Not everyone starts their college journey at a four-year university! For some students, community colleges are a great way to jump into college life - you can tackle your required general education classes such as math, science, and English before having to focus on a specific major. Some students experience community college and decide to focus on getting their associates degree, and start a career directly after graduation. However, many students start their college journey with the goal to transfer to a 4-year university. 

Thinking about transferring from community college? Use these tips to help you transfer seamlessly!

Do Your Research

Visit the schools at the top of your list and collect all the info they have specifically for transfer students. Search for any transfer (a.k.a. articulation) agreements between your community college and where you want to go. Articulation agreements are courses that have been approved and agreed upon between a community college and university to transfer. Your goal is to be able to transfer all of your classes that you have taken at the community college, so researching the different transfer pathways will help you develop a solid plan of action to transfer. Poor planning can run the risk of taking classes that you will not receive credit for, which can be a waste of time and money.

Make a plan

Each 4-year university has different credit requirements. Choosing one university to transfer to, and then building your class schedule around that university's transfer credit guidelines will help you ensure that you're taking the right classes.

Once you have a sense of the process, create a plan to ensure you don't miss any key deadlines or opportunities. Sometimes transferring directly into an academic major at a university can be a competitive process, so having a plan is key to ensuring you get into your major of choice.

Make Connections

Have you heard the saying it’s not always what you know, but who you know? It’s true! Connecting with your advisor regularly is important to keep yourself on track and prepared to transfer. It’s equally important to stay connected to the university and participate in programming specifically for transfer students, like orientation and academic information sessions. By engaging in these types of experiences, you will be the first to know about on-campus resources like transfer scholarships and support programs.

Stay focused and stick to the plan

You will probably save yourself from accumulating thousands of dollars in debt by first going to a community college. Maintain your grades and do your part so that the transfer process goes smoothly. Do your research and remain committed to your plan by remembering the bigger picture. Things might get difficult but if you work smarter, not harder, it will pay off!

Planning to transfer from community college can be stressful, but we’re here to help! Just text #Hello to 33-55-77 to chat with one of our advisors. If you're using a mobile device, click here to have the text message set up for you!