Published February 29, 2008
Written by Grace Chen
Are you considering attending a community college before transferring to a four year university? Nearly 11 million students each year attend community college. Some choose community college to save thousands of dollars on tuition for the first two years of schooling, while others opt to attend community college to determine which major interests them most. Regardless of why you choose to attend community college, with a few phases of planning, you can transfer to the university and major that are right for your higher learning.
Many students choose to begin their careers at community college before transferring to a four-year institution. Considering that the University of California Regents reported that approximately 30% of all the UC awarded bachelor’s degrees were given to students who transferred from community colleges, you are not alone.
The time that you take to plan out your community college curriculum will pay off significantly in helping you gain acceptance into the university of your choice, along with transferring valuable credits. The key to successfully transferring to a four year institution begins with early planning. This ensures that your credits not only transfer, but that the classes you take put in the best academic light possible.
Step 1: Befriend your academic counselor
One of the least utilized resources is your academic counselor, whose goal is to help you succeed…academically! One of the first things you should do during your transfer planning is to meet with your academic counselor as soon as possible. Tell your counselor what your plans and goals are, and together you can craft a curriculum that not only helps you gain entry into a four-year institution, but will also allow you to transfer the maximum number of credits. You should ideally meet with your academic counselor before your first semester at community college, ensuring that your curriculum planning is optimal to your long-term goals. Schedule quarterly or semester meetings with your counselor, and the transfer rewards will pay off significantly.
Step 2: Evaluate what four-year institution (and major) you want to attend
Not all institutions are created equal, and neither are their transfer requirements. You should develop a list of institutions are you are interested in transferring into, and then evaluate their transfer requirements. Each institution has a different set of governing rules when it comes to applications from community college students. For example, if you are interested in attending the University of Virginia as a transfer student, you will be expected to hold a minimum 3.4 GPA, and not all programs are open for transfer students. On the other hand, the University of California system requires a minimum 2.4 GPA, and they do not have any limitations on the majors, programs, or departments for transfer students.
Understanding what your ideal four-year institution expects of its transfer students can help you craft your time at community college accordingly. You can conduct research ahead of time to properly assess their requirements, minimums, and expectations, which will help you make the best curriculum choices in community college.
Step 3: Understand what the transfer program entails
Most transfer programs anticipate that you will complete your first two years at community college, then transferring to a four-year institution as a junior. Therefore, your two years at community college are typically spent building your lower-division course credits, such as:
· General education classes – such as English, Math, History, etc. These are the courses that every student must take, regardless of major.
· Lower-division electives – These classes may pertain to your major or focus, or they may be general electives that fulfill institutional requirements, such as a language or cultural class.
· Classes that are related to your major – You should also take classes that will prepare you for your major once you transfer to a four-year institution. This not only cements your interest in your major, but also demonstrates to the university that you are serious about your interests, as well as have an ability to succeed in the subject matter.
Remember, as a transfer, you essentially have two main goals: demonstrate that you are academically competitive in your major, and ensure that you can transfer over a maximum number of credits. Both of these are important in not only helping you gain acceptance into the university of your choice, but also in graduating on time from that four-year institution.
Step 4: Review articulation agreements between four-year institutions and your community college
Articulation agreements are important in your transfer plan because they define the detailed policies that govern your transfer from a community college to the four-year institution. Your community college most likely has specific articulation agreements with both the public and private universities in your state.
What does an articulation agreement entail? It essentially discusses what classes are required of the proposed transfer students, and which courses from the community college will transfer with full credit to the four-year institution. Whereas some articulation agreements are broad, governing the entire community college and four-year institution relationship, others are more specific. For example, for a community college student interested in pharmacy, there may be an articulation agreement between the pharmacy departments of the four-year institution and the community college. On the other hand, other articulation agreements offer broad “guaranteed” admission. The University of California, for example, has articulation agreements that guarantee admission of community college transfers, as long as they meet minimum academic requirements.
It is important to stay updated on the changes to the articulation agreements, as they can vary between quarters and semesters. It is highly advised that you speak to your counselor to obtain these updated articulation agreements, and you may be able to find the information online. For example, if you are attending a community college in California and considering transferring to a UC institution, then www.assist.org specifically helps you determine which of your classes will transfer to UC credits.
The key to successfully transferring from a community college to a four-year institution is planning! The earlier you plan, and the more you empower yourself with knowledge regarding the transfer and credits process, the more likely you will gain admissions to the university of your choice – and have all of your classes obtain maximum credits too.
Read Related Attending College Articles:
- What to Expect Your First Semester of Community College
Learn what to expect in terms of classes and student life in your first semester of community college. - Do Community College Applicants Need to Take Enrollment Exams?
Learn about whether or not you may need to take an enrollment exam at your local community college, as well as the benefits these exams may provide to your academic career. - How to Ensure Your Community College Credits Transfer to a 4 Year University
Make sure that your community college credits will transfer to your four year university by following these recommended strategies. - The Reverse Transfer Process
Learn about the reverse transfer process and how it can benefit your education. - 3 Reasons Why Top Universities are Recruiting Community College Students
Learn about the growing trend amongst four-year universities to recruit from community college campuses. Enjoy an academic head start and a competitive edge against other applicants by starting first at community college. - Establishing Good Relationships with Instructors
Learn how to establish good relationships with community college instructors, and how they can be helpful for your academics. - Tutors and Academic Assistance for Community College Students
Learn about tutoring options and academic assistance for community college students. - Writing Assistance for Community College Students
Learn how to get essay and writing skills assistance in community college. - The Value of Mentoring Programs in Community College
Learn about the variety of mentoring programs available in community colleges, and why you may want to be involved as a mentee or mentor. - Avoid the 3 Major Pitfalls of the First Year of Community College
Learn about how you can avoid the commonly experienced pitfalls students encounter in the first few weeks of community college, and ensure that you do not slip through the cracks. - Will You Graduate From Community College? Factors that Influence Success
Learn more about the factors that can influence whether you graduate from community college. - Should You Declare Academic Bankruptcy?
Learn about the benefits and disadvantages of academic bankruptcy and whether this option is right for your GPA and financial aid eligibility. - Enjoy Free Healthcare Services at Your Local Community College
Learn about the opportunities and free healthcare services available at your local community college. Whether you need dental, medical, or even physical therapy treatment, your local community college may be able to provide you with the care that you need, regardless of your budget. - Paid Drug Testing Trials: The Risks to Community College Students
Should you undergo the risks associated with paid drug testing trials both on and off your community college campus? Learn about the benefits and risks associated with these testing trials. - Campus Living Options for Community College Students
Learn about the increasing number of campus living options for community college students. - Athletics in Community Colleges
Learn about athletics in community colleges - what sports are typically offered and their role in the student experience. - How to Meet New Friends While Playing Sports
Take advantage of the intramural sports opportunities offered at your local community college, including baseball, basketball, ping pong, and even rock climbing. - Professional Athletic Opportunities for Community College Students
Learn how community college can facilitate professional athletic opportunities for its students. - Top 3 Reasons to Join a Debate Club to Benefit Your Career
Consider three of the best reasons to join your community college's debate club to further your future career and job opportunities. - Choosing Electives for a Rounded Education
Learn how choosing electives can be enjoyable and professionally beneficial. - The Top 5 Reasons to Volunteer in Community College
Consider these five reasons, ranging from resume benefits to professional opportunities, to volunteer during your time in community college - Alternative Spring Break: Programs and Opportunities
Instead of visiting a party destination this spring break, consider attending educational and philanthropic opportunities offered through your community college. - Support for ESL Students in Community College
Learn about the support programs available for ESL students in community college. - How to Find the Best Community College for Your Unique Hearing Needs
If you have specific hearing needs, finding a supportive community college campus is critical. Learn about what to look for in a community college and what programs across the nation are providing innovative resources to those with hearing impairments. - Which Community College is Best for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
For students with autism spectrum disorder, community colleges across the country can provide excellent higher education support. Learn about how to choose the right community college that specifically meets the needs of ASD students. - The Secret Signs of Undiagnosed Adult Attention Deficit Disorder
Learn about the symptoms of Adult ADD and ADHD, and how an undiagnosed disorder may impact your academic, social, and professional endeavors. - Community College Students Need Parent Encouragement
Learn tips on how to support your child during during their transition to community college. - Community College Counseling: Academic and Personal Support
Your community college is an excellent resource for support; learn about the academic and emotional support available to you on campus. - The Benefits of Community College Clubs
Learn about the benefits of participating in clubs at community college. - Studying Abroad During Community College
Learn about the benefits of studying abroad during community college. - Benefits of Internships for Community College Students
Build your professional and academic career with internships. Learn how to find the right internships through your community college campus. - Does Your Community College Allow Guns on Campus?
Learn about the new proposals and regulations that may allow students to carry handguns on community college campuses. - Campus Safety on Community Colleges
Learn about how you can stay safe and secure on your community college campus - Finding Childcare on Community College Campuses
Learn how you can balance the roles of being a student and a parent by securing child care assistance on campus. - Wellness Opportunities at Community Colleges
Learn about the different opportunities for improving your health and wellness at community college. - Get Better Grades in Community College by Being Social
Learn about the research that shows how participation in community college boosts student performance and success. - How Community Colleges are Inspiring Young Girls to Soar to Success
Learn about how community colleges are introducing programs that inspire young girls to achieve more academically, socially, and emotionally.
All Categories:
Featured Partners:
