Career and Transfer Checklist
This checklist will give you an overview of the resources and steps you should take as you explore careers and prepare to transfer to a university.
ITEM 1. Explore Your Major and Career Options
After reviewing the three tabs below, if you are still undecided about your major,
schedule an appointment with a career counselor to explore majors and careers of interest. Career counselors are here to help.
In order to transfer, you will need to first decide on a major. Career and major exploration begins with self-assessment.
Complete a free career assessment through Focus 2, then schedule an appointment to discuss your results with a career counselor at the Career/Transfer Center.
Academic counseling courses are aimed at helping guide students through the career and transfer planning process.
Review the class schedule for a full list of counseling courses.
ITEM 2. Transfer Planning
Transfer planning is essential for moving from a community college to a four-year
university. It involves researching universities, understanding transfer requirements
and strategically planning your coursework for a smooth transition.
Explore the types of universities you are interested in transferring by researching online, going on campus tours, talking to alumni and attending a Citrus College transfer fair.
As you explore, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is your major offered? Are there internships or other opportunities related to your major?
- What size school do you prefer? What about class sizes?
- How far are you willing to travel/move? Do you prefer an urban/rural/suburban area?
- What is the net price, and what are the financial aid options?
In addition to transfer requirements, you will want to get ready for your major by taking "lower division major preparation."
By taking these courses at Citrus, you will save time, energy and money. Also, in some cases, these courses may be required or will make you a more competitive applicant.
Review ASSIST for more information on major preparation for UCs and CSUs.
Attend as many transfer related workshops and events as possible.
Transfer events such as college fairs and application workshops are designed to make you aware of your options and help you successfully transfer.
For an evolving list of workshops and events, visit the CTC event calendar.
When university and college reps come to Citrus, schedule an appointment to get your questions answered and learn more about their institutions.
For a list of upcoming university representative visits, check the online schedule.
Get experience related to your major or career interests.
Participating in internships, volunteer work, student clubs and research are extremely valuable. These experiences will not only help prepare you for your career, they will make you a more well-rounded and competitive applicant for transfer.
For more information, check out the job and internship guides available on this website.
ITEM 3. Transfer Programs
Transfer programs help students transition from community colleges to four-year universities.
They simplify the transfer process and provide support, often including guaranteed
admission to specific institutions or majors.
California State University
Guaranteed admission into a non-impacted CSU and admission benefits like a GPA bump
for all campuses
CCC-Associate Degree for Transfer
University of California
Guaranteed admission into a participating UC. Has very specific requirements.
UC California Admissions: Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)
Qualifying applicants can receive an admission guarantee.
CCC Transfer Guarantee Pathway to Historically Black Colleges and Universities
In-State Private Colleges
Certain in-state private schools honor the ADT admission guarantee.
Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU)
Out of State Universities
With Western Undergraduate Exchange, out-of-state students pay no more than 150% of
in-state tuition at participating schools.
Western Undergraduate Exchange
ITEM 4. Further Recommendations
Make an appointment with a counselor at least once each semester.
Create and update your Student Education Plan (SEP) with the counselor and receive important transfer updates.
Apply and renew your financial aid application each year.
Filing your FAFSA before March 2 will ensure a better chance of receiving money. AB 540 students should complete the California Dream Act application by the same deadline of March 2.
Both applications are available to complete October 1 for the next academic year.
As a transfer student, your college GPA is important for you to be eligible and competitive. Utilize on-campus resources including tutoring to ensure you are academically successful.