Apply for Transfer
The ELAC Transfer Center is available to assist you when you are ready to submit your transfer applications. You are welcome to use our computer lab, attend an application workshop, and meet with Transfer Center staff and counselors to make sure your applications are completed correctly.
We encourage you to look into the application process approximately a year before you want to attend your target 4-year college/university. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Note: Make sure you gather the appropriate documents and information before you start your application. Documents/Information may include:
- Your unofficial transcripts
- Your Social Security Number/DACA/ITIN Number
- Your residency/citizenship status
- Personal statements or short essays
- Letters of Recommendations
- A method of payment
Schedule an appointment with a counselor to verify you are meeting minimum transfer requirements.
- Transfer Counselor Appointments
- For help with scheduling, visit Transfer Center Virtual Lobby or call (323) 265-8623 during office hours
- General Counseling Appointments
- Counseling appointments also available in other offices (EOPS, International Students Office, MESA, etc.)
Join one of our online workshops (live & pre-recorded options available) where we cover the process of applying, financial aid, transfer guarantees, and other resources.
Complete your application to the campuses you want to transfer to: UC's, CSU's, and/or private universities. You can schedule appointments with Transfer Mentors to review your application prior to applying.
CSU Application
CSU Application Instructional Videos by SBCC
| TERM | FILING PERIOD |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester | October 1 – November 30 |
| Spring Semester | August 1 – August 31 |
UC Application
UC Application Instructional Videos by SBCC
UC TAG Application Instructional Videos by SBCC
| TERM | FILING PERIOD |
|---|---|
| Fall Quarter/Semester | October 1 – November 30 |
| Winter Quarter/Spring Semester | July 1 – July 31 |
Private/Out-of-State Institutions: Deadlines Vary
Common Application (used by many private institutions)
Common Application Instructional Videos by SBCC
| Financial Aid | FILING PERIOD |
|---|---|
| FAFSA | October 1 - March 2 |
| CA Dream Act | October 1 - March 2 |
Make sure to indicate all of the campuses you will be applying to including East Los Angeles College (ELAC). This is to ensure that once you transfer out, the university will be able to formulate a financial aid award letter for you.
Start early & don't forget to click "Save"
When working on UC Applications, start your Personal Insight Questions (PIQ) on a separate document (Microsoft Word, Google Docs, etc.) Once you have finished editing, copy and paste into your UC Application and don't forget to press Save.
Have a copy of your unofficial transcripts
- Print out a copy of ALL your unofficial transcripts to make it easier to correctly input your course information and grades in the "Transcript Entry" portion of your applications.
- Be honest and input all courses you have taken and all schools you have attended! Be sure you know how to correctly input Academic Renewal, Repeated Courses, and Withdrawals on your applications.
Reach out to the Transfer Center for support
- Meet with a counselor to clarify your transfer progress and if necessary, assist with petitions related to course repetition and academic renewal as it can impact your transferable GPA.
- Check in with a transfer mentor, meet with a transfer counselor, attend a workshop, or review our YouTube videos if there is a something you are confused about!
- We can help you with:
- Calculating your transferable GPA
- Double checking your application so that it’s accurate and free of errors.
- Reviewing your UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQ) or personal statements
Student Portal Accounts
Create student portal accounts at each school you apply to. Remember the CID (Campus ID) given to you by each campus.
Transfer Application Update
Update your transfer application (Deadlines vary with each school but usually by end of January for Fall transfer). Some schools/majors may have Supplemental Applications and may ask you to submit other documents. Make sure to stay updated on deadlines and other requirements! Updates required for all UC's and most CSU's.
Check Emails Regularly
Check your emails regularly for any additional requirements the universities may ask for. If you receive emails or communication from the schools you applied to and are unsure what to do, please contact the Transfer Center for assistance as soon as possible. We can help you clarify your next steps.
Graduation Petition
Meet with a counselor in the beginning of your last semester to submit a petition to graduate and complete remaining courses with passing grades.
ADT Verification
If you are earning an AA-T or AS-T, make sure to meet with a counselor to petition to graduate and verify that you will be earning your ADT by the ADT Verification deadline (March for Fall transfers; October for Spring transfers)
Official Transcripts
Only request official transcripts to be sent to the university you are applying to once they ask you to! You can request official transcripts to be sent through the Admissions & Records Office or through your ELAC Portal.
Submit Intent to Register (SIR) / Enrollment Confirmation
Once you are admitted into a school and decide to attend, you will need to submit an intent to register or enrollment confirmation to officially accept your admissions. This will usually be accompanied by an enrollment deposit of $100-200. If you need financial help with this deposit, contact the university to defer this payment until later.