Best path to take

[bark]

First of all I would like to thank everyone who contributes in this forum. There's so much useful information here!

My goal is to receive a B.S. in Microbiology from SDSU (San Diego State University). Previously I completed enough prerequisite courses at a community college to transfer to SDSU for another major, but decided it wasn't for me. I have looked into the big 3 and StraighterLine for fulfilling some prerequisites.

What would be the best path to take? If you can share experiences with transferring to a California State University, then that would be excellent as well!

[smf6824]

First of all I would like to thank everyone who contributes in this forum. There's so much useful information here!

My goal is to receive a B.S. in Microbiology from SDSU (San Diego State University). Previously I completed enough prerequisite courses at a community college to transfer to SDSU for another major, but decided it wasn't for me. I have looked into the big 3 and StraighterLine for fulfilling some prerequisites.

What would be the best path to take? If you can share experiences with transferring to a California State University, then that would be excellent as well!

What do you mean by looking to the Big 3 and Straighterline to fulfill prerequisites for a B.S. in Microbiology from SDSU? Does SDSU accept ACE approved credits, and can you list what courses you have already taken.

[Leherself]

Honestly, if your long term goal is to attend a specific university for your undergrad... then I would apply to that University. The best way to complete an undergraduate degree at a particular school is to attend that school. SDSU doesn't appear to have a very generous transfer policy - 30 credits maximum for CLEP, for instance. 70 credits maximum transfer from a community college... If you *have* to take courses somewhere else first, then I would recommend staying in the California Community College system - some community colleges may even offer the courses you want to take online, although for science courses that's somewhat less likely.

I would not attend one of the big three in the hopes of transferring to a state college later. It's a waste of money, for one - tuition at Excelsior and TESC are both higher than what you would pay at SDSU. The Big three are great places to *finish* degree programs, especially for people who can't or don't want to attend a full time in person program. They're *not* great places to take prerequisite courses, or get started with college in the hopes of transferring somewhere else later.

I don't see *any* indications anywhere that SDSU will accept Straighterline courses. SL is great if you're sure you want to go to a school that accepts their stuff as transfer credit, but I really don't think SDSU is one of those schools.

[bark]

With regards to fulfilling requirements I meant mostly lower division courses. I have completed the most of the basic GEs required to transfer to SDSU (for Humanities BA) and the equivalent to BIOL 203 at a community college.

SDSU is listed as an institution that accepts ACE approve credits, but I'm confused if they only accept them from current/former military personnel (I have no military experience).

I would not attend one of the big three in the hopes of transferring to a state college later. It's a waste of money, for one - tuition at Excelsior and TESC are both higher than what you would pay at SDSU. The Big three are great places to *finish* degree programs, especially for people who can't or don't want to attend a full time in person program. They're *not* great places to take prerequisite courses, or get started with college in the hopes of transferring somewhere else later.

I see. I'll take more time to consider possibly finishing at one of the Big 3 then.

Thanks for the replies so far.

[smf6824]

With regards to fulfilling requirements I meant mostly lower division courses. I have completed the most of the basic GEs required to transfer to SDSU (for Humanities BA) and the equivalent to BIOL 203 at a community college.

SDSU is listed as an institution that accepts ACE approve credits, but I'm confused if they only accept them from current/former military personnel (I have no military experience).

I see. I'll take more time to consider possibly finishing at one of the Big 3 then.

Thanks for the replies so far.

Check with the school if they accept straighterline credits. Some schools are a bit picky with ACE credit.