So your plan for community college is to prepare for a bachelor's degree. Smart choice! But there's one big thing to do: figure out how to transfer.
There are so many moving pieces, a lot of paperwork, and you’ve got a full class load (and maybe a part-time job?). The key to success right now is organization! Download our transfer checklist to keep you on task, and keep reading for detailed tips.
Get Your Transfer Checklist
Here’s what you need to stay on top of for transfer success:
Get Letters of Recommendation
First, if you haven’t done this yet, reach out to at least two faculty members for letters of recommendation, providing them with specific instructions about deadlines and requirements.
Read: The ultimate guide to getting a stellar letter of recommendation.
Write Your Essays
Second--and perhaps one of the most important pieces--are your primary and supplementary essays. Make sure that you are aware of all of the pieces you need to write, are answering the question, and have more than one other person review them.
Read: 8 tips to writing an amazing college essay.
Apply for Financial Aid
Free Transfer Checklist
Third, financial aid. Double and triple check your prospective schools’ financial aid application deadlines and requirements. Fill out the FAFSA and confirm all other financial aid applications, be it the CSS Profile or other school specific forms.
Read: 7 ways to be prepared for FAFSA.
Request Transcripts
Fourth, most colleges and universities will require official college and high schools transcripts. Usually ordering these will take anywhere from 2-10 business days, and sometimes there are small fees associated. Give yourself sufficient time to order and send these. Schools might also require a mid-year report, where professors indicate your current academic progress.
Submit Test Scores
Fifth, some colleges and universities will require standardized test scores, including subjects tests, like SAT II. Remember to read all of the application and admissions requirements and send scores in a timely manner. If you’ve taken a test recently and won’t have the scores by the deadline, don’t give up! Contact the college or university, they usually understand!
Read: Don’t let testing anxiety hurt your test scores.
Remember, there’s always someone available to answer your questions in the admissions office. Your advisor can be a great help, too!
Your Transfer Checklist
