Admissions Requirements for Community College Transfer Students

Although each university you plan to apply will have different requirements and deadlines, there are some universal guidelines you can expect. They are as follows:

Transfer Credit A minimum number of 36 units are required to transfer as a sophomore. Sixty units are generally required to transfer with junior standing. As each college and major has specific requirements to make full use of the units you have completed, it is important that you know exactly what classes to take that will transfer to your choice colleges.

In addition to the number of units, all universities require that you take college level math and English as well as other general education classes. Visit your transfer office to get an outline of what courses you need to take for general transfer credit as well as for your intended major. Although your major may change, following a more general guideline will ensure that the courses you take will be accepted at transfer.

Some classes may require a certain number of prerequisites that can delay your transfer if you do not carefully plan the sequence. Being proactive in your approach will ensure that you do not become one of the many students that spend excess years floundering at community college.

College Application The application process varies from college to college. One universal theme is the basic application. The application asks for personal information like you name and address. Most can be filled out online or on paper.

Application Fee An application fee is part of all admissions requirements. Fees range but are generally around 50 dollars give or take. If you qualify financially, you may apply for a fee waiver.

Transcripts You will be asked to send official transcripts to all of the colleges you apply. Your community college, for a fee, will send a sealed copy of your transcripts directly to the addresses you provide.

Sometimes you will be asked to include your high school transcripts. In that case, you must request that your high school send the transcripts, of course for a fee. If you’re a high school student, and you know that you will attend a community college, it may save you time to request several copies after graduation.

Extras Some majors require even more. For example, an art major will undoubtedly require a portfolio of recent artwork. Some schools although rare may require and interview. Many schools will also require recommendations from professors, preferably in your area of study.

Essay And finally the dreaded essay. Some colleges will ask a specific question, but as a transfer many will ask for a personal statement about your major. The personal statement is a way for you to differentiate yourself from other students with similar grades and accomplishments. The essay can make or break your application so be sure to take extra time. Click here to get tips on writing an essay that will impress admission officers.

Deadlines Make sure above all to be aware of deadlines. The deadlines set by colleges can be unforgiving. This requires that all of your application and supplemental material including transcripts arrive by the deadline. So do things ahead of time so that you can be sure the college has received all of the required information. There is nothing worse than missing a deadline as this can ruin your financial aid and academic progress.

Hopefully this has helped you gain some insight into the college admissions requirements.