Peer Mentors on the Transfer Experience

Recently, the TRIO Peer Mentors put on a workshop to describe their experiences with transferring from a community college to a four-year school. The main points raised include:

1) Prepare to be more self-sufficient. Community colleges provide access and support to anyone interested in college - this is their strength. Once you transfer to a four-year college or university, expect a different culture. There are still faculty and staff ready to support your academic goals, but the onus is much more on the student to be self-sufficient.

2) Prepare for higher academic expectations. As you move into junior and senior level courses, expect more reading, more writing, and more testing. Expect to receive no credit for late assignments. Expect to not have extra credit. You can prepare for these higher expectations by taking more challenging courses at the community college, such as Honor's courses.

3) Follow a degree plan while at the community college. The four-year college or university is specific about the courses accepted as transfer credit. By following a degree plan while at the community college, you can be sure to take proper courses. Note, however, that you still may need to take additional courses at the four-year school if you decide to change your major when you transfer.

This may all sound a little scary but the Peer Mentors reassured the students that they are capable of being successful. The students need, however, to make appropriate preparations and be prepared for a challenge. The more students, staff, and faculty that you talk with at your four-year school, the easier the transfer process becomes. And the earlier you are talking with your transfer institution, the better.