UC San Diego Transfer Guide
Strong STEM and social sciences with a collaborative campus culture.
Overview
Transferring to UC San Diego from community college is a proven pathway used by thousands of California students each year. UC San Diego evaluates transfer applicants holistically, considering GPA, major preparation, essays, and activities.
Quick check
General transfer requirements
- Minimum 60 semester (90 quarter) UC-transferable units before enrollment
- California residents: complete the 7-course pattern (English, math, arts/humanities, social science, science with lab, language other than English if applicable)
- 2.4+ minimum GPA in UC-transferable courses (competitive majors need much higher)
- All major prep courses completed with C or better (competitive applicants need A/A-)
- Four UC Personal Insight Questions (350 words each)
- TAG available for many majors — verify on UC TAP portal
- Rank the six-college system thoughtfully on the application
Unit minimum: 60 semester / 90 quarter units
Revelle College has strict general education that may not be fully satisfied by IGETC alone. Check college-specific GE before choosing a college ranking.
Always verify courses on ASSIST.org for your community college and catalog year.
Major preparation by subject
Course names below are standard major prep categories. Exact CC course numbers vary — use ASSIST to confirm articulation for UC San Diego.
Psychology
Complete the full major prep series at CC before transfer. Statistics and research methods are essential.
Minimum GPA: 2.8+
Competitive GPA: 3.5–3.7+
| Course / subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Psychology | Required | — |
| Research Methods in Psychology | Required | — |
| Statistics for Behavioral Sciences | Required | — |
| Biological Psychology (or approved neuroscience) | Required | — |
| Developmental Psychology | Select one | Or approved upper-div equivalent |
| Abnormal Psychology | Select one | Or social/cognitive psych elective |
| Additional approved psychology elective | Required | — |
Verify exact course articulation on ASSIST.org — requirements change by catalog year.
- UCSD psychology emphasizes research methods and quantitative skills.
- Six-college ranking affects your GE load after transfer.
Biology / Life Sciences
Full chemistry and math sequence plus biology core. Start STEM courses early at CC.
Minimum GPA: 2.8+
Competitive GPA: 3.5–3.7+
| Course / subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Chemistry I + Lab | Required | — |
| General Chemistry II + Lab | Required | — |
| Organic Chemistry I + Lab | Required | Required at most campuses |
| Calculus I (single variable) | Required | — |
| General Biology I + Lab | Required | — |
| General Biology II + Lab | Required | — |
| Physics I + Lab | Recommended | Required for some biology sub-majors |
| Statistics | Recommended | — |
Verify exact course articulation on ASSIST.org — requirements change by catalog year.
- Do not stack all sciences in one semester — protect your GPA.
- Pre-med students: confirm whether to pursue MCB, integrative bio, or psychology routes.
Computer Science
Discrete math, programming sequence, and calculus. CS is among the most competitive transfer majors.
Minimum GPA: 3.0+
Competitive GPA: 3.8–4.0
| Course / subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Programming I (Java, C++, or Python sequence) | Required | — |
| Programming II / Data Structures | Required | — |
| Discrete Mathematics | Required | — |
| Calculus I | Required | — |
| Calculus II | Required | — |
| Linear Algebra | Recommended | — |
| Physics I + Lab | Recommended | — |
Verify exact course articulation on ASSIST.org — requirements change by catalog year.
- Complete the full programming sequence at one CC — partial sequences do not articulate.
- Build a portfolio (GitHub, projects) to supplement essays.
Economics
Calculus and statistics are required at all UCs for economics major prep.
Minimum GPA: 2.8+
Competitive GPA: 3.5–3.7+
| Course / subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Principles of Microeconomics | Required | — |
| Principles of Macroeconomics | Required | — |
| Calculus I | Required | — |
| Calculus II | Required | — |
| Statistics | Required | — |
| Linear Algebra | Required | — |
Verify exact course articulation on ASSIST.org — requirements change by catalog year.
- Strong math performance matters more than extra econ electives at CC.
- Connect coursework to real interests in essays (policy, healthcare, tech).
Transfer tips
- Research the six-college system and rank thoughtfully
- Complete IGETC or campus-specific requirements early
- Explore research opportunities at CC before transferring
Quick check
Jump to a major
Track your application in one place
School matrix, PIQ workbook, deadlines, and weekly habits — all in the Transfer workspace.