions deadlines. Required courses do not need to be completed at the time of application, but usually must be completed a semester before actual transfer. May colleges require all course, major, and unit requirements to be completed by the end of Spring semester for admission the following Fall semester/quarter. For more information, see a counselor and visit the Transfer Center.
Q: What guaranteed transfer admissions programs does LPC offer?
Answer: See Special Transfer Programs.
Q: I want to transfer, but am not sure I can afford it. What are the costs? What kind of financial aid is out there for me?
Answer: Do not let the costs of college stop you from pursing higher education. Get all the facts regarding how you can pay for college! Visit the LPC Financial Aid Office and explore your options. A college education is an investment in yourself that pays off in many ways.
