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Am I already behind in school?

I am currently a freshman in college and I just figured out that I want to do something business related. The problem is, I'm not yet enrolled in the business college at my university and I'm also planning to transfer schools. I haven't taken any business pre-requisite classes and I'm afraid I am too far behind to graduate on time. Will I be able to graduate on time?

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Justin’s Answer

Greetings Kimberly,


The first step is not to worry about being behind when you are still in your freshman year of college. Many college students take time to figure out what path they want to follow into professional life.


The second step is to think about your timing to make a move to a business program. Are you planning to apply to a business school at your current university? If so, you should speak with an academic advisor about this process. Most universities allow and expect students to change their minds about their choice of academic programs, so there is often flexibility on transfers. Further, all of your credits should easily transfer if you are moving between colleges or schools within the same university.


As for your concern about falling behind, start by considering that not all business programs allow freshmen to enroll. And those that do permit freshman often offer fairly few business classes for freshmen. This may include introductory classes for economics or accounting, but often little else. Most students don't get more substantial exposure to business classes until sophomore or junior year. The reason is two-fold: 1. Most business classes build on the fundamentals of economics and accounting. However, you can take these classes at the same time as more advanced business classes without much trouble; and 2. Most business employers want to hire well-rounded students, so business programs stress liberal arts classes for underclassmen, then funnel students into more advanced classes as graduation gets closer. This means you have plenty of time to get up to speed on business classes. The key is that you took the first step of identifying the course of study that interests you most.

Justin recommends the following next steps:

Speak with an academic counselor at your current school about the transfer process. Their job is to help you get to where you want to be, even if that is not at the current school.
Find out the deadline for a transfer application and start preparing it for submission.
Make an appointment to speak with an academic counselor at the business college. Although you are not yet admitted to this new school, an advisor there should be able to guide you to what classes you missed as a freshman and how fast you can catch-up as a sophomore.
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Victoria’s Answer

Hi Kimberly,


This is a great question. As part of your transfer process, you definitely want (and will probably need) to have your new school review your course transcripts. This is called transcript evaluation/review. This is the process where your new school reviews the credits you received at your old school and figures out what the equivalent courses are. This is where the transfer advisor/transfer process is so critical to graduating on time with the right credits and it makes sure that you and your new school are on the same page. These documents are your official record going forward at your new school.

Victoria recommends the following next steps:

Complete your transfer application as soon as possible and determine what credits will transfer and what these courses are called at your new school. Figure out what prerequisites you need to pursue for a business degree.
Make an in person or phone appointment with a counselor/advisor who will help you navigate the transfer process. Also make an in person or phone appointment with a counselor/advisor at the business school at your new school and find an advisor you like and understand. This person is critical.
Many times freshmen are taking core courses / general requirements so you may not have lost any time. The transcript evaluation will help you determine how long it will take to complete the courses for a business major. You might also consider business as a major or minor. This is such a great major that even if it takes a little bit longer, it will be worth it.
Find volunteer and or paid opportunities or work study or internships to learn more about business and gain experience as you go through school. Business is a great major. Also consider combining business with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) studies since 77% of jobs by 2020 will require STEM skills. Take a look at the classes you have already taken with your advisor to plan what you take next. Good luck, you are on the right track.
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