Many students have started their college careers at a community college. It is important that students that want to successfully transfer to a 4 year need to be careful on what classes they take and follow the requirements of the 4 year university to get in. Many community colleges have transfer centers to help you transfer. Make sure you start the process as early as possible.
1. You don't need an associate's degree to get into a 4 year university. While national research shows that community college students who finish their degree program complete the baccalaureate at a much higher rate, no 4 year university requires students to have an associates degree. It is simply a waste of money and time to get an associate degree if you plan to transfer. You will be taking classes that will not transfer which means you waste time and money.
2. Pick a university. Research which university is good for the area your interested in. Consider quality of education over convenience.
3. Plan ahead. Start planning for your transfer as early as possible. You do not want to pay for classes that will not transfer. One exception though, if you were not college ready entering the community college you want to take those prep classes. Visit the universities that your most interested in. Read about them. Find out about transfer information.
4. Know what actually transfers. Make sure you are picking courses that are transferable to colleges and universities. There are Web sites, tools, and advisers at both community colleges and universities to help you choose wisely. Make sure the advisor is aware that you want only transferable classes.
Many states have "articulation agreements"—negotiated documents that make clear what's needed to transfer from one higher education institution to another. The agreement spells out what classes you need to take and what grades you need to make when you transfer. Here is Illinois website:
- Illinois: www.itransfer.org/
5. Meet your college advisor regulartly. Meet regularly with your advisor about your transfer plans. Also meet with the counselor at the school you are transfering to make sure everything is done correctly. Don't be shy, that is what counselors are paid to do. do not try to do the transfer process without the help of a counselor. And remember you do not need an associate degree to go to a four year university. Most jobs do not honor associate degrees.
6. Pick your classes carefully. If your lucky enough to know your major when you transfer (its okay if you don't know yet) then make sure you are taking the correct prerequistes. If you don't know your major yet then meet with a counselor about a liberal arts degree until you've decided on a major.
7. Apply to the school and the program. Make sure you apply to both the university and the college your interested in attending. Just because you applied to a unviersity does not mean you applied to their nursing or architectural school. These programs often have other requirements besides the university entrance requirements and sometimes diferent applications and deadlines.
8. Money. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Call the university admissions office to see if it has scholarships set aside for transfer students.
9. Attend orientation. Universities are different from community colleges make sure you attend the orientation. You do not want to be at a disadvantage from day one.
10. Be organized. Keep a calendar with all your application deadlines. Have a folder with all your application materials. And read the instructions. If you have questions ask!
Schools with information on transfering from a community college:
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