Lookout Staff

November 18, 2020 -- For the 30th straight year, Santa Monica College (SMC) was the number one transfer college to the University of California (UC) system, school officials announced this week.

The school sent 1,197 students to UC campuses in the past academic year, 371 more than the second ranked feeder college, according to 2019-2020 transfer data released by the UC Information Center.

SMC also continued to lead in minority transfers to the UC system, with 58 Black and 234 Latino students, and held the top spot for transfers to USC and Loyola Marymount University.

“For three decades, Santa Monica College has upheld a record of the highest distinction," said SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery.

"This points to the steadfast dedication of the college’s educators and counselors, but most of all, to the resilience and potential of SMC transfer students.”

SMC ranked second in total combined transfers to the UC and California State University (CSU) system, with 2,288 students heading to campuses in those systems.

UCLA continued to be the most popular destination for SMC students, with 464 transfers, followed by UC Irvine, with 200 SMC transfers.

SMC also had 149 of the 1,447 students in USC’s fall 2019 entering transfer classs, more than any other sending institution, and topped all community colleges with 75 students enrolled at Loyola Marymount.

In addition, SMC was once again the top feeder west of the Mississippi to the Ivy League Columbia University.

SMC offers a Transfer Admission Guarantees (TAGs) to sevearl universities for students who meet specific requirements to several universities, school officials said.

Its Scholars Program prepares students for "rigorous upper-division coursework through smaller classes taught by highly recommended faculty," along with intensive counseling and support, officials said.

“This college has always strived to leave no stone unturned to create the most comprehensive student support system possible so that students can meet their personal transfer and career goals," Jeffery said.

"We look forward to continuing and growing this culture of excellence!”

For more information about SMC’s Transfer Center and its services, visit smc.edu/transfer or email Nieves-Lucas_Sara@smc.edu.