Glossary

1. Which Palomar classes transfer?

The class numbering system is as follows:

0-49 Non-credit/Non-AA/Non-Transferable
50-99 Credit for Associates Degree (AA) only/Non-Transferable
100+ Considered transferable and is credit for both AA and most Universities.

Ex: Reading 10, Math 50, English 100, Phil 115, Counseling 55.

Note: There are some exceptions to whether a university will accept some 100+ level courses so ALWAYS check your Palomar Catalog or speak with a counselor.

2 How many units do I need to transfer?

On average students transfer 56-70 units to be applied toward your total units required for the BA/B. depending on the university you attend. Some universities will require a minimum of 60 units for admission and you will be considered Junior status (third year college student) at the university.

Note: Many private universities and out-of-state colleges will accept transfer students with fewer units. Please check the catalog for the specific college you are interested in for transfer requirements and/or speak with a counselor.

3. How many units can I transfer to the university from Palomar?

On average many B.A./B.S. degrees will require 120-128 semester units or 180 quarter units. As a general rule, 70 is the maximum number of units a university will accept from Palomar to be applied toward the total degree.

Ex: B.S =128 total units - 70 Palomar transfer units = 58. You would need at least 58 units at the university to complete degree. Every student is unique so speak with a Transfer Center counselor to find out your unit pattern.

Note: There is an exception to the above rule. If you already attended a four year school, came back to a community college, and plan on transferring to a UC school, be very careful! See a counselor immediately!

4. What if I take more transferable units than 70?

The 70-unit limit applies only to the number of units that will be counted toward graduation and does not apply to courses. The university will grant subject credit for course content needed to satisfy requirements for general education or major preparation, even if they do not count the units for all of your courses toward graduation.

5. What if I want to transfer before completing 56 or 60 units?

Applying to a university before completing all your GE and Major Prep requirements, and/or if you do not have the 56-60 units necessary for junior standing decreases your chances of admission. Your application will be reviewed by the university using the same criteria as a freshman applicant. Therefore, you will need to have completed the required high school pattern of courses, make up deficiencies if you did not, and submit SAT scores.

Note: Some universities will not accept students without transfer requirements met. Speak with a counselor regarding your university requirements.

6. What is Educational Planning (Ed Plan)?

An Ed Plan is a semester-by-semester program of classes discussed with a counselor that best fits your educational goal. It will consist of GE, Major prep, and electives, if needed or wanted.

7. What is General Education (GE)?

GE is a pattern of Freshman and Sophomore lower-division classes that provides a well-rounded educational experience before transfer. Courses are usually introductory in nature and provide students with knowledge in the following GE areas: English, arts, language, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, physical and biological sciences, and Life Long Understanding.

The CSU, UC, Private and out-of-state colleges all have different GE patterns and students can complete most lower division GE classes for these universities at Palomar. However, because each of these universities have different GE patterns the earlier you can identify where you want to transfer the better a counselor can assist you in creating a comprehensive educational plan to meet your transfer school requirements.

Note: Some universities may require additional Junior and Senior upper-division GE classes after you transfer.

Click here for comprehensive information about selecting an appropriate GE pattern.

8. What is the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)?

IGETC is one option to choose for completing a general education pattern that can be used to satisfy both the CSU and UC lower division GE requirements. Some private schools also accept this GE pattern. So check with a counselor.

Note: Some colleges do not allow, or do not advise, using IGETC. If you know you want to transfer to a CSU, it is recommended you follow the CSU pattern (blue sheet).

9. What is GE certification and why is it important for transferring students?

The certification of GE is Palomar's official review of a student's lower division GE pattern completed. Palomar will notify the transfer school the student will be attending and "certify" the student has completed an IGETC or CSU pattern.

If certified, the student usually will not have to take anymore lower division GE classes once they transfer into the university, which saves the student both time and money. If the student is not certified, the university's lower division GE pattern will have to be followed , which means the student will have more classes to take.

The request for certification of CSU or IGETC GE is usually reviewed the last semester at Palomar before you transfer. You can pick-up a certification request in the Transfer Center, General Counseling or at the Evaluations Office. This would also be a good time to request an official Palomar Transcript be sent to the university.

Note: To be IGETC certified, all courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.

10. What is a Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)?

A Transfer Admission Guarantee is a formal, written, signed contract between UC San Diego (UCSD) and UC Santa Cruz (UCSC), Palomar, and the student. The contract outlines a specific GE pattern of classes that must be completed before transfer, has a minimum GPA of 2.8 required, and lists specific requirements for impacted majors.

The TAG is a guarantee admission to the university but NOT to the major.

11. What are double-counting units?

Many schools will allow a student to double count GE classes with major prep and/or graduation requirements. It is different from school to school so it is important for you to identify your transfer university. Please see a counselor to write an Ed Plan.

Ex: Instead of taking 40 units of GE plus an additional 30 units of major prep, you can use the major prep units also as GE. Remember each school and major is different. See a counselor.

12. If I obtain an AA degree from Palomar, am I automatically ready for transfer?

No. Palomar has a specific transfer pattern AA in Liberal Studies which prepares a student to immediately transfer upon completion. There is also a non-transfer pattern AA in General Studies which focuses more on vocational classes for immediate employment. Be careful not to confuse these two as it could delay your transfer. Come to the Transfer Center or speak with a counselor for details ASAP if you are not sure.

13. How many units are needed for an Associate degree?

Completion of 60 units is needed to obtain an associate degree. Palomar classes numbered 50-99 and any course numbered above 100 can be used toward this total. To receive Palomar's AA a student must also complete classes in American Institutions (US History), Health, Math (intermediate Algebra or above) and a multicultural course.
Please refer to the Palomar college catalog for specific requirements or see a counselor.

14. What is the difference between an Associate degree and a Bachelor's degree?

An associate degree is a two-year diploma granted by a community college. At Palomar this includes a minimum of 18 units of GE, US History, Math and a multicultural couse totaling at least 60 units. Classes numbered 50-99+ can be used toward these 60 units.

A bachelor degree is a four-year diploma granted upon completion of, on average, at least 124 semester units or 180 quarter units. Many students complete their first two years of the four year degree at Palomar.

15. 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.

16. What is the difference between the California State University and the University of California?

The California State University (CSU) began as a system of teacher's colleges and evolved into a broader system of higher education. It is one of the three segments of California public higher education, the others being the University of California (UC) and the California Community Colleges. The CSU grants bachelor's and master's degrees that have a practical, career orientation. The assumption is that most CSU graduates will want to enter work based on their bachelor's degree training. There are now 23 CSU campuses. The UC was established as the focal point for academic and scientific research within the higher education system. In addition to bachelor's and master's degrees, the UC grants doctorates and professional degrees. The emphasis at the bachelor's level is on theoretical learning, the assumption being that most UC graduates will pursue a higher degree before entering their career. There are nine UC campuses (though one is a professional school only), with a tenth scheduled to open in Fall 2005.

17. What is a major?

A major is your specific study emphasis that leads to a degree in that subject. It is the primary area of study with the greatest depth of knowledge developed. On average many majors require 30 semester units or 48 quarter units of upper division classes. However, there are some majors that require as little as 24 semester units or as high as 52 semester upper division units.

It is possible to complete a double major (two majors at the same time) or a major with a minor. It depends on the first major you choose to study so when you identify your major, a transfer counselor can evaluate whether you have enough units left to complete another major or minor within the 124 units or 180 quarter units needed to graduate with a B.A./B.S..

18. What is a minor?

A minor is a secondary field of study that is not as comprehensive as the major. On average a minor can consist of 12 to 18 semester upper division units or 20 quarter upper division units in addition to your upper division major course requirements. It all depends on your field of study.

19. Where can I find which classes to take for my major?

There are different ways to find which major preparation (major prep) classes you need for the university you want to transfer to. One way is using Articulation Agreements that list the university major classes and the equivalent courses offered at Palomar. These can be obtained at both the Transfer Center and General Counseling.

Another way is to use ASSIST via the computer. http://www.assist.org

Note: Major prep classes may be different from university to university.

Ex: CSUSM Business prep requires: Acct. 103 & 104, 108, Bus. 115, Econ 101 & 102, Psych 100 or Soc. 100, and Math 130.
SDSU Business prep requires: Acct. 103 & 108, Bus. 117, Econ. 101 & 102, CSIS 105, Bus. 205, Math 120 or Psych/Soc. 205, and Math 130 or 140.

20. What is Articulation?

Articulation is the process of evaluating whether classes at Palomar are equivalent to classes at other colleges and universities that can be used towards requirements for admission, transfer credit, general education, or major preparation.

21. What is the California Articulation Number (CAN)?

Every college and university has their own numbering system for their classes. Speech 100 at Palomar is Speech 103 at Mesa. In order to identify for sure which classes are equivalent CAN was created.

Ex: If Palomar's Speech 100 is CAN 2 and Mesa's Speech 103 is CAN 2, then we know the class is equivalent. However, if Mesa's Speech 103 is CAN 3 then we know it is not equivalent.

The CAN system allows counselors and students to determine equivalent courses offered at different colleges by using this simple common number (CAN) system. You can look up CAN courses in Palomar's catalog.

22. Do I need to declare a major before I transfer?

Many universities will require you to declare a major on your university application but a few may let you apply as "undecided." However, many times your major prep courses double-count for GE and saves you both time and money, plus allows the possibility to have a double major or major/minor, so you may not want to wait to decide on a major.

Note: If you apply as an undecided student and decide to pursue an impacted major at the university later, you may still be denied admission to the department even though you are already attending the university. Don't take chances. Speak with a counselor to assist you in exploring a major or take Career Search 165 or Major Search 197.

23. What is an impacted major?

An impacted major is when there are more students applying than the department can admit. If you are applying to a major that is impacted, the GPA for admission may be higher, and you may have to complete lower division prep classes for the major prior to admittance into the program.

24. What is the minimum GPA for transfer?

Meeting the minimum GPA does not guarantee admission into a university. On average, the California State University (CSU) is 2.0 and the University of California (UC) is 2.4. The GPA needed for transfer to private colleges varies. If a major at the university is impacted the department may require a higher GPA.

Ex: SDSU admission requires 2.0 but the Communication department requires 3.0 to
be admitted to the major.

25. What is a competitive GPA for transfer?

To be accepted to an impacted program or popular campus, the GPA for admission will probably need to be higher than the minimum required. Required GPA's can average from 2.5 to 3.0 and depends completely on the requirements of the department. Some impacted majors may require other criteria besides the GPA to qualify such as a: portfolio, experience, and having preparation for the major completed.

The GPA will vary each year according to the specific applicant pool so speak with a counselor to be updated.

26. Do I need electives or PE to transfer?

No. A simple way to understand an elective is to ask yourself if the class will be part of your GE pattern or Major Preparation. If the answer is no, and the class is numbered 100 or above, then it, most likely, will transfer as an elective.

There are a few ways to obtain electives and the following are some examples: 1) the student CHOOSES to take interest courses that are not part of GE or prep, 2) the student changes his/her major so classes that were formally major prep now become electives and 3) sometimes a student will finish all GE and Major prep but still not have the minimum transferable units so elective classes are needed.

27. Is it important to purchase a Palomar Catalog?

Yes. The catalog is a compilation of almost everything you need to know about the college. It includes policies and regulations, major requirements, course descriptions, Student Services information and faculty recognition. This can be purchased in the Palomar Book Store.

28. How can I meet with a college/university representative?

Representatives from colleges visit the Transfer Center each semester. To make an appointment with a representative, call the Transfer Center at 744-1150 ext. 2552 to check the college representative schedule.

29. How can I have my Palomar transcript sent to another college or university?

You can pick-up a Transcript request in the Transfer Center, General Counseling, or the Admissions and Records Office; this is where your request will be processed.

30. How do I find out about transfer requirements for the school I plan to attend?

There are many resources available in the Transfer Center to assist you and we invite you stop in on a walk-in basis to be assisted. You will also want to plan a visit to the college(s) you are interested in and research the transfer requirements in the college catalog and/or the World Wide Web. When college representatives visit Palomar, be sure to make an appointment with them.

College Transfer Day is an event that takes place each fall and is a wonderful opportunity to meet representatives from many campuses. Call the Transfer Center for the date.

31. What if I want to transfer out-of-state?

This can be very complicated so we suggest you come in to the Transfer Center for assistance ASAP if this is an option you are considering.

32. What is the difference between a CSU and a UC?

The California State University (CSU) is a system of public higher education which includs 23 universities statewide. Many transfer students statewide go to a CSU so most bachelor degrees are granted by this institution.

The University of California (UC) is the research system of public higher education in California and has 9 universities statewide.

Note: There are many differences between the two and each school may have a specialty. See a counselor or come to the transfer center for details.

33. What is the difference between a quarter and a semester?

Each univesity has an academic year with terms marking the beginning and end of classes. The semester system is an academic year which has a Fall and Spring semester both lasting 15 or 16 weeks in length. The quarter system is an academic year which has a Fall, Winter, and Spring term lasting 10 weeks in length.

Note: Some colleges offer a fourth term during the summer such as Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo. Although most colleges offer summer classes, the summer is not considered an official term of the academic year. Palomar is on the semester calendar.

Conversion formula:

Semester units X 1.5 = quarter
Quarter divided by 1.5 = semester units

Ex: 60 semester units X 1.5 = 90 quarter units

34. What is meant by priority filing dates for the CSU and UC?

Usually, if a student wants to transfer in the Fall semester, the application must be filed between November 1 and 30 of the previous year for priority consideration. Applying to a CSU for Spring, the application would be filed between August 1 -30 for priorty. Some UC universities only admit fall students.

Note: Sometimes universities will extend their period for accepting application so check with the Transfer Center or a counselor for the most up-to-date information.

35. What is the Faculty Advising Program?

Some Faculty members have volunteered to meet with students to discuss their chosen fields of study. For a list of Faculty Advisors, please call the Transfer Center or come by and pick-up a list.

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