General and transfer counselor Rigo Castro, presented on Monday, Oct. 19 in the Multi-purpose Building an alternative option for students wishing to receive an A.A. degree and transfer to a California State University.

There are several names for a “Degree with a Guarantee.”

Generally called AA-T, the associate degrees for transfer, other names include the associate of arts for transfer, associate of science for transfer and SB 1440, which is a state mandate to help students to transfer quicker.

Right now there are two pathways students can take to receive an AA and transfer.

The general one has always been utilizing Assist.org and each California State University has specific major preparation requirements.

Also each major has different requirements as well. For example, when a student starts out with three top school choices, each university may have different requirements and those may change every semester.

The minimum admission requirements, the pathway to transfer, common requirements and general education requirements are to be completed by the student during their time at Cerritos College.

Castro reminds students, “As always we always recommend for you all to meet with a counselor, plan early and the cycle continues.”

Traditionally, there has only been one pathway for students, which is Assist.org.

However, students were having a lot of challenges in transferring, so the development of the SB 1440 state mandate, also known as the associate degree for transfer or STAR, which is another variation of the same pathway.

Castro further explains the state mandate, “SB 1440 was developed in California and it actually followed a model from Florida, I believe, and so what they are doing is one list of classes for a variety of CSUs, so that is the tricky portion. So, which CSUs accept a degree from Cerritos college? So this is what all students should be aware of.”

He also adds, “This is a new pathway. It still confuses students and my job as counselor is to inform you what is the best way for you to transfer and give you the different options that you have. Inform you what is available and you, as a student, get to decide what is best for you. Best for your career goals, educational goals and all of the above.”

Early childhood development major, Stephanie Sanchez said, “I think this is a great option. I am wary that as Castro said, the ‘guarantee’ does not mean that I am admitted in to a university, but I will receive priority consideration when I submit my applications on CSUmentor.”