Potential Pitfalls and Questions to Ask
Things to avoid for a smooth transfer experience.
- Not attending orientation. Attend all possible orientation at any institution you attend. Knowledge is power. Information gaps can cost you time and money.
- Self advising. Advising is one of the most under-used services. Consult with advisers at your current school and at the new institution before you transfer. Many community colleges have Transfer Advisers who are knowledgeable about colleges and universities in the area. Without advising you may take longer to complete your degree.
- Not taking math in the first semester. Statistics show that students who delay taking math courses are less likely to complete any degree.
- Not starting sequential courses early. You cannot make up time in a sequence (You cannot take Spanish I and Spanish II in the same semester). Math can be troublesome. Depending on the level you start -- usually determined by a placement exam -- it can take several semesters to get to the required level. And if you take a break or you transfer you will probably be required to take another placement exam and you may back up again.
- Attending as a part time student. While it may seem more economical, remember that while you are a part time student,
- requirements change
- costs of tuition, fees, books and living expenses all go up,
- many scholarships require full time status
- you may not qualify for insurance coverage (for example through parents)
- time continues to go by without your degree (you make less money),
- there are more distractions from life (work, family, marriage, children, friends, etc.)
- you may feel out of place with younger students in the classes
- it becomes harder to see the final goal and easier to give up
- Not using resources or seeking assistance. Most colleges have tutoring help, career services, study skills workshops, test anxiety assistance, writing and math assistance, transfer advisers, and many more services designed to help students reach their goals. Almost all are FREE. Use them.
- Low GPA. Most programs require at least 2.0 for cumulative and last semester (quarter) grades. Many degree programs require 2.5 or higher. See above -- Not using resources or seeking assistance.
- Assuming credit accepted at one institution will be accepted at the new institution. It always depends on the degree you are seeking. Remember testing credit accepted by a previous college (CLEP, AP, etc.) may not be accepted or may require a higher score. Most colleges and universities require official score reports from the testing program.
- Lacking transcripts. All postsecondary credit attempted must be documented with an official transcript, including college courses taken while in high school, even if the courses are on the high school transcript.
- Changing your major. Requirements for the previous major may not apply to the new major. Realize it may increase time to degree completion.
- Beginning in an Associate of Applied Science Degree. The courses were designed for entry into a career rather than for transfer. Technical and/or vocational credit may not apply to a bachelor's degree, even if the credits transfer. Credits may count in total hours, but if they do not meet requirements for the degree, you still have to take more hours.
- Not researching the transfer policies and requirements at the new school. Start gathering information at least a year before you intend to transfer. Know policies. Most information can be found on a college web site or a college bulletin. You may have to purchase a bulletin, but you will find it useful. Look for answers to questions like:
- How many credits will transfer form a 2 year to a 4 year school?
- Is there a table of courses from your school and how they transfer to the new institution?
- What is the required GPA for the program you are interested in? It may be higher than the overall admission requirement.
- Are there other admission requirements besides GPA?
- Does the degree you are interested in have an Articulation Agreement (A to B or 2+2 Agreement) with your current college? This lists specific courses to take at your college which will transfer into the degree you seek.
- What is the deadline for application? Some programs have earlier deadlines than the overall admission deadline or only accept new students at certain times of the year.
- Are there transfer scholarships and what is the deadline to apply for them?
- How does transferring affect Financial Aid?
- How competitive is the program you are interested in? How many apply and how many are accepted?
- How much math is required for the degree? How much can you take at your current institution? Take all you can. Try to complete series like Calculus I & II or Chemistry I & II at the same school.
- Is it beneficial for you to complete an Associates Degree before transferring? In some degree programs you may be better off getting started in sequential courses earlier.
- What grades will be required to transfer courses? What about C- and D grades?
- Do grades transfer with the courses or does your GPA start over at the new school?
- What can you learn about Tuition & Fees? Housing? Parking? Insurance and Health Care? Study Abroad programs?
- Once you are admitted what is the earliest date you can enroll for classes.
Created by JoAnn Moseman
Academic Transfer Coordinator
Office of Undergraduate Studies
