Bakersfield College

What is the difference between a UC and CSU?
California has two public university systems. The UCs are research-based institutions and emphasize a theory based approach to learning, and offers doctorate programs in most disciplines, along with graduate opportunities in medicine, dentistry, business, law, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. The CSU offers traditional and career specific majors, with graduate opportunities at the Master’s level. Return to top.

How long will it take me to transfer?
The time it takes to transfer depends on the number of units you complete each term, and the
minimum number of units that the college or university you transfer to requires for admission. Return to top.

How long will it take to finish once I transfer?
Time to degree is a result determined by the number of requirements you complete prior to
transfer, the number of requirements remaining to be completed once you transfer, and the
amount of units you complete each term. If you complete all of the GE, and lower division major
requirements, and a total of 60 transferable semester units, and continue at the university you
transfer to full-time, you should be able to graduate in two years after you transfer. Return to top.

Can I transfer as a sophomore?
Both the UC and CSU systems give admission priority to upper-division transfer students (60
transferable units or more) and at this time do not accept lower division transfers. Some campus only accept upper-division transfer students. You needto consult the college or university for more information. Private, out-of-state, and international schools vary and you should check with each regarding their admission policies. Return to top.

Can I complete my transfer requirements at Bakersfield College?
Yes, you can complete some, if not all, of your requirements. Again, since requirement are
determined by the college or university that you transfer to, you need to check with each
institution. Return to top.

Are all Bakersfield College courses transferable?
No. The Bakersfield College Catalog marks courses that transfer to the UC and CSU systems. A
course marked with a UC or CSU designation tells you that this course transfers. Return to top.

Will my high school grades and SAT scores count when I transfer?
Most private schools will accept transfer students using high school grades (but sometimes
requirements do change so check with each school) and test scores if they wish to transfer before
completing 30 semester units. The UC and CSU system do not require high school grades and
test scores when a student transfers as a junior, 60 or more transferable units. Return to top.

How does a withdraw "W" affect my ability to transfer?
In most cases, W’s are not a focus of admission decisions unless there is an excessive number of
W’s over a longer course of time. This signals to a university that you might not be mature
enough to handle the academic rigor of baccalaureate study. Colleges and universities want
students who have a proven record of perseverance. Return to top.

How do colleges look at "credit/no-credit" classes?
For the University of California and the California State University, there is no problem taking
general education or electives on a credit/no credit basis. In rare instances, a credit is factored
into your GPA as a "C". You must again check with each college or university you are interested
in for the specific requirements. It is almost never permitted to take a course needed in your
major or for general education for CR/NC. Return to top.

What is the best school for my major? How can I find the best schools?
Resources exist in the Transfer Center and on this website. Use the www.assist.org "exploring majors" link. Return to top.

I want to double major - what should I do?
At Bakersfield College, you should complete as much coursework in both majors prior to transfer as
time and energy permits. Universities and colleges have different rules about double majors, so
you need to check with the specific institution. Return to top.

What does it mean to minor?
To "minor" in a subject means to take a prescribed number of courses relating to a specific
subject, in addition to your major courses. You do not study the field with the same depth as you
do when you major. Not all schools offer minors so be sure to do your research. Return to top.

Do schools care how long it takes me to complete my requirements at Bakersfield College?
The UC and CSU systems are very accommodating to part-time, slowly progressing students,
other institutions put a great deal of importance on a strong and rigorous curriculum each term.
Check with each school to which you are interested in transferring. Return to top.

What are my chances of being admitted to a UC?
If you meet the eligibility requirements, there is a place for you at one of the UC campuses.
California community college transfer students receive first priority over other transfer applicants
to UC, including applicants from four-year institutions and the University’s own intercampus
transfers. Research the UC Admissions website for eligibility and admission requirements. Return to top.

I heard Bakersfield College can guarantee my transfer to a university. Is this true?
There are some colleges and universities that guarantee admission if you complete a specific
program and earn a specific GPA. You can find the colleges and universities that we have
partnerships with, and the requirements, by clicking on the TAA button. Return to top.

How do I increase my chances of being admitted to a UC?
Your chances for admissions to the University of California increase significantly when you apply
to several campuses. 90% of students who apply to four or more UC campuses are accepted.
Completing major preparation coursework while at Bakersfield College can also make you a more
competitive applicant. Return to top.

Can I transfer to the UC/CSU and continue taking general education courses at the
community college?
This can be tricky and you need to ask lots of questions. It is suggested that you complete general education through the IGETC or CSU general education breath and get it certified before you transfer. If you transfer without certification, you run the risk of additional university GE requirements. The CSU system allow students to attend their campuses and a community college at the same time. So you can be completing your GE’s at a community college while enrolled at a CSU if you need to. But remember some of your GE’s must be completed before transfer for admission purposes. Check the CSU Mentor website for details. Return to top.

What do I need to do to transfer?
Use this website, meet with a Bakersfield College counselor and stop by the Transfer Center for help. Return to top.

Do I have to declare a major before transferring?
If you think it’s easy to change majors after transfer you may be wrong. For the UC system, you
will need to declare a major. Each campus has its own policy regarding changing majors so you
will need to check with a university representative. For impacted programs, most campuses will not let you switch to the impacted program after transferring.

For the CSU system you may transfer without declaring a major to some campuses. To be admitted to impacted programs, however, you must apply to the program. The CSU system strongly encourages students to declare a major by the time they have 75 (semester) units earned.

Private, out-of-state, and international colleges and universities vary in their policies. Consult with each. Return to top.

Can I change my major after I transfer?
In some cases, yes, and in some cases, no. The ability to change a major completely depends on the rules governing major changes at the college or university that you will be attending. Don’t assume this is easy to do. In fact, sometimes it can be impossible. Return to top.

Do I need an AA degree to transfer?
Not usually. For the UC and CSU systems, no. The AA degree is not required or considered as
an admissions requirement. Many students choose to obtain an AA degree prior to transferring
for personal or professional reasons. The program of study for the AA degree can overlap with
the lower division preparation for transfer as with the new AA-T degrees. If your objective is to transfer, however, be sure to seek the advice of your counselor for the appropriate program of study. Privates, out-of-state and international schools vary. So, check with each. Return to top.

How many units can I transfer?
This varies by university so check with each. Generally for the CSU and UC systems, if all your work has been completed at a community college , then they will let you apply 60 transferable units from a community College toward your Bachelor’s Degree, and will grant you a total of 70 transferable units (but will give you all of your course credit). Return to top.

Can I transfer after completing only the General Education requirements, without the lower
division major requirements?
Sometimes, to the CSU and UC system strongly encourage major prep. Many of the UCs and CSUs completion are now admitting upper- division transfer students only, 60+ transferable units complete before transfer. Private, out-of-state, and international universities vary, check with each. Return to top.

Can I transfer without completing the mathematics requirement?
For the UC and CSU systems, no. Prior to transferring all students must complete at least one transferable math course. Some majors and programs require more than one math class. Private, out-of-state, and international schools vary, check with each. Return to top.

What courses do I need to complete before I transfer?
The courses you need to take at Bakersfield College are determined by the college or university you plan to transfer to and each has minimum admission requirements. Most students complete either the CSU general education breath pattern or the IGETC before transferring. Return to top.

Is it possible to take too many units, then not be able to transfer?
Usually, if you have only attended a community college, no. But if you have attended a university or college which awards bachelor’s degrees, there could be limits, and you need to consult with the transfer counselor. Return to top.

What GPA do I need to transfer to a UC or CSU?
The GPA necessary for admission varies from campus to campus and from major to major. Return to top.

Can someone evaluate my transcripts to tell me what requirements I have left before I
transfer?
Any Bakersfield College counselor can help evaluate your transcripts. You will need to stop by the counseling office and make an appointment. Remember, however, that ultimately it is the college or universities you transfer to that must tell you which courses they will accept, not Bakersfield College. However, our counselors are highly trained in this area and can give you a good idea on where you stand and help you plan accordingly. Return to top.

When do I apply to transfer?
This depends on the deadlines given by the institution you are applying to, and the term for which you are applying. The CSU and UC priority application period is from October 1 - November 30 (CSU) and November 1-30 (UC). Return to top.

Where can I obtain college and university applications?
All college applications are online. Return to top.

Can I apply year-round or only for the fall semester/quarter?
Most UC and CSU campuses accept applications for the fall semester only. Return to top.

What if I missed the application deadline?
You would need to apply next year for the UCs. For the CSU system, go to www.csumentor.edu Applications past the filing deadline are accepted on a campus-by-campus basis. Return to top.

I got bad grades at another college. Do I have to tell the college or university that I plan to
transfer to that I went to that college?
Yes. You are required to report all previous institutions that you have attended. Return to top.

What happens if I don’t report all previous institutions that I have attended?
If you provide false information, you could potentially have your admission or degree revoked. Return to top.

I have attended another college/university. Do these courses transfer to Bakersfield College?
Many courses transfer to Bakersfield College, but if you want to know if the course transfers to a
university or college. Check on the www.assist.org website. Return to top.

If I major in business at Bakersfield College for my AA degree, will that affect the major that I want to transfer in if it is different?
Regardless of the AA you earn, you may transfer with a different major. You have to be sure to complete all the requirements for your educational goal and plan accordingly. Return to top.

What schools can I transfer to where I can continue to work full-time?
The CSU system is very accommodating to students that work full time. Also, University of La Verne, National University and Phoenix University are accommodating. But, more and more colleges and universities are accommodating students who must work full-time. Ask. Return to top.

Can I take classes at both Bakersfield College and CSU Bakersfield?

Yes. There are many students that are concurrently enrolled. Ask your CSUB advisor for more information. Return to top.

Bakersfield College

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Transfer Center FAQs

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