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Course: College admissions > Unit 4
Lesson 7: Applying as a transfer studentTransfer timeline for community college students
Follow these steps to prepare for transfer, beginning in your first semester of college.
Whether you’re just getting started in college or you’re half way through your associate’s degree, it’s never too early to begin planning for transfer. Starting early can help you save time and money by avoiding unnecessary credits.
Phase 1 - Explore your options
Approximate number of credits earned: 1-29 quarter credits; 1-19 semester credits
Steps to take:
- Meet with an advisor to plan your schedule. Advisors can also connect you with campus resources and tell you about opportunities, such as scholarships.
- If undecided on a major, now is the time to explore. If your college has a career center, visit! If a major piques your interest, meet with an instructor in that field to learn more about requirements and related career opportunities.
- Begin exploring four-year universities through college fairs, campus visits, and online resources.
Phase 2 - Determine your plan and stay on course
Approximate number of credits earned: 30-45 quarter credits; 20-30 semester credits
Steps to take:
- Find out what prerequisites and requirements are needed for admission to your major, as well as the university.
- Work on finishing general AA or AS requirements AND specific transfer requirements.
- Continue working with your advisor on a regular basis (at least once a quarter/semester).
Phase 3 - Application season begins
Approximate number of credits earned: 46-60 quarter credits; 31-40 semester credits
Steps to take:
- Begin applying to colleges. Check the transfer application deadline for each of your target schools, as the deadlines may vary.
- Fill out the application for your major, if applicable. The deadline for general admission and the deadline for your major may not be the same.
- Research and apply for financial aid/scholarships by each school’s priority financial aid deadline. Continue meeting with your advisor to ensure you’re on track.
Phase 4 - Review your admissions decisions
Approximate number of credits earned: 61-90 quarter credits; 41-60 semester credits
Steps to take:
- Apply to schools with late deadlines.
- Review the admissions page of your target schools to learn when and how they will notify you of their admissions decision. If accepted, carefully review the financial aid package offered by each school. (For more information about financial aid, explore our Paying for College section.)
- If completing an AA or AS degree at your institution, apply for graduation.
Phase 5 - Transfer!
Approximate number of credits earned: 90+ quarter credits; 60+ semester credits*
Steps to take:
- Entering a new school as a transfer student can be daunting. Challenge yourself to join extracurricular activities and attend campus events to help you adjust to your new environment.
- Meet with your new advisor to stay on track with your academic goals.
*Note: If you plan to transfer prior to completion of an associate’s degree, talk to your advisor about the pros and cons of transferring early. Some community colleges have transfer agreements with in-state universities that only apply to students who have earned a degree. On the other hand, if your current institution doesn’t offer the prerequisites you need for your major, it may be worthwhile to transfer early. Do your research in order to maximize the number of credits you can transfer and to avoid added costs.
Want to join the conversation?
Are there any other links or outside references to applying for a Nursing Program specifically? Perhaps for Rhode Island College?(2 votes)
I know many people won't ever go through the circumstances as I have, but I am planning on transferring colleges (2nd half Junior year) this Fall.
Long story short, I am basically a year behind in course work because of my studying habits and taking classes that didn't carry over when I switched majors. As of right now, I am content with the program that I would like to be a part of.
Is there any advice that a late-transfer'er could provide to assist/ease my pain as I try to retain as much information and self-teach until classes resume?(1 vote)- Can I transfer from another country to a 4year college in the U.S?(1 vote)
Many colleges in the USA would be HAPPY to admit an international student, because the parents of internationals usually pay the full tuition for the education they get. The college will evaluate the report of the work that the student has done in a college or university in her home country, and possibly offer admission with advanced standing. But this all depends on the college that accepts the incoming international student. There is no "National" standard in the USA.(1 vote)
- Are there resources on Khan Academy for people who plan to attend schooling for the first time past graduating high school? Are there options for people who have been out of high school for several years and wish to apply to college for the first time?(1 vote)