Applying to college as a transfer student can feel challenging! Not only do you need to choose a major, but for some you must also complete major preparation requirements. Many California community college transfer students aren’t aware that six out of the nine UCs offer a pathway to gain admission with the Transfer Admissions Guarantee, or TAG. Yes, you heard that right, a guarantee. UC Davis is one of the six campuses that offer this program. Read our guide on how to prepare and position yourself for a successful transfer to UC Davis from a California community college.
How to secure your TAG
There are two admission paths for California community college transfer students who want to attend UC Davis — TAG and regular admission.
To secure a TAG offer, you must:
- Submit a TAG application to UC Davis by Sept. 30.
- File the UC application by Dec. 1.
- Complete required courses and GPA minimums for your intended major.
- Remain enrolled at a California community college.
Both need to fill out the UC application. The UC application is open Aug. 1-Dec. 1. Transfer students need to fill out the application during that period and submit it from Oct. 1-Dec. 1.
A TAG offer from a specific UC campus doesn’t limit you from applying to other UC campuses or block you from admission through the regular process. TAG adds extra steps compared to regular admission, but it also removes some of the uncertainty.
Meet your admissions experts
Esperanza Bernal serves as the director of evaluation and policy for UC Davis Undergraduate Admissions. She brings more than 16 years of experience in UC admissions and proudly identifies as a California community college transfer, first-generation college graduate and U.S. Navy veteran. She earned both her bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of California. Esperanza’s career focus is to support and advocate for increased access to higher education for students from traditionally marginalized backgrounds.
Yesenia Contreras serves as the associate director of transfer evaluation at UC Davis. She brings 10 years of UC experience. She is a proud UC alum, first-generation college graduate, transfer student and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. in sociology as well as master’s degree in counseling. Yesenia helps transfer students understand requirements for their intended majors and ensures they are well-informed about their transfer. She also streamlines evaluation processes and collaborates with campus and systemwide partners to strengthen the transfer student experience.
Understand the requirements for your specific major
UC Davis offers more than 100 majors, each with unique learning outcomes and academic requirements. First, identify what field of study you want to pursue to meet your own personal goals. Then, plan your course selection at your community college in order to meet the specific TAG requirements. Note, there are a few majors not available for TAG. However, they’re open for regular transfer admissions.
Stay on top of deadlines and additional requirements
As a transfer applicant, you must meet some non-negotiables requirements:
- Complete two UC-approved English courses, one UC math course and the seven-course pattern.
- Earn at least 30 semester (45 quarter) units at a California community college.
- Remain enrolled at a California community college.
GPA minimums vary by major, so plan early! Additionally, submit a Transfer Academic Update by Jan. 31 and complete all requirements by the end of the spring term before your transfer. Finally, report your entire academic history — every course — no matter when you took it or if it applies to your major.