6 answers
Angelina
Student
Aurora, Illinois
1
Question
Asked
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How do I choose a college to transfer to after community college?
I am currently a biology major and I plan to work in the research and sustainably field. There's so many options its overwhelming.
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6 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1501
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Angelina Inorder to successfully navigating the transfer application process requires a thoughtful approach and attention to detail. Admissions committees carefully evaluate academic performance and your reasons for transferring along with your personal statements (transfer essays), letters of recommendation, extracurricular involvement.
DECIDED ON A MAJOR
One of the benefits of going to community college is exploring your areas of interest but with that said you shouldn’t delay making a decision about your major. When you know what major you are interested in then it will benefit you to know what classes to choose and figure out what classes are not transferable. Students often fall into the trap of taking general education classes that won’t apply to their majors when they want to transfer. By having an idea of what the best major is for you, you can take the prerequisites needed for the desired program at university. Having a plan on which courses you take will help you achieve maximum productivity when it comes to your transfer program. It’s better if you pick a major early, even if you decide to switch to another one.
RESEARCH PROSPECTIVE UNIVERSITIES
Transferring involves a lot of research. You’ll want to make sure that you’re going to be studying in an institution that’s a great fit for you, either socially or academically. Before transferring to a university, you need to obtain a lot of information and consider factors such as the institutions’ credit transfer policy and financial aid opportunities. You can check each Universities step-by-step guide for transfer students, which informs you all about the needed requirements in the admission process and the article on the Frequently Asked Questions when it comes to transferring from a CC to University.
COMMUNICATE WITH ADVISORS
Advisors are experienced in how the transfer process works at institutions and can help students choose the right courses to advance them in their transfer venture. Keep your adviser informed of your transfer plans, and as the process approaches, set a time to meet with an adviser at your target institution. Transfer policies can change from year to year and may have small details that are easily overlooked. There may be questions that only advisors can answer or give information that you need to know ahead of transfer. Keep your new university informed if you change any of your contact information, and be sure to respond to all communications.
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION EARLY
Once you’ve gathered all the materials needed for your application, submit it as early as possible. Many colleges have rolling admissions, which means they accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis. This means that the earlier you submit your application, the higher your chances of being accepted are. Additionally, many colleges fill up their classes quickly, so submitting your application early increases your chances of getting into the school of your choice.
ATTEND ORIENTATION
Some students make the mistake of skipping orientation at the four-year school because they assume they already have the information necessary to succeed after spending two years at community college. However, colleges can vary greatly in terms of academic demands, culture, and environment, especially between two and four-year institutions. Find out everything you can about your four-year school before you begin taking classes, to increase your odds of a successful transition.
DECIDED ON A MAJOR
One of the benefits of going to community college is exploring your areas of interest but with that said you shouldn’t delay making a decision about your major. When you know what major you are interested in then it will benefit you to know what classes to choose and figure out what classes are not transferable. Students often fall into the trap of taking general education classes that won’t apply to their majors when they want to transfer. By having an idea of what the best major is for you, you can take the prerequisites needed for the desired program at university. Having a plan on which courses you take will help you achieve maximum productivity when it comes to your transfer program. It’s better if you pick a major early, even if you decide to switch to another one.
RESEARCH PROSPECTIVE UNIVERSITIES
Transferring involves a lot of research. You’ll want to make sure that you’re going to be studying in an institution that’s a great fit for you, either socially or academically. Before transferring to a university, you need to obtain a lot of information and consider factors such as the institutions’ credit transfer policy and financial aid opportunities. You can check each Universities step-by-step guide for transfer students, which informs you all about the needed requirements in the admission process and the article on the Frequently Asked Questions when it comes to transferring from a CC to University.
COMMUNICATE WITH ADVISORS
Advisors are experienced in how the transfer process works at institutions and can help students choose the right courses to advance them in their transfer venture. Keep your adviser informed of your transfer plans, and as the process approaches, set a time to meet with an adviser at your target institution. Transfer policies can change from year to year and may have small details that are easily overlooked. There may be questions that only advisors can answer or give information that you need to know ahead of transfer. Keep your new university informed if you change any of your contact information, and be sure to respond to all communications.
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION EARLY
Once you’ve gathered all the materials needed for your application, submit it as early as possible. Many colleges have rolling admissions, which means they accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis. This means that the earlier you submit your application, the higher your chances of being accepted are. Additionally, many colleges fill up their classes quickly, so submitting your application early increases your chances of getting into the school of your choice.
ATTEND ORIENTATION
Some students make the mistake of skipping orientation at the four-year school because they assume they already have the information necessary to succeed after spending two years at community college. However, colleges can vary greatly in terms of academic demands, culture, and environment, especially between two and four-year institutions. Find out everything you can about your four-year school before you begin taking classes, to increase your odds of a successful transition.
Thank You Michelle. Your mentorship has helped me find the confidence I need answering the students questions on CareerVillage.
Doc Frick
Travon Jackson
Management
1
Answer
Mesa, Arizona
Updated
Travon’s Answer
Hello Angelina!
One of the most important things to do when looking for a college to transfer to after community college is to determine your career goals. Just because it is a good school with a solid program, does not mean it will be the best to support your career pursuits. The next step is to ensure the credits you have taken at your community college are transferrable to the University you choose. I have seen first-hand students make their decision based off which school accepted more of their credits. You have already worked hard, and you don't want to redo the same work over again, so keep that in mind. Of course financial factors is something else to keep in mind. Just because it is affordable, does not mean you will get everything you need out of the program, and vice versa. Just because the institution is more expensive than others, does not mean it will provide you all you need to be successful on your career path. If you are having trouble with there being too many options, make a list and do a simple process of elimination. Write down everything you want out of the program as it pertains to your career and educational goals, and go through each schools curriculum to determine who best supports your vision. Most schools nowadays will have a full course catalog on their website with descriptions of what you will learn in the class. In my personal experience, the school with the most in-depth analysis of the industry in their curriculum caught my attention. Something else you might want to do is perform some research on your dream job. See what qualifications are needed past the point of occupational experience and use the course descriptions from the schools to see what matches up with what that job requires. From there, it is just a matter of applying and taking the steps to ensure you are getting all you need out of the program once you are admitted. I hope this helps!
One of the most important things to do when looking for a college to transfer to after community college is to determine your career goals. Just because it is a good school with a solid program, does not mean it will be the best to support your career pursuits. The next step is to ensure the credits you have taken at your community college are transferrable to the University you choose. I have seen first-hand students make their decision based off which school accepted more of their credits. You have already worked hard, and you don't want to redo the same work over again, so keep that in mind. Of course financial factors is something else to keep in mind. Just because it is affordable, does not mean you will get everything you need out of the program, and vice versa. Just because the institution is more expensive than others, does not mean it will provide you all you need to be successful on your career path. If you are having trouble with there being too many options, make a list and do a simple process of elimination. Write down everything you want out of the program as it pertains to your career and educational goals, and go through each schools curriculum to determine who best supports your vision. Most schools nowadays will have a full course catalog on their website with descriptions of what you will learn in the class. In my personal experience, the school with the most in-depth analysis of the industry in their curriculum caught my attention. Something else you might want to do is perform some research on your dream job. See what qualifications are needed past the point of occupational experience and use the course descriptions from the schools to see what matches up with what that job requires. From there, it is just a matter of applying and taking the steps to ensure you are getting all you need out of the program once you are admitted. I hope this helps!
Robert Rossi
Many things! But mostly chemistry and chemical engineering
40
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Robert’s Answer
You don't have to find the perfect--or very best--college to transfer to, just one that is great fit. I think that is where a lot of college searches go wrong: they take, in the words of Herbert Simon, a "maximizer" rather than a "satisficer" approach. Make sure your college offers the major you want, that you can afford it (don't look at the sticker price, see what aid they might offer you), and that you like it. Beyond that, follow the advice offered in https://www.careervillage.org/questions/680682/how-do-you-pick-which-college-to-go-to. Good luck!
Talk to people with the sorts of jobs you aspire to about where they went to school, and where the people they work with went to school.
Talk with a professor who teaches a class in your major at the school you think you want to attend...yes, you can just call or email them!
Robert recommends the following next steps:
Maleni Robles
2
Answers
Updated
Maleni’s Answer
Hello Angelina,
Deciding on a college can be a challenging task, but remember, it's also an exciting journey towards your dreams. Start your quest by exploring the colleges that offer your chosen major. Get to know the tuition fee structure of each institution. It's also crucial to confirm that all your hard-earned credits from your previous school will be recognized at the next one you choose. Don't forget to physically visit these campuses if possible. Engage in conversations with student advisors who can provide valuable insights. I trust this guidance will be beneficial for you. Here's to your success, Angelina!
Deciding on a college can be a challenging task, but remember, it's also an exciting journey towards your dreams. Start your quest by exploring the colleges that offer your chosen major. Get to know the tuition fee structure of each institution. It's also crucial to confirm that all your hard-earned credits from your previous school will be recognized at the next one you choose. Don't forget to physically visit these campuses if possible. Engage in conversations with student advisors who can provide valuable insights. I trust this guidance will be beneficial for you. Here's to your success, Angelina!
Isabel Dominguez
Student
98
Answers
Corning, California
Updated
Isabel’s Answer
Hello Angelina!
As you embark on the exciting journey of selecting a college to transfer to, remember to take into account key aspects such as the robustness of the program, the proficiency of the faculty, the availability of research prospects, and the school's commitment to sustainability. Aim to find institutions that have commendable biology and environmental science departments.
Also, see if these colleges provide experiential learning opportunities such as internships, labs, or partnerships related to your area of interest. It can be incredibly beneficial to visit campuses, engage in conversations with advisors, and network with current students to truly understand the atmosphere and culture of the school.
Don't forget to consider practical factors like the location of the school, the cost of tuition, and the financial aid options available to you. Lastly, ensure that the college you choose has a solid history of successfully transferring credits from community colleges. This will facilitate a seamless transition into your chosen program.
Remember, this is a significant step towards your future, and your choice will pave the way for your success. So, take your time, do your research, and trust in your ability to make the right decision. You've got this, Angelina!
As you embark on the exciting journey of selecting a college to transfer to, remember to take into account key aspects such as the robustness of the program, the proficiency of the faculty, the availability of research prospects, and the school's commitment to sustainability. Aim to find institutions that have commendable biology and environmental science departments.
Also, see if these colleges provide experiential learning opportunities such as internships, labs, or partnerships related to your area of interest. It can be incredibly beneficial to visit campuses, engage in conversations with advisors, and network with current students to truly understand the atmosphere and culture of the school.
Don't forget to consider practical factors like the location of the school, the cost of tuition, and the financial aid options available to you. Lastly, ensure that the college you choose has a solid history of successfully transferring credits from community colleges. This will facilitate a seamless transition into your chosen program.
Remember, this is a significant step towards your future, and your choice will pave the way for your success. So, take your time, do your research, and trust in your ability to make the right decision. You've got this, Angelina!
Adrian Santos
Marine Security Guard
162
Answers
Lome, Maritime Region, Togo
Updated
Adrian’s Answer
Greetings,
Choosing the right college to transfer to after community college can be overwhelming, but focusing on a few key factors can help narrow down your options. First, look for universities that offer strong programs in biology, research, and sustainability. Consider schools that have dedicated research centers, sustainability initiatives, or partnerships with industries related to environmental science and biology. You’ll want a program that not only aligns with your academic interests but also provides hands-on research opportunities, internships, and access to laboratories or fieldwork in your chosen field. Universities with a strong focus on sustainability, such as those offering programs in environmental science or renewable energy, can help you gain relevant experience for your career goals.
Next, evaluate the transferability of your community college credits. Many universities have articulation agreements with community colleges, making it easier to transfer credits without losing time or needing to retake courses. Reach out to the admissions office or a transfer advisor at prospective schools to ensure that your credits will transfer smoothly. This will help you stay on track to graduate within your desired time frame. Additionally, look into scholarships and financial aid options for transfer students, as some universities offer specific funding to help ease the cost of transferring.
Finally, consider the campus culture, location, and support services available for transfer students. Some schools have robust programs designed to integrate transfer students into the campus community, offering academic advising, mentorship, and networking opportunities. It’s also important to think about whether you prefer a large research university or a smaller college with more personalized attention. Visiting campuses, if possible, can help you get a sense of the environment and determine if it feels like the right fit for you academically and personally. By focusing on these factors, you can make an informed decision about the best college for your transfer.
-Adrian
Choosing the right college to transfer to after community college can be overwhelming, but focusing on a few key factors can help narrow down your options. First, look for universities that offer strong programs in biology, research, and sustainability. Consider schools that have dedicated research centers, sustainability initiatives, or partnerships with industries related to environmental science and biology. You’ll want a program that not only aligns with your academic interests but also provides hands-on research opportunities, internships, and access to laboratories or fieldwork in your chosen field. Universities with a strong focus on sustainability, such as those offering programs in environmental science or renewable energy, can help you gain relevant experience for your career goals.
Next, evaluate the transferability of your community college credits. Many universities have articulation agreements with community colleges, making it easier to transfer credits without losing time or needing to retake courses. Reach out to the admissions office or a transfer advisor at prospective schools to ensure that your credits will transfer smoothly. This will help you stay on track to graduate within your desired time frame. Additionally, look into scholarships and financial aid options for transfer students, as some universities offer specific funding to help ease the cost of transferring.
Finally, consider the campus culture, location, and support services available for transfer students. Some schools have robust programs designed to integrate transfer students into the campus community, offering academic advising, mentorship, and networking opportunities. It’s also important to think about whether you prefer a large research university or a smaller college with more personalized attention. Visiting campuses, if possible, can help you get a sense of the environment and determine if it feels like the right fit for you academically and personally. By focusing on these factors, you can make an informed decision about the best college for your transfer.
-Adrian