Elizabeth Monje

What advice would you give to new transfer students coming to CSUSB?

Self-advocacy is so important when transferring. During the transfer process, not all transfer counselors know absolutely every little detail about every program and it's your responsibility to know application deadlines and the requirements. Learning how to self-advocate is so important not just during transfer, but during undergrad that skill will be used consistently when communicating with your professors. I transferred over from Antelope Valley College and I didn't understand the different between a degree in sociology and social work, I didn't know that a degree in social work would save me time and money. I didn't know there is only one school in the Cal State University system that provided a Bachelor's in Social Work Program. I had to do my own research online, doing research on my own led me to find out that there was a separate application for the Social Work Program. The whole time the counselors at my community college looked at me like I was crazy when I told them I wanted a social work degree and needed to take a Introduction to Social Work class for the program, they were convinced there was no difference and I didn't need it. I worked hard for two months prior to the Social Work Program Application Deadline and even drove to Yucaipa every Monday to just full fill the Social Work Class requirement, doing this and spending my time without being completely sure I would even get into the program. I worked hard and educated myself on requirements and necessary classes and volunteer hours that I needed to get in. But I did it! I got in and have myself to thank for that, I put in so much time and hard work. Go to workshops at your school! Attending workshops for the CSU Application was incredibly helpful, sitting with 20-30 other students and working together took away that anxiety I had when filling out my application. Also, check your email- especially your junk mail folder, some of my acceptance letters were sitting in there for days and I didn't even know!