Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pathways to Four-Year Universities?

Pathways was established between UC Berkeley and several California Community Colleges (CCC) to provide additional support to those students that intend to transfer to UC Berkeley or another four-year institution. These resources are available to all students enrolled at participating CCC campuses.

Do I have to enroll in Pathways to use the services?

No sign up or enrollment is required. It's a free resource available to you through UC Berkeley and the partnering community colleges.

Why is UC Berkeley leading Pathways?

UC Berkeley wants to assist all students that intend to transfer to UC Berkeley with a smooth and successful experience. We find that many students are often not eligible to apply for transfer to UC Berkeley because they may be missing a required course. Having advisers from UC Berkeley during your entire community college experience and having access to Berkeley Summer Sessions will help reduce the likelihood of not having all of the requirements met to transfer to UC Berkeley.

How does Pathways relate to the ASSIST.org website?

Pathways puts additional advising and summer courses on top of the existing articulation agreements between those CCC campuses that are part of Pathways and UC Berkeley. Students will still use ASSIST.org to plan what courses to take, along with their Pathways adviser, to be ready to transfer to UC Berkeley or another UC campus. For additional information, go to www.ASSIST.org.

What if I want to transfer to an institution other than UC Berkeley?

Many four-year institutions are very eager to accept students with a competitive portfolio that can be achieved through Pathways.

What if I don't get admitted to UC Berkeley?

While admission to UC Berkeley is not guaranteed, there are many four-year institutions that are very eager to accept students with a competitive portfolio that can be achieved through Pathways. Students should apply to multiple institutions when planning to transfer to ensure their ability to continue their studies towards their four-year degree. By completing the transfer curriculum as detailed on ASSIST.org, taking UC Berkeley Summer Sessions' courses, and achieving strong grades at your community college and Berkeley, we believe this is an excellent portfolio of classes to apply to any university.

How can I pay for my courses at Berkeley Summer Sessions?

UC Berkeley and the California Community Colleges that participate in Pathways have signed a consortium agreement for financial aid. Eligible students will be able to apply for financial assistance, such as PELL, Cal Grant, and student loans, to pay for their courses at Berkeley Summer Sessions.

Why should I choose to take summer courses at UC Berkeley while at a California Community College?

The transition from a community college to a highly selective four-year university can be difficult. By taking two to four courses through Berkeley Summer Sessions over one or two summers, you will have the experience of taking courses at UC Berkeley before you arrive and are expected to handle a full course load. Acclimating yourself to the Berkeley campus before beginning your full-time studies at Berkeley will also ease your transition and make your first semester at UC Berkeley and other schools more manageable.

In addition, the courses will be reflected on an official Berkeley transcript and may be eligible to satisfy requirements at those CCC campuses and/or UC Berkeley. Grades earned at Berkeley Summer Sessions will be factored into your GPA at UC Berkeley.

How can I continue to get support once I transfer to UC Berkeley?

The Berkeley campus is rich with resources for transfer students, including the Transfer and Reentry Center, Education Opportunity Program, Student Learning Center, Athletic Study Center, and the Teaching Library, just to name a few. Students will also have advising from the academic department in which they choose to major (major adviser).