Step 2: APPLY TO TRANSFER
You must file an application by the deadline to be considered for admission to a university. The University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) campuses have a systemwide application that is submitted electronically. However, some campuses and majors require a specific supplemental application. California Private and Out-of-state Universities each have their own applications and deadlines.
Need Application Assistance? Stop by the Transfer Center or Click to Join our Application Zoom Lounge
University of California (UC)
Application Priority Filing Period
UC Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) September 1-30
Fall quarter or semester: October 1-December 2
Winter/spring quarter or semester: July 1-31
Apply to UC
UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQ) Help
- Brainstorm
- Attend a Personal Insight Question Brainstorm Workshop in the Summer or Fall to learn important information and begin drafting your responses.
- Workshop dates in the Transfer Center: Click for Schedule
- Research
- Review the UC's PIQ resources.
- Submit drafts and meet with us.
- After attending a brainstorm session or viewing the online resources, we recommend that you either schedule an appointment with a counselor or a UC Rep in the Transfer Center to have your draft reviewed or drop by the Transfer Center for support from our Peer Mentors who are well trained on PIQ Review.
- If you cannot make an appointment or drop in to the Transfer Center, you can also utilize the paper drop-off service in Pierce College Center for Academic Success.
California State University (CSU)
Application Priority Filing Period
Fall quarter or semester: October 1-December 2
Spring quarter or semester: August 1-31
Apply to CSU
- Cal State Apply How To Videos
- CSU Transfer Timeline
- CSU Application Workshops
- Cal State Apply Help Center
- Application Guide
- Guide for Undocumented Students
- Fee Waiver Checklist
- Impaction at the CSU
- CSU Transcript & Supplemental App Deadlines
- CSU Application Workshop Slides
CSU Academic Update Instructions- January
The CSU Application Update typically opens the first or second week in January and must be submitted by January 31st.
- Log in to the application: https://www2.calstate.edu/apply
- Select "Academic History"
- Select "Transcript Entry"
- Scroll to the school(s) that need grades updated, and select "Edit"
- Select the pencil icon
- Change "Completion Status" from "In Progress/Planned" to "Completed"
- Put in grades, and select "Save"
- Make any changes to the courses you're taking in the current semester and select "Save"
- Review changes under "Check Status" and "Download App"
- Complete any other prompts to exit
California Independent Colleges and Out-of-State Universities
Check the university's website for the application process and deadlines. Many of these campuses utilize the Common Application. View our Workshop Recording
Transcript Ordering for Common App
- Pierce College uses the Parchment online ordering system for paper or Electronic transcripts
- Send your transcript to: Common App for Transfer
- Application ID Number: Found on the transcript ordering system- Parchment
- Address to add for Common App:
- The Common Application Transcript Processing Center
P.O. Box 9135
Watertown, MA 02471
- The Common Application Transcript Processing Center
- You may ALSO need to send E-Transcripts to your university directly, please refer to your campus applying to transfer website for deadlines
College Report Procedures
Some schools may require a Transfer College Report. Please check on the website of each private school to confirm. If they require this report, follow these directions:
- Download the "Transfer College Report" from your Common App Account. Save it to your computer. (PDF, DOC, and DOCX formats are accepted). Fill out the top section that includes your name and Common App ID (available in the upper right-hand corner of the application).
- Drop off the Transfer College Report and the cover sheet at the Pierce College Welcome Center
- Admissions & Records will complete the form and send it on your behalf to the colleges on the list you provide.
Please Note
Other Common Application forms requesting midterm grades (such as "Midterm Report" and "Final Year Report"), high school information, or counselor statement CANNOT be completed by the A&R Office and should NOT be included with the transcript request form as they will not be completed or sent. The student is responsible for contacting the appropriate individuals for completion of those forms. Not all schools require these other forms. Some of these forms can be uploaded into the common app. Check with each university on your list on procedure
Helpful Links & Info
Apply to 60 Universities with one application for $20
Have you applied to transfer and been denied admission?
Do you feel you have new information to share that might change the admission decision? To follow are the steps and many of the links you will need to move forward with an admissions appeal.Please feel free to consult with a counselor or the Transfer Center!
Follow Instructions!
Each campus offers a set of instructions on how to submit an appeal. You MUST follow the instructions to ensure proper and expedited processing of your appeal submission. Most campuses require submission of appeals and documents within 14 business days after being denied
California State Universities
- December 2024- Mar 2, 2025: Submit 2025-2026 FAFSA or Dream App (will ask for 2023 tax info)
- Oct 1, 2024 - Apr 15, 2025 (ADT students need to petition by March 1st): Make an appointment with a counselor to petition for graduation (even if you will have classes in progress). This is where you petition to earn your degrees and CSU GE/ IGETC.
- Jan 2025: Update your CSU Application by January 31
- Jan 2025: Check transcript deadlines for each CSU to which you plan to apply. Some CSUs request transcripts in the beginning of spring 2025. Be sure your spring 2025 courses are reflected on your transcript before sending official transcripts. Check in with the Transfer Center to learn more. Monitor university portals and emails in case the CSUs need any additional information.
- Jan 2025-May 2025: Attend a Transfer Center Next Steps Workshop
- May 1, 2025: (from when you receive your acceptance until May 1st): Submit SIR (Student Intent Register). This is where you accept the CSU’s offer of admission.
- June 2025 - July 2025: Submit final transcripts, AP scores, and other requested records (each CSU has a different deadline).
University of California
- December 2024 - Mar 2, 2025: Submit 2024-2025 FAFSA or Dream App (will ask for 2023 tax info)
- Oct 2024 - Apr 15, 2025: Make an appointment with a counselor to petition for graduation (even if you will have classes in progress). This is where you petition to earn your degrees and IGETC.
- Dec 2024 - Aug 2025: Monitor university portals. Respond to all inquiries as all UCs have access to see each other’s inquiries.
- Jan 2025: Update your UC Application by January 31
- Jan 2025-May 2025: Attend a Transfer Center Next Steps Workshop
- June 1, 2025 (from when you receive your acceptance until June 1st): Submit SIR (Student Intent Register). This is where you accept the UC’s offer of admission.
- June 2025 - July 2025: Submit final transcripts, AP scores and other requested records to the UC.
- June 2025 - Sept 2025: Check your LACCD email! If you petitioned to earn the IGETC, you will receive an email to let you know that it has been processed. After receiving this email, you may request a new transcript (will include your IGETC certification) to be sent to the UC.
The Transfer Center offers Application Workshops in the Summer & Fall. Please check Transfer Center calendar for dates/times.
The Transfer Center offers Application Workshops in the Summer & Fall. Please check Transfer Center calendar for dates/times.