5 Steps to Transfer

#1 - Identify your major and/or career interests

  • Take guidance classes taught by DVC Counselors to help you decide your major and transfer goals
    • Career 110: Career and Life Planning (3 units)
    • Career 120: Career Assessment (1 unit)*
    • Career 130: Career and Major Exploration (1 unit)*
    • Career 140: Job Search Strategies (1 unit)*
    • Counseling 130: Transfer Planning (1.5 units)

      *Not designed to be taken with Career 110.

  • Still undecided?? Take transferable introduction courses that interest you from IGETC or CSUGE.

TIP: Check the transferability of courses before you take them!

 #2 - Choose colleges that are right for you  

  • When deciding where to transfer, be sure to consider the following:
    • Size of the campus (also a predictor of class sizes)
    • Cost of tuition (and possibilities of grants, scholarships, etc.)
    • Location (near the beach, in the mountains, far from home)
    • Do they offer your program/major? Is it competitive/impacted/selective?
  • Other helpful ways to compare schools:
    • Attend a "Preview" Day on campus to see what the vibe is like
    • Talk to University Reps when they visit DVC
    • Take a campus tour as they are usually given by current students of the school - virtual tours are also available!
    • Talk to students attending the college in your field(s) of interest or visit classes
    • Create a LinkedIn account and connect with different schools and alumni on the university's page
    • Research your major's undergraduate department at each university to learn their unique offerings
    • Affording Your University Education

  #3 - Make an Educational Plan

  • Schedule an appointment with a DVC counselor starting early in your career at DVC, and check back in with your counselor each semester for changes in requirements or timelines. 
  • Plan which courses to take each term such as:
    • Completing IGETC or other GE patterns
    • Major requirements/pre-requisites
    • Other requirements for transfer (unit minimums, GPA requirements, deadlines, etc.)
  • Assist.org can help you stay up to date and you can monitor your educational plan on InSite's Student Planning tool.

 #4 -  Find out what is required to apply to your school(s)

  • Check the admission requirements
    • GPA - What is the minimum to apply? What is the minimum to be competitive?
    • Units - How many units are needed to transfer?
      • Use the Unit Conversion Chart for quarter systems
    • Re-check general education, pre-major, and lower division requirements for transfer
  • Check timelines
    • When to apply for transfer (usually about 10 months before you start at the university)
    • AA/AS/ADT degree and certificate filing/application periods at DVC Important Dates for your final semester at DVC
    • For transcript deadlines, check your e-mail for messages from your school after you apply and utilize our post-application checklist.


#5 - Complete your applications

  • Have unofficial copies of all college/university transcripts ready to view
  • Have your current income information and most recent tax year information (for household) ready to view

How do I apply for transfer to each university campus/system?

Utilize the many resources at DVC Transfer's Application Dates and Tasks page.

AFTER YOU APPLY: For transcript deadlines and other important dates after you apply, check your e-mail for messages from your school and utilize our post-application checklist. Explore transfer scholarships available to apply for through DVC Scholarships.

Still looking for help? Visit the Transfer Center for help through the whole process - we look forward to working with you!