Transfer to a California State University (CSU)

Need Application Help? Check out our Transfer Student Application Guide

• CSU General Education Advising Guide and Course List
  • List of lower-division general education breadth requirements for students who plan to transfer to a CSU)
• Minimum Requirements to Transfer to a CSU
  

  Minimum Requirements for Transfer to the CSU System

  1. Complete a minimum of 60 CSU approved units by the end of the spring semester before a fall semester transfer or by the end of summer before the following spring semester transfer.

  2. Complete the “Golden 4” classes

  • A1: Oral Communication
    (SPCH 100)
  • A2: Written Communication
    (ENG 100)
  • A3: Critical Thinking
    (ENG 202, 203; PHIL 113, 116, 200; READ 120; SPCH 105)
  • B4: Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning
    (BUS 204; CSIT 128; MATH 100, 101, 105, 106, 110, 115, 120, 126, 127, 130, 135, 140, 141, 200, 205, 206, 245; PSYC/SOC 205; SOC 180)
  • Each class grade must be a “C” or better and be completed by the end of the spring semester before a fall semester transfer or by end of summer before the following spring semester transfer.
    

  3. Complete at least 30 units of General Education classes.

  4. Earn at least a 2.0 GPA

• Many CSU campuses are designated as impacted- meaning that there are more applicants than space available. These CSU will have additional criteria for admission.

  For the latest impaction updates, visit Access and Impaction at the CSU | CSU (calstate.edu)

  SDSU is very impacted.  The university’s first priority will be to accept local area students which does not include Palomar. However, for majors not offered at Palomar’s local CSU, CSUSM, students can apply to SDSU and be considered “local” for these majors and have a better chance for admission consideration. 

• IGETC Advising Guide and Course List
  • List of lower-division general education breadth requirements for students considering transfer to either a CSU campus or a UC campus)
• ASSIST
  • The official website for the public higher education system in California, including major preparation information and articulation between California Community Colleges and the CSU or UC system)
• Cal State Apply
  • The official website of the California State University system; includes information on campuses and the official application for admission
• Application Deadlines
• CSU Campuses currently accepting applications for transfer
• FAQs for CSU Transfers

Frequently Asked Questions for CSU Transfers

Can a student apply to a CSU as “undeclared” or “undecided”?
With few exceptions, students are expected to identify a major on their application to a CSU.

Are there any guarantee admissions agreements between Palomar College and any of the CSU campuses?
There are no guaranteed admissions between Palomar College and any CSU.

What does it mean if a school or major is “impacted”?
When a university or major can demonstrate that they usually have more applicants than space, they are allowed to use additional or higher criteria for admissions than the minimums established.

 Is it OK to apply to a non-impacted major and then change to an impacted major once transferred?
No.  Students should indicate on the application the major they intend to pursue after transfer.  Universities rarely allow transfer students to change from a non-impacted major to an impacted one after acceptance.

Do students have to submit official transcripts when they submit their application?
No.  Official transcripts are usually due after acceptance and an “Intent to Enroll” is submitted.  Transcripts should include grades from all college coursework to date, and need to be submitted by the required deadline.  Failure to submit transcripts on time may mean the offer of admission will be revoked.  Further, official transcripts from each and every school in which college coursework has been attempted must be submitted from the individual schools.  If taken, AP and/or IB test scores are also required.

Does it matter if a student has already earned a Bachelor’s degree in the US or in another country?
Yes.  Many CSU campuses do not allow a student to attend for the purposes of earning a second Bachelor’s degree.  Exceptions may be allowed for some high-demand careers, such as nursing or engineering.  Check with each CSU for possible exceptions to the second Bachelor’s degree rule.

How will a student be viewed for admission to a CSU if he/she has attended another college out-of-state?
In order to be considered for preferred California admissions, a student needs to have completed the last two semesters prior to transfer at a California Community College.

If a student had one or more semesters at another school before Palomar College, and did not do well, does that student need to report those grades on the CSU application for admission?
Yes.  A student cannot omit prior college-level coursework.  Failure to report all coursework taken is grounds for an offer of admissions to be rescinded, or for a Bachelor’s degree earned after transfer to be revoked.