Transfer Tips

By: Kevin Waltz

Managing Editor

&

Angela Scipione

News Editor

“I think one of the reasons why I don’t want to transfer after this year is because it is kind of daunting,” Rosa Luna, an individual studies student said.

Luna is planning on transferring to Maria College but is anxious about the process.

“It kind of feels like I have to start all over again,” she said. “It’s a lot to think about.”

“It’s never too soon to start the process,” Annie Garwood, a Center for Careers and Transfer counselor said. “It isn’t something that you just come and check a box or flip a switch and it happens.”

“Coming in, sitting down and talking with somebody and getting the gist of how it works is a good place to start even if [students] don’t know what questions they have,” Garwood said. “Even if they just want to say ‘I’m thinking about transfer, tell me what I should know,’ we can start there.”

Chris Wilson, an exercise science student, has not started the application process, yet.

“So far I’ve just been focusing on my academics and have not put too much time into the process of applying to transfer,” he said. “I’m just focusing on the work that my current courses require and taking it one day at a time.”

Garwood understands students want to finish their degree before worrying about transferring. However, she recommends students have some overlap and finish their applications in early Spring.

“People might be afraid to start, but the general rule of thumb is you apply a semester before you want to go,” Garwood said. “So, if people are graduating in May and they think they want to start at a new school in the fall, they are already getting to the point where it is too late to apply.”

Carly Galbraith, liberal arts major, completed her applications after visiting the Center for Careers and Transfer (CCT).

“The process is definitely stressful if you do not plan out your time accordingly,” Galbraith said. “I actually went to the CCT when I had a breakdown because I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do,” she said. “They provided me with plenty of resources to figure it out, and they also helped me by being a soundboard for my ideas and letting me voice them.”

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help!” Jonah Teal, a liberal arts student, said. “This is your transfer process, so try to make decisions that are best for you,” he said. “If you don’t already have a school in mind, shop around for the schools that have programs tailored to your preferred major.”

Garwood encourages students to explore their options before thinking about transferring.

“We can’t really tell students where to go or who has the best program because what’s best for somebody is different for somebody else, so they do have to do their own research in terms of where they would like to go to,” she said.

Some students know what they want to do and where they want to go, but are hesitant to start the application process.

According to Garwood, admissions people are very easy to talk to. It’s understandable to be nervous or shy when it comes to transferring, and admissions people understand where you may be coming from. It’s their job to be nice and help you out, so don’t be afraid to talk to them.

“We see students for transfer every day,” Garwood said. “Many of them do come more than once because it is a process,” she said. “Come talk to us; We want our students to be successful.”