Published: February 8, 2006
Transferring to a four year college can be confusing for students who don’t understand the process. Collegeboard.com has advice for students that will hopefully make the transfer process easier.
Step 1: Learn about the transfer program.
Transfer programs at community colleges prepare you to enter a university as a junior. They generally require three types of courses: general education courses, courses required as preparation for your intended major and electives. Keep in mind that certain transfer programs don’t award associate degrees but still satisfy transfer requirements at some four-year colleges.
Step 2: Make sure your credits are “transferable.”
If you already know what four-year college you’d like to attend, make sure that the credits of the courses you sign up for transfer to that school. If you’ve already completed two years at a community college and aren’t sure what four-year school to attend, make sure you pick one where most of your credits transfer.
Step 3: Talk with an adviser at your community college.
He or she can help you meet your community college’s graduation requirements as well as prepare for transfer into the college and major you want.
Step 4: Learn about the college’s “articulation agreements.”
These agreements state specific policies related to transferring and make it easier for you to transfer from one college to another.
Articulation agreements change from time to time, so ask your adviser for the latest information. Some state or city college systems publish detailed listings showing what each community college course is equivalent to at four-year colleges within that system.