The Year Before You Transfer

Below are some key activities designed to guide you through the transfer process. You should also plan to meet with your counselor at least once each semester/quarter prior to transfer, to make sure you stay on track.

• Make sure that you will meet all your course, unit, and GPA requirements.
  Transfer students are usually required to complete all lower division general education (GE) requirements, as well as requirements for their chosen major, prior to transfer. Universities will also require a minimum number of credits (usually 60), and a minimum GPA for admission. GPA requirements may vary, depending on your major. During the last year at your community college, you should meet with a counselor to make sure that all necessary requirements will be met by the time you are ready to transfer.
• Take all your course and credit information with you to your counseling
  appointment. If you have attended more than one community college and/or have accumulated credits from multiple sources including other colleges and universities, on-line courses, out-of-state institutions, and college abroad/international education, be sure to let your counselor know! It is important to tell whoever is helping you transfer about all the courses and credits you have accumulated so far. With this information a counselor can help you reduce the risk of having to repeat courses, and you may also discover that you are closer to graduation than you realize. In addition, the college you are attending now may be able to help "package" all your coursework so that as much of it as possible will apply toward your baccalaureate degree once you transfer.
  
  Don't be afraid to speak up if you think your coursework should transfer; persistence pays off.
• Complete and file an application for admission to the university(s) of your choice.
  Most universities require that you submit your application about a year in advance of your targeted enrollment date, during their priority application filing period. Find out when these deadlines are as early as possible, so you don't miss them!
• Be sure to include your application fee along with your admissions application.
  Don't forget to include a check to cover any necessary fees, or your application will not be accepted!
• Have copies of your official transcripts ready to send when requested.
  The university will ask for your official community college transcripts for transfer; in addition, you may need your high school transcripts as well as transcripts from any other colleges or universities you have attended. It is up to you to get all your transcripts together; your community college will not do it for you.
• Be sure to keep photocopies of all documents you submit! You may need them later.
• Take any required entrance exams.
  Register to take any required university entrance exams as soon as possible and at least 6 months before you intend to transfer. Most universities do not require entrance exams for transfer students, so check with your counselor and/or the appropriate university catalog for details.
• Be sure to submit your "intent to register" form.
  Most universities notify transfer students by mail when to submit their "intent to register." This is your way of telling them that you have made your final decision, and intend to enroll with them. Don't miss this important deadline!
• Attend a university orientation for transfer students.
  Orientation for new students is usually held during the summer prior to enrollment. Orientation activities are designed to provide important information to students about the university and usually include a campus tour. University staff are available to answer any final questions you may have. Don't miss this opportunity!