7 Tips for Transferring from Community College
Community college is an excellent stepping stone for students who wish to continue their studies and earn a bachelor’s degree. However, transitioning from a community college to a four-year university can be anxiety provoking and overwhelming. There are so many steps you must take, and tons of decisions to make. Don’t let that stop you from reaching your goal! Keep reading to learn some ways that can make your transfer experience easy and stress-free.
7 Tips for Transferring from Community College
Moving from one school to another can be daunting. Some students even decide not to pursue any further education because they don’t even know where to start with the transfer process. Identifying potential obstacles and learning how to overcome them right from the start can help your transition to a four-year university smoothly. Check out these tips to get you started:
1) Plan ahead
When you decide to go to community college for your associate's degree, think about what your ultimate educational goals are. Do you know what you want to major in? What are your plans after your associate's degree? Are you looking to pursue a bachelor’s degree from a school in-state or out-of-state? These are just a few of the questions you should be asking yourself right from the beginning.
Your educational goals will help you see the big picture so you can plan accordingly. Depending on what you want to accomplish, you’ll have a better idea of what classes need to be taken, what extracurriculars or clubs you might want to get involved in, and what four-year universities would be a good match for you. Having a road map of your plans right in front of you can help you move forward in an organized manner with confidence.
2) Meet with your academic advisor right away
One of the most important and useful resources on-campus is an academic advisor. The academic advisor at your community college is experienced in how the transfer process works and can help you get to where you want to go. Meeting with an advisor early on will let them know your intentions so they can track your course schedule. Not all courses are going to transfer — an advisor will make sure you’re taking all the right courses at the right times.
3) Reach out to a transfer admissions counselor early on
Once you’ve done your research and have a good idea on where you want to transfer to, the next step is to reach out and talk to a transfer admissions counselor. Remember, it’s never too early to speak with someone about the admissions requirements for transfer students. Ask questions about specific transfer criteria and materials, dates and deadlines for applying, and information about the major(s) you’re interested in.
4) Maintain a high GPA
Many students think the admissions process when transferring from a community college is less competitive than applying right from High School. This simply isn’t true. Universities look at the grades earned in community college and use them as important admissions criteria when accepting students. Maintaining a high GPA is crucial for college transfer students.
The grades you earn during an associate’s program can impact whether or not a course will transfer, your merit-eligibility, and your admission to your intended major. Make sure to talk to an admissions counselor or academic advisor about your course grades. If you’ve received any unsatisfactory grades, you may want to consider re-taking those courses.
5) Find out about credit transfer policies
Many community college students find themselves struggling to find out which of their classes will transfer, how many credits, and for what requirement. Reach out to the university you’re planning on attending and ask them about their credit transfer policies. By doing this, you’ll be able to pick courses that you know are transferable.
It’s also worth looking into articulation agreements from your desired university. For example, at NJIT, the articulation agreements provide students with an easy and smooth transition from the partnered community colleges. Stay ahead of the game and learn about how credits transfer at NJIT before you even choose your course schedule.
6) Learn about financial aid options
It’s no secret that a four-year university is more expensive than a community college. Depending on whether you decide to go to a public or private institution, you could be paying double or more for tuition than what you’re paying at your current school. But don’t fret! There are many financial aid options available that will significantly lower the cost of attending a university. You may also want to find out about any scholarships for transfer students that you could apply to.
NJIT participates in both federal and state financial aid programs. As a transfer student, you’ll have the option to apply for financial aid and scholarships. For more information, contact the university admissions office.
Apply with confidence to NJIT
Ending one chapter of your education journey and starting a new one can seem completely overwhelming. It’s easy to get lost in the feeling of “starting over”. Although it may look like your goals are being slowed down by the transfer process, in reality you’re taking the next step to achieve a successful career.
Let your success from community college give you the confidence and perseverance for university and remember to stay focused on your goals. Get started on your journey to transfer to NJIT today!