Transfer 101
Plan, Prepare, Transfer!
At Merced College, we understand that planning your university transfer can feel overwhelming. To support you in this process, we’ve created a Transfer Canvas Shell designed to guide you every step of the way. Inside, you’ll find four helpful modules, each focused on building the knowledge and tools you need for a successful transfer journey. As a student, you should be automatically added to the Transfer Services Canvas Course if you are registered in at least one Merced College course. If not just reach out and we will add you. - Getting Started Module: Gives students a glossary of transfer terms, transfer process overview, and access to resources and to the Career and Transfer Center team. - Module 1: Learn about the systems of higher education including public universities in California. - Module 2: Learn the minimum requirements to transfer to CSU and UC campuses. Learn how to use tools to research private university and out of state transfer requirements. - Module 3: The most helpful section in Canvas providing you with resources how to complete university applications. - Module 4: A bonus section to prepare you for all the steps that come after you submit the transfer application.
If you are a registered student, visit our Canvas Shell to start your learning!
Explore Associate for Transfer Degrees at Merced College
Explore Colleges/Universities
Explore Majors
Students can visit Canvas to learn about the team!
- Students do not have to meet with the Transfer or Career Counselor to get started with transfer! Visit your designated counselor in your “School of” today! You should create an initial Comprehensive Ed Plan with your designated counselor visiting a CTC counselor.
- Discuss your educational and career goals
- Create an education plan (Ed Plan) for your major & GE requirements
- Call us at (209) 384‑6243 or book an appointment on Navigate
Students should visit Module 2 in Canvas to learn more about transfer prep.
- Decide between CSU, UC, or other systems
- Review major prep and articulation on ASSIST.org
- Follow a General Education Breadth (based on your transfer goal)
- Students Beginning Fall 2025:
- Students Prior to Fall 2025:
Students can visit Module 2 in Canvas to learn about major prep and minimum admission requirements.
- Complete General Ed and major prep courses
- “Golden Four” courses required for transfer to the CSU :
- A1 Oral Communication
- A2 Written Communication
- A3 Critical Thinking
- B4 Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning
- Use your Ed Plan to track your progress
- Meet with a counselor regularly to ensure you are on track
Stay in tune with our announcements in Canvas to stay on top of all the opportunities from the Career and Transfer Center.
- Visit our office or call us at (209) 384‑6243
- Attend our transfer workshops and events (view our upcoming events below)
- Meet with a College Rep
Visit Module 3 in the Canvas Shell with Application How-to-Videos and Resources.
- CSU Application: Oct 1–Dec.1
- UC Application: Oct 1–Dec 1
- Private/Out-of-State: Varies (check individual school websites)
Visit Module 4 in Canvas to learn about all your Next Steps. Follow-up is critical. If students do not follow up on requested documents from universities, students can be rescinded from admissions.
- Pay attention to all emails sent from universities. Do not miss a deadline or a request.
- Apply for graduation at Merced College (by posted deadline)
- Send final transcripts to your university
- Send in high school transcripts if requested.
- Send AP, IB, A-Level, or CLEP exam scores to universities as requested.
- Apply for financial aid: FAFSA or the CA Dream Act on time by March 2nd every year!
- Apply for Scholarships
- Accept your Offer. Sometimes campuses call it “Statement of Intent to Register” or “Enrollment Confirmation Deposit.”
- Send immunization documents or records if requested by campuses.
- Register for orientation.
