How do I know if I should take a class pass/no pass?

Taking a class pass/no pass can be an effective strategy in safeguarding your GPA because a "p" or "np" is not used in your GPA calculations 9some exceptions apply). Therefore, it ha no negative (or positive effect on your GPA.

Here are some important things to consider when deciding if pass/no pass is right for you:

1. Most SBCC AA/AS degrees allow you to use a pass/no pass grade in the major, but most transfer schools require a letter grade for major courses. So if you are planning to transfer in most cases you should NOT take your major courses pass/no pass.

2. Credit will be granted only when the work is of a quality equivalent to a grade of "C" or better.

3. If you earn a "D" or "F", the only way to repair your GPA would be to retake the exact same class. If you take the course for a pass/no pass and earn a "D" or and "F" your gpa would not be effected.

4. The UC's will accept up to 14 units with a "p" grade. The CSU's have no uniform limitations.

5. Once you submit the approved pass/no pass petition, you cannot change your mind even if you are getting an "A" in the class.

Meet IGETC

Transferring to a UC or a CSU? Meet IGETC.

Posted 5/1/16

It saves you time and maximizes your choices.

The IGETC, or Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum, is a pattern of courses that California community college students can follow to satisfy lower-division general education requirements for any UC or CSU campus. Although completion of General Education is not usually an admission requirement for transfer, there are some campuses that do require completion or that weigh completion of general education heavily in the transfer selection process. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you follow IGETC as you complete General Education in preparation to transfer.

Here’s a quick look at what you need to know:

These quick facts will help get you started, but don’t forget to come see us for more detailed help in building a transfer plan.

• No grade lower than a “C” can be used to satisfy an IGETC requirement *
• A single course cannot satisfy more than one IGETC requirement (no double counting)
• No coursework completed outside the United States may be used to satisfy IGETC
• Qualifying AP and IB scores may be used to satisfy some IGETC requirements
• Careful course selection on IGETC may also complete the SBCC general education requirements for the Associate degree
• IGETC must be certified by the last community college attended once you have submitted your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) to your four-year institution. At SBCC, you must apply for certification through the Transfer Center.
• For certification, IGETC requirements must be completed before transfer. Partial certification may be given if all but one or two requirements have been completed.
• Engineering and science majors should consult with a counselor to determine if following IGETC is appropriate.
• Many private colleges and universities in California accept IGETC (here’s a list)

We can help advise you with your course selection so that you complete IGETC as quickly as possible. Come see us in the Academic Counseling Center in the Student Services Building, first floor (SS-120).* A “C-” in high school language can only be used in Area 6 to meet the UC language proficiency requirement. (Don’t worry – we’ll help you navigate all the rules of IGETC. Come see us. We love this stuff, and we’re here for you.