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How can I start my bachelor’s degree at a community college?

Follow this to-do list to transition from a community college to a four-year school

By G. Christopher Belle-Isle, 8/17/09

If you plan to start back to learn at a two-year school, a bachelor’s degree could still be in your future. Follow these to-dos to transfer to a four-year school. Also ask if your community college participates in any unique programs that will allow you to transfer even more credit for a bachelor’s degree.

First semester

• Start ASAP! Your transfer process should start when you begin your first semester at your two-year school.
• Set your major.
• Attend transfer fairs. Take advantage of the chance to obtain information from many four-year colleges and universities. Also meet with any four-year college reps who visit your campus.
• Make an appointment with a career/transfer counselor. Set up an appointment or just walk in for a meeting during your first semester at the community college.

Second semester

• Get on mailing lists. At college fairs and other college visits to campus, sign up for college and university catalogs. Pay particular attention to the catalog sections about transferring your credits and the majors offered.
• Start looking for scholarships.

Third semester

• Discuss your transfer plans with the faculty members at your two-year college.
• Several colleges consider transfer applications on a rolling-admissions basis throughout the year, so apply as early as possible.
• Create an application portfolio that includes an essay or writing sample.
• Perfect your résumé.
• Ask your transfer office or career center for help in completing application forms.
• Request that your college transcript be sent to the four-year schools in which you’re interested.
• Identify the college characteristics you care about most, such as location, financial aid available, school size and programs for adult learners.
• Apply!

Fourth semester

• Apply for need-based financial aid. Fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA, fafsa.ed.gov) as soon after Jan. 1 as possible.
• Visit the colleges to which you’ve been accepted.
• Make sure your deposits are in by the deadline dates.
• Re-read your acceptance letter. Make sure you understand what you’re getting into.
• Review your credit evaluation. If you have not received an evaluation, contact the admissions office and request one. The evaluation should state what courses transfer, how they fit into your program and how many credits you have remaining before you earn a bachelor’s degree.
• Read all your mail! Take advantage of the special orientation and advising programs offered.
• Review your financial aid. Understand what each item in your package means and whether or not the package will be renewed each year.

—With contribution from G. Christopher Belle-Isle, director of transfer and placement at Monroe Community College.

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