1. Are services available to non-students?
2. What is the procedure to take advantage of services?
3. Where do I start if I have no idea what I want to do?
4. What schools do we have Transfer Admission Guarantees (TAG’s) with?
5. What are articulation agreements and where can I find them?
6. What is Foothill’s College Board code? Foothill’s Financial Aid code?
7. What do I need to do to transfer?
8. Does the Career/Transfer Center offer career counseling?
9. Which Foothill College courses transfer?
10. How many units do I need to transfer?
11. Is there a maximum number of units I can transfer?
12. What if I take more than 105 units?
13. What is the minimum GPA for transfer?
14. What is a competitive GPA for transfer?
15. What is GE?
16. What is IGETC?
17. What is general education certification and why is it important for transferring students?
18. How can I meet with a college representative?
19. What is the difference between an associate degree and a bachelor's degree?
20. How many units do I need for an associate degree?
21. What is the difference between lower division and upper division courses?
22. What is articulation?
23. What is the California Articulation Number (CAN)?
24. What is a Transfer Admission Agreement (TAA)?
25. Where do I go to get transcripts sent to another college?
26. What is a major?
27. What is a minor?
28. Where can I find out what classes to take for my major?
29. Do I need to declare a major before I transfer?
30. What is an impacted major?
31. How do I find out about transfer requirements for my school?
32. What is the difference between a CSU and a UC?
33. What is the difference between a quarter and a semester?
34. What is meant by priority filing dates for the CSU and UC?
35. Where can I learn more about transfer to a private college or university?
36. Where can I find additional information?

Answers:

1. Are services available to non-students?
   The majority of services are available to non-students on a limited basis.
   
   
2. What is the procedure to take advantage of services?
   For many services, there is a simple sign-up procedure. Depending on one’s need, it is often advantageous to make an appointment with a counselor in order to make the best use of resources.
   
   
3. Where do I start if I have no idea what I want to do?
   For students who are undecided about major and/or career choice, we encourage you to begin by taking Career Life Planning CRLP70- Self Assessment which assists students in defining interests, values, and skills, and how they relate to the world of work.
   
   
4. What schools do we have Transfer Admission Guarantees (TAG’s) with?
   Foothill College currently has Transfer Admission Guarantees (TAGs) with SF State, SJ State, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, UC Riverside, University of SF, Santa Clara University, Mills, College of Notre Dame, University of Pacific, and UC San Diego.
   
   
5. What are articulation agreements and where can I find them?
   Articulation Agreements are agreements between colleges that define equivalent courses from school to school. For UC and CSU articulation agreements, see www.assist.org . For private schools or additional information, see a counselor.
   
   
6. What is Foothill’s College Board code? Foothill’s Financial Aid code?
   Foothill’s College Board code is 004315. The Financial Aid code is 001199.
   
   
7. What do I need to do to transfer?
   In order to transfer, please make an appointment with a counselor. Transfer requirements vary tremendously between schools and majors. In conjunction with seeing a counselor
   
   
8. Does the Career/Transfer Center offer career counseling?
   Career counseling is available through a counseling appointment by calling (650) 949-7423 or on a drop-in basis by stopping by the Counseling Center in the Student Development Center.
   
   
9. Which Foothill College courses transfer?
   In general, at Foothill College, courses are numbered using the following guidelines:
   • 1-49 transferable to the University of California (with some exceptions and restrictions)
   • 1-99 transferable to the California State University
   Note: These two numbering systems are guidelines to courses that are transferable for university credit; however, that credit may not apply toward a specific degree at a specific campus. Students should consult with a counselor for help when developing an educational plan that outlines courses appropriate for Admission to a particular major at a specific school. The final responsibility for the selection of proper courses rests with the student. The official repository for transfer information, http://www.assist.org maintains an up-to-date list of transferable courses for Foothill College.
   
   
10. How many units do I need to transfer?
    Students are advised to complete 90 quarter units that will transfer in order to be eligible for full junior status at the transfer school.
    
    It is possible to transfer to some CSU campuses with 84 quarter units; however, completion of 90 units is recommended in order to obtain junior standing. Many private universities and out-of-state colleges will accept transfer students with fewer units. Students should consult the catalog for the specific private/out-of-state college in which they are interested for transfer requirements.
    
    
11. Is there a maximum number of units I can transfer?
    As a general rule, the maximum number of units accepted for transfer is 105 quarter units.
    
    
12. What if I take more than 105 units?
    Most colleges and universities will accept 105 quarter units towards the total number of units needed to complete a bachelor's degree; however, for students who have taken more than 105 units, the content of the extra courses will normally be used to satisfy needed requirements.
    
    
13. What is the minimum acceptable GPA for transfer?
    The minimum GPA needed to transfer to a California State University (CSU) is 2.0. The minimum GPA needed to transfer to the University of California (UC) is 2.4. The GPA needed for transfer to private colleges varies.
    
    Many majors and some colleges are impacted and will require higher GPA's in order to for students to be a viable candidate for admission.
    
    
14. What is a competitive GPA for transfer?
    To be accepted to an impacted program or a high demand campus, the GPA for admission should be considerably higher than the minimum requirements. A GPA of 3.0 and higher may be required for students to be competitive for transfer admission, with the most competitive institutions expecting much higher grade point averages. The desired GPA will vary each year according to the specific applicant pool at that time. A counselor can provide advice regarding competitive grade point average requirements for specific campuses/majors.
    
    
15. What is GE?
    GE (or General Education) is a program of courses in the arts and sciences that provides a broad educational experience. Courses are usually introductory in nature and provide students with fundamental skills and knowledge in English, arts, mathematics, social sciences, physical and biological sciences.
    
    Students who transfer to the CSU can complete the lower division General Education/Breadth requirements at Foothill College prior to transfer. There is an upper division GE requirement of 9 semester/12 quarter units that must be completed after transfer at the CSU from which the bachelor's degree is granted. Each of the University of California campuses (and many Colleges within those campuses) maintains unique general education requirements.
    
    For more information on GE requirements, click click one of the following links:
    CSU GE information or UC GE Information
    
    
16. What is IGETC?
    The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (commonly called IGETC) is a general education program community college students can complete in order to satisfy lower division general education requirements at any CSU and many UC campuses. Completion of IGETC is one option for students to use when preparing for transfer. It is not the only general education option and for some majors (such as engineering and science) may not be recommended.
    Click here for more information on IGETC.
    
    NOTE: Students who are planning to transfer to a CSU may find completion of the CSU General Education-Breadth pattern more expedient. Students with questions about which is best for them are encouraged to talk with a counselor.
    
    
17. What is general education certification and why is it important for transferring students?
    Certification of CSU GE or IGETC is an important step in the transfer process! The certification of GE is the official notice to the transfer institution verifying that a transfer student has completed courses satisfying lower division general education requirements.
    
    The certification is a different form from the transcript. The request for certification of CSU GE-Breadth or IGETC should be submitted to either the Foothill College evaluator or the Foothill College Office of Admissions and Records after receiving acceptance and after completion of all courses at Foothill College but prior to enrollment at the university. Some universities maintain deadlines for submission of certification forms. For certification, all courses on IGETC must be completed with a grade of C or better.
    
    The CSU GE pattern can be certified by completing a specific subject area or by completing the entire 54 unit pattern.
    
    
18. How can I meet with a college representative?
    Representatives from many colleges visit the Career and Transfer Center (located in the Student Development Center) on a regular basis each quarter. Check What’s New for the latest news on visits from college representatives.
    
    
19. What is the difference between an associate degree and a bachelor's degree?
    An associate degree is a two-year degree granted by a community college to students who complete a specified program of study, usually totaling 90 units.
    
    A bachelor’s degree (or baccalaureate) is a four-year degree granted upon completion of at least 124 semester units or 180 quarter units. Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science Degrees are offered by the California State Universities, the University of California and many private four-year colleges and universities.
    
    
20. How many units do I need for an associate degree?
    Completion of a minimum of 90 quarter units is needed to obtain an associate degree. As a rule, Foothill courses numbered 1-199 will satisfy requirements for an associate degree. There are general education, math competency and other requirements needed to obtain the degree. Please refer to either the Foothill College catalog or our degrees page link for specific requirements.
    
    
21. What is the difference between lower division and upper division courses?
    Lower division courses are offered for freshman and sophomore level credit. All courses offered at a community college are lower division courses.
    
    Upper division courses are offered for junior and senior level credit. These courses are not offered by community colleges.
    
    
22. What is articulation?
    Articulation is the process of evaluating courses to determine whether coursework completed at one college will meet the requirements for admission, transfer credit, general education, or major preparation at another college. ASSIST, the official repository for articulation information related to public community colleges and universities in California has detailed information about articulation.
    
    
23. What is the California Articulation Number (CAN)?
    Similar to ASSIST, CAN is a common number system used to identify courses which are often required as lower division preparation for majors. The courses are taught at many colleges with each specific campus using their own unique number for the course. The CAN system allows counselors and students to determine equivalent courses offered at different colleges by using the common number (CAN). The English 1A course at Foothill College is CAN ENGL 2. Courses at Foothill that qualify for CAN are identified in the class schedule and in the catalog.
    
    
24. What is a Transfer Admission Agreement (TAA)?
    A Transfer Admission Agreement is a formal, written agreement that outlines the courses that must be completed before transfer, states the GPA required, and lists specific requirements for crowded majors. The Transfer Admission Agreement will guarantee admission to the university as long as the provisions of the agreement are completed. Students with 30 transferable units completed may be eligible for a TAA.
    
    Foothill College currently offers Transfer Admission Agreements with UC Davis, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC Santa Cruz, San Jose State University, Santa Clara University, Cornell University, University of the Pacific, Menlo College, and several others. For more information on TAAs, contact the Transfer Center
    
    
25. How are transcripts sent to another college?
    Students seeking to send transcripts to another college should submit the transcript request form (available in the office of Admissions and Records (administration Building). A fee may be charged depending upon the number of transcripts requested. Click here for more information on obtaining transcripts.
    
    
26. What is a major?
    A major is a program of study which leads to a degree. It is the primary area of study in which the greatest depth of knowledge will be developed. Although there are a dozen or so popular majors, there are literally hundreds of other, lesser known, majors. By reading university catalogs, students can familiarize themselves with the array of majors offered at each campus and the scope or philosophy of that particular program. For example, a psychology major at one campus might offer concentrations in clinical or psychobiology, but a different campus might offer concentrations in industrial psychology, human development and abnormal psychology. Students should ascertain that the campus they select offers a philosophy or concentration that appeals to them.
    
    
27. What is a minor?
    A minor is a secondary field of study, not as comprehensive as the major. Most majors usually require approximately 27 quarter units.
    
    
28. Where can I find out what classes to take for my major?
    Preparation for a major is an important step. Information as to which classes are required for a specific major can be obtained from the specific college catalog and from articulation agreements available on ASSIST. The Counseling and Career/Transfer Centers have copies of college catalogs and the articulation agreements.
    
    
29. Do I need to declare a major before I transfer?
    Most, but not all, colleges require students to declare a major prior to transfer; however, most universities prefer that students declare major prior to transfer. Many universities make admissions determinations based upon the number of lower division major preparatory classes a student has completed. Completing major preparation prior to transfer typically will mean that students are less likely to take additional time to graduate after transfer. Speeding the time to graduate also saves students money. Students should always check with a counselor for assistance in determining which lower division preparation is necessary for submitting a competitive application.
    
    
30. What is an impacted major?
    An impacted major is one that is very popular and more applications for admission are received during the priority filing period than the campus can accommodate. For students who are applying to a major that is impacted, the GPA for admission may be higher and may require completion of lower division major preparatory courses prior to transfer. Impacted majors change from year to year; therefore, students are encouraged to check with a counselor for information regarding this year’s impacted programs. Examples of typically impacted majors include computer science, engineering, nursing and occupational therapy.
    
    
31. How do I find out about transfer requirements for my school?
    There are many resources available in the Counseling and Career/Transfer Centers to assist students. Students are encouraged to visit the college to which they are interested in transferring as well as researching the transfer requirements in the specific college catalog. If a representative from the college visits Foothill College, students should make an appointment to meet with him/her. College Transfer Day is an event that takes place on the Foothill campus each fall. This provides a wonderful opportunity to meet with representatives from many campuses. Click here to learn more information about Transfer Day.
    
    
32. What is the difference between a CSU and a UC?
    The California State University (CSU) is the system of higher education in California that grants the most bachelor degrees. It is sometimes called the "teacher training" institution. The CSU also grants master degrees.
    
    The University of California (UC) is the research system of public higher education in California. The UC grants professional and doctorate degrees, as well as bachelor and master degrees.
    
    In general, the CSU has a more practical, career-oriented approach to education in contrast to the more theoretical approach offered by the UC.
    
    
33. What is the difference between a quarter and a semester?
    Each college/university has an academic year with terms marking the beginning and end of classes.
    
    A quarter is one type of term within an academic year. Each quarter is 10 weeks in length, and there are usually three quarters (fall, winter and spring) per academic year.
    
    A semester is the other type of term within an academic year. Each semester is 15 weeks in length, and there are two semesters (fall and spring) in an academic year.
    
    In addition some colleges offer a fourth term during the summer. Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and California State, Hayward, for example, each have a summer quarter. Most other colleges offer summer classes; however, summer is not considered an official term of the academic year and is often run through the continuing education office which may have different fees and unit limitations.
    
    
34. What is meant by priority filing dates for the CSU and UC?
    There is a one month period of time when applications are first accepted for a specific term at the CSU and UC. Please contact the Career/Transfer or Counseling Centers for the priority filing dates. Typically, the application filing periods are:
    • Fall Admission:
      • CSU October 1-November 30
      • UC November 1-November 30
    • Winter Admission:
      • UC July 1-July 30
      • CSU June 1-June 30
    • Spring Admission:
      • UC October 1-October 31
      • CSU August 1-August 31
    • Summer Admission:
      • CSU February 1-February 28
    To see which campuses are presently accepting applications, click the following links: UC or CSU.
    
    
35. Where can I learn more about attending a private college or university?
    The Counseling and Career/Transfers Centers maintain an extensive library of information regarding private and out-of-state universities. In addition, Foothill College maintains articulation agreements with some private and out-of-state institutions. The web site for the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) has valuable information and links to private schools.
    
    
36. Where can I find additional information?
    The Transfer Forum is an excellent place to look for additional information. This forum is run by our Transfer department and allows you to ask questions of the counselors.

Top of page February 01, 2013