Tips and helpful advice on making your transfer experience successful:
1. Get Advising
It is important as you make the decision to transfer that you consult an advisor. Your community college has advisors trained to help you make the right decisions about what courses to take when you are preparing to transfer. Be sure to contact an advisor at the school you're planning to transfer to as well. Getting help from both your current school and your future school is the best way to make your transition as smooth as possible.
2. Register with "Transfer" in mind.
When you meet with your advisor each semester, remind him/her that you plan on transferring so the advisor can assist you in selecting courses that transfer easily.
3. Start Planning Today
The longer you wait to make decisions, the longer it may take you to complete a degree and transfer. Do your best to complete the following as soon as possible:
- Identify a major that corresponds with your chosen career field.
- Declare your major.
- Select a transfer institution.
- Know the deadlines for admission and scholarships for your transfer institution.
- Check the deadlines at least a year before transferring; many universities have early deadlines for scholarships.
- Investigate program-specific selection criteria and requirements such as auditions, portfolios or entrance exams (ask your advisor).
- Be aware of course sequences and prerequisites which may require you to complete courses certain semesters to stay on track and not delay your transfer/graduation plans.
4. Meet with your current advisor to discuss future plans.
If you are planning to transfer the next semester, find out from your advisor what you need to do to leave your current institution and transfer to another. If you are working toward an associate degree, verify your eligibility to graduate and discuss what you need to do next to earn your degree.
5. Review University Application Process
Become familiar with your chosen transfer institution’s academic calendar, admission priority dates, deadlines and degree requirements.
- Visit the university prior to applying.
- Submit your application(s) for admission and all of your official transcripts (including AP and CLEP test scores if you have any) by the deadlines specified at each university.
- Check to see if high school transcripts and test scores are required.
- Send final official transcripts after the term is completed and the grades and degree are posted.
- Submit any required proof of immunizations.
6. Attend new student orientation or use online orientation tools to become familiar with your new college or university.
Be sure to request maps and tour information as well as become familiar with financial aid and fee payment processes as these vary from school to school.
