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Preparing for Transfer

Preparation for Major Courses
For each major at a four-year institution, there are lower division (freshman and sophomore level) preparatory courses designed to prepare students for upper division study (junior and senior level). Based on the availability of courses, students are strongly encouraged to complete as many major prerequisite courses as possible prior to transfer.

Preparation for Major courses for UC and CSU schools can be found on ASSIST. The ASSIST website is designed to provide students with the most accurate and up-to-date information available. ASSIST lists which community college courses are articulated to their four-year counterparts and/or will meet specific requirements. Students can find valuable information about additional screening requirements, if the major is impacted, and if there is a required GPA for a specific major on ASSIST.

Students looking to transfer to a private/independent or out-of- state school, should first access the Taft College Transfer Website or talk to a Counselor to find out if Taft College has an articulation agreement with the school of interest.

If Taft College has no articulation with the school, you should go to the school’s undergraduate admissions page and search for transfer information, or contact the school’s admissions department directly to find out the best way you can take courses towards major preparation.

General Education Courses
General Education (GE) is a set of courses from a variety of different subject areas that every student must complete in order to earn a bachelor’s degree, regardless of major. The goal is to provide a well- rounded or “liberal” education and develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that together help make up an “educated person”.

The completion of GE prior to transfer is not required for admission to most universities. However, students should complete an appropriate transfer GE pattern at the community college. GE requirements not fulfilled prior to transfer must be completed later at the university, which often extends the time and expense of a university education.

Students usually follow one of three transfer GE options. These are:
CSU GE is accepted by all CSU campuses and some private/ independent or out-of-state universities. CSU GE is not accepted by the UC system
IGETC is accepted by all CSU campuses and most UC campuses and majors. IGETC is also accepted by some private/independent or out-of-state universities.