For many students, enrolling in a local California community college is an excellent way to transition smoothly into their dream university.
Community colleges not only help students adjust gradually to the different classroom environment in the U.S., but they also offer a highly favorable route for those aiming to transfer to a University of California campus.
To support community college transfers, the UC system has established a dedicated program known as UC TAG—the Transfer Admission Guarantee, a guaranteed transfer admission program.
New TAG Changes for Fall 2025
For Fall 2025 transfer applications, there are two minor adjustments to TAG requirements:
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Students applying to UC Davis for Landscape Architecture will be placed in the Pre-Major upon enrollment.
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UCR, UCD, UCM, and UCSC require applicants to meet GPA requirements by Summer 2024, while UCI and UCSB require GPA requirements to be met by Fall 2024.
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Unlike previous years, UCSB and UCR have extended the application deadline to December 2, 2024.
UC TAG Transfer Guarantee Program
The UC TAG program, jointly offered by six UC campuses, is designed to provide California community college students with a guaranteed admission pathway, acting as an insurance policy for those studying at a California community college. This UC policy also aims to retain in-state talent.
Students may enter into a TAG agreement with only one UC campus. As long as they meet the GPA and course requirements for their chosen major at that campus and also submit a UC application to that campus in November, admission is guaranteed.
While specific requirements vary slightly by campus, the TAG program ensures that qualified students receive 100% admission one year before transferring.
Another advantage of TAG is that it guarantees priority review of applicants' academic records, early admission notification, and guidance on undergraduate course planning.
Participating TAG Campuses
UC Santa Barbara
UC Irvine
UC Davis
UC Santa Cruz
UC Riverside
UC Merced
Non-Participating Campuses
UC Berkeley
UC Los Angeles
UC San Diego
Who Can Apply for TAG?
1. Students transferring directly from a California community college to a UC campus, including international students.
2. Those who have completed at least 30 semester units or 45 quarter units of UC-transferable credit.
3. Students whose last regular term before transferring to a UC is at a California community college.
Who Is Not Eligible?
1. Students who have already earned a bachelor's, master's, or professional degree.
2. Students who previously attended a UC campus during a regular term (excluding summer) and plan to return to the same campus.
3. Students who are enrolled in high school at the time of submitting a TAG application.
Important Notes on Signing a TAG
1. Complete and submit the TAG application between September 1 and September 30.
2. After submitting a TAG, maintain the required GPA and course completion.
3. Students who have submitted a TAG must also submit a UC Application during October 1 – November 30 (some campuses may have a later deadline).
4. It is highly recommended that students review their TAG application with their school counselor before submitting it to ensure accuracy.
5. Keep in mind that signing a TAG is not mandatory; students who do not sign a TAG may still apply through regular admission in October.
Majors not covered by TAG agreements
UCI TAG Agreement Terms
Below are specific requirements from UCI's official website for entering a TAG agreement; Fall 2025 applicants should use them as reference:
1. Complete at least 30 semester or 45 quarter units of transferable credit.
2. Meet a minimum 3.4 GPA in all transferable coursework.
3. Meet a minimum 3.0 GPA in major prerequisite courses.
4. By the end of Fall 2024, complete at least one transferable math course with a grade of C or better.
5. By the end of Fall 2024, complete the first transferable English course with a grade of C or better.
6. By the end of Spring 2025, complete the second transferable English course with a grade of C or better.
7. By the end of Spring 2025, complete four courses from at least two of the following three areas: 1) Arts and Humanities, 2) Social and Behavioral Sciences, 3) Physical and Biological Sciences, all with a grade of C or better.
8. Complete 60 semester or 90 quarter units of transferable credit before transferring.
9. Complete all major prerequisite courses with the required GPA.
10. Meet the minimum grade requirements for all UC-transferable courses.
11. Your final term must be at a California community college, among other requirements.
There are numerous detailed requirements. Beyond basic GPA thresholds, specific deadlines exist for completing certain courses by certain terms.
Before applying for a TAG, students must carefully verify that they meet each campus's requirements; otherwise, they risk losing their safety school option.
With the Fall 2025 application season approaching, students aiming for top UC campuses should start planning and preparing now!
