We’re recognizing National Transfer Student Week (Oct 21-25, 2024) by sharing the experiences of some of our current transfer students, and their advice for prospective majors (and minors) in Celtic Studies.
Over 30% of current Celtic Studies students are transfer students, with credits from community colleges, other UC campuses, and even international schools. They are an important part of our Celtic Studies community. Read on for our students' own words!
Our correspondents:
Nell, Celtic Studies major and Creative Writing minor, Class of 2026. Transfer college: Fullerton College
Fiona, Celtic Studies and English double-major, Class of 2025. Transfer college: Cabrillo College
How did you become interested in Celtic Studies at Berkeley?
Nell: I am interested in pursuing Celtic Studies into grad school for an overarching Folklore and Mythology Master’s degree, of which Berkeley has the best in the nation!
Fiona: A professor of mine in community college assigned some Irish literature and I ended up having a question that no one could answer, so I decided to do it myself.
Any advice for current or prospective Berkeley transfer students?
Nell: Use Assist.org to check what classes count for Berkeley credit! Also figure out how many units are needed for your prospective major, just to see what the workload will be like when you get there. Communicate as much as possible with advisors from Berkeley as well as your own school; and don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do it!
Fiona: Find community outside of Berkeley and school related things. Make sure to do as many of your requirements as you can at community college. Don't be afraid to quit things if you don't enjoy them. Pay attention to Amanda's emails!
Highlights, successes, or lessons learned through your Berkeley experience so far:
Nell: I’ve really enjoyed the community I entered after coming to Berkeley -- the transfer community immediately welcomes you with open arms! I wish I talked more with my school advisors at my community college, and found others when my advisors were not willing to work with me.
Fiona: I've had so many opportunities for research funding and even travel through studying Celtic. The community in this department is also just absolutely supportive and welcoming. I would highly recommend going to office hours for all of your professors and just chatting with them. Also pay attention to what is going on in the wider Berkeley community, I've made wonderful friends and found amazing places through non-school activities and events.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Nell: Berkeley is a place where you must take what you want! Have confidence and follow your path, no matter how winding. No one can do it except you!
Are you considering joining our program? Explore how your previous credits can be applied, discover the rich academic and cultural opportunities our major offers, and see how transfer students thrive in our supportive and close-knit community.
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Assist.org: the official course transfer and articulation system for California colleges and universities
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Community College Transfer Services: transfer resources and support for California community college students who are interested in transferring to a University of California campus
- Transfer Alliance Project: UC transfer preparation program for low-income, first-generation to college, and underrepresented California community college students
- Info for Prospective Students from the Division of Arts & Humanities
- Transfer Student Center: support and services for current UC Berkeley transfer students
- Anchor House: on-campus housing and community center for transfer and commuter students
- Career Planning:
Questions about Celtic Studies?