Transfer Application Assistance

Transfer applications to the University of California campuses will apply via the UC Application.

Application Period

• Fall Transfer: October 1 – November 30
  • TAG Applicaton: September 1 - 30
• Spring/Winter Transfer: July 1–July 30
  • TAG Application: May 1 – 31

Steps To Apply

• If applying for UC Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG), a separate application is required in addition to the UC application.
• Create a UC Application Account
• Choose the UC campuses and majors you want to apply to.
• Enter Coursework and Academic History
  • Enter all college coursework exactly as it appears on your transcripts. Don’t forget to separately list classes taken at other colleges like Santa Ana College. Include AP exams you passed and any college courses you took while in high school, if applicable.
• Complete Personal Insight Questions
  • The UC application requires transfer applicants to write 4 short answer (350-word max) responses that allow you to share your experiences, goals, and preparation for transfer.
• Submit the Application and Pay Fees
  • The application fee is charged per campus. If you qualify for a fee waiver (based on self-reported information in the application), you can get the application fee waived for up to 4 UC campuses.
• Complete the Transfer Academic Update
  • Update application with grades reported as in-progress and report any changes to your planned classes. The TAU submission period is:
    • Fall Transfer: January
    • Spring/Winter: September
• After admissions decisions, students need to accept their offer and submit an enrollment deposit at the campus they wish to attend
  • Fall Transfer
    • Admissions decisions: March – April
    • Statement of intent to register & deposit: June 1
  • Spring Transfer
    • Admissions decisions: October – November
    • Statement of intent to register & deposit: Deadline varies

Application Guides and Information

• Applying as a transfer | UC Admissions
• Filling out the application | UC Admissions
• Personal insight questions | UC Admissions
• Attend a UC Application Workshop (SCC Transfer Center)

The Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program allows eligible California community college students to secure guaranteed admission to select UC campuses if they meet specific GPA and course requirements. TAG gives a guaranteed admission pathway, but it does not force a student to attend their TAG school.

Participating campuses include (some majors are excluded):

• University of California, Davis
• University of California, Irvine
• University of California, Merced
• University of California, Riverside
• University of California, Santa Barbara
• University of California, Santa Cruz

TAG Timeline

UC TAG requires students to complete both the TAG application (within the UC Transfer Admission Planner portal) and the regular UC Application. BOTH must be completed for a student to be considered for TAG admissions.

• Fall Transfer
  • Submit the TAG application: September 1 – September 30
  • Submit the UC transfer application: October 1 – November 30
• Spring/Winter Transfer:
  • Submit the TAG application: May 1 – May 31
  • Submit the UC transfer application: July 1 – July 30

TAG Requirements

• The TAG program has overall eligibility AND campus/major specific eligibility. Review the UC TAG Matrix, which is updated each academic year, on the UC TAG Website
• See a counselor or attend a UC TAG Workshop (SCC Transfer Center)

Many private and out-of-state universities use the Common Application for transfer admission.

Application Period

• Deadlines vary widely by university, but many transfer deadlines fall between February and April. Use campus-specific transfer admissions websites to view deadlines.
  

Steps to Apply

• Review campus-specific transfer admissions websites to get specific
  information deadlines and what documents will be required
• Create a Common App for Transfer Account
• Select Colleges/Programs
• Complete the Transfer Application
  • Includes providing information on your academic history, activities, and short essays required by each school.
• Submit Supporting Materials
  • Many schools require transcripts, recommendations, or additional essays.
  • Some schools may require specific common app documents to be submitted like the College Report or the Mid-Term report. Only submit these documents if the university requires them.
• Submit the Application and Pay Fees
  • Application fees (and fee waivers) vary by institution

Application Guides & Information

• Common application guide for transfer students
• The Common App for Transfer Help Center
• Attend a Common App workshop (SCC Transfer Center)

Some of your transfer applications may require you to write personal statements or essays. These responses are a chance to go beyond grades and tell your story.

• Focus on experiences that shaped your academic goals, challenges you’ve overcome, and why transferring is the next step in your journey.
• Be specific: use concrete examples rather than general statements, and connect your experiences to your intended major and future.
• Take a step back from your application – what has already been said or represented? What else do you want them to know about you?
• Before submitting, revise carefully and get feedback! The Transfer Center helps with UC Personal Insight Question/Personal Statement review. Stop by the center or give us a call to make an appointment.

Guides & Information

• Personal insight questions | UC Admissions
• Attend a UC Personal Insight Question Workshop (SCC Transfer Center)