The Final Steps of the Transfer Process

Since your first semester at the community college, you have done your "transfer homework." You have researched your transfer options and visited campuses. You have registered for coursework according to a transfer guide. You have worked hard in school and participated in extracurricular activities to build a strong resume. Now you are nearing completion of your Associate's degree. What next?

1) Complete the admissions application. In most cases, you will find an online application via the Admissions Department web page of your transfer institution. Fill out the application as thoroughly and as accurately as possible. There is often an application fee, but sometimes an Admissions Office will waive this fee based on a student's income.

2) Include a personal statement with your application. Some transfer institutions require a personal statement, for other institutions it is optional. In either case, include a personal statement - an essay about your background, strengths, and goals - with your application. A personal statement strengthens your application for admission and scholarships.

3) Complete your admissions application long before the deadline. If you plan to start at the transfer institution in the fall, complete your application by February 1. If you plan to start at the transfer institution in the spring, complete your application by September 1. By completing your admissions application early, it will be much easier to complete financial aid and course registration in a timely manner.

4) Complete the scholarship application for the transfer institution. Often times, an institution allows students to apply for multiple institutional scholarships through one application. If so, be sure to complete this scholarship application.

5) Visit the Financial Aid office at the transfer institution. Make sure that you have all required documents and forms turned in.

6) Meet your academic advisor at the transfer institution. The Admissions Office will connect you with an academic advisor to help register you for the proper courses.

7) Create a budget. A four-year institution will likely cost more. Take a look at your financial aid award, your income, the cost of attendance, and your expenditures. Will you need to take out an educational loan? Will you need to go to school part-time and work part-time to pay the bills?

8) Send your official transcripts from all previous colleges to the transfer institution. The best time to submit your official transcripts may vary from one transfer institution to another, so check in with the Admissions office.

9) Get signed up for Transfer Student Orientation. Most transfer institutions offer an opportunity for you to get familiar with the people, programs, and places of the campus.

10) If possible, start fall semester at your transfer institution. In most cases, the financial aid process operates on a fall-start schedule. You can start in the spring, but it will likely be more difficult to get scholarships and work-study.