10 Steps to An Easy Transfer

The Transfer process can be painless and smooth. If you follow these steps carefully and in a timely fashion….Transfer, whether to a 4 year college in the Capital District or anywhere in the country, can be smooth. Remember that talking to your faculty advisor and a Transfer Counselor in Elston 223 (Student Development Center) is an important part of this process. To facilitate your transfer, the resource room in the Student Development Center

• College catalogs

• Applications to all SUNY colleges and local private colleges

• College search computer programs

• College guide books

Stop by Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30pm to use any of these resources!

10 Steps to An Easy Transfer

1.                   Identify your Area of Study

This is vital in choosing a college. If you don’t know what you want to major in then it is time to make an appointment with a career counselor in the Student Development Center who can assist you with this decision.

2.                   Always Register with “Transfer” in Mind. Keep your grades up!

When you meet with your advisor each semester, remind hi/her that you plan on transferring in order that they can assist you in selecting courses that transfer easily. YOUR GRADES ARE IMPORTANT FROM THE START!

Schools look at your grades from all your semester so keep them up!

3.           Consider the Environment that you want at your Transfer College

               What is important to YOU in a College??

                Consider these questions:

·         Location…close to home or not??

·         What schools have the major you want to study??

·         What size school is good for your learning style?

·         Are you interested in a Public or Private school or either?

·         What is the cost and is there Financial Aid available?

·         What is the campus setting? Is it rural, city or suburb? Is that good for you?

4.                   Develop a list of colleges that suit YOU

The Transfer Counselors in the Student Development Center can help you with this list. The SDC in Elston 223 has resources such as The College Handbook for Transfer Students and The Index of Majors which can help you decide which colleges fit your desires. You can also use these books in the public library or SCCC’s library. College searches are also available on the Internet at http://www.collegeview.com, http://www.nycareerzone.org, www.collegeboard.com, www.mycollegeguide.org and www.cgf.org.

5.                   Research your colleges

With a list of 5-10 colleges begin detailed research by using the Internet at  http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ/state/. Check out the college catalog etc. online. Talk to your advisor, profs and transfer counselors about colleges. This is a time when you need to prioritize your desires.

·         Would you be willing to go to a large school if it was financially more appealing??

·         OR Is the size and personal attention most important to you?

·         What are you willing to Trade off? Narrow your list to 3-5 schools that you would be happy at.

6.                   Send for Catalogs and Applications

The SDC does have catalogs and applications for all SUNY schools and local colleges. Many schools have their catalogs and applications online…and often times they will waive the application fee online. If you graduate from SCCC you can waive the application fee at any SUNY school.

7.                   Visit the Campus

If at all possible, it is important to visit the campus to get a “feel” for campus life. Is it a good match for YOU?? Take a tour. This is a good time for you to find out information about the school as well as let them know who you are.

Look for cues that tell you about the school

·         Check out the bulletin board…what is happening on campus …does it interest you??

·         Visit a class in your major

·         Visit the cafeteria…can you live with the food??

·         Visit the dorms if you will live on campus. Are they coed by floor or room? What is the atmosphere like?

·         Read the college newspaper….

·         Talk to students (even beyond your tour guide) What do they like and dislike?

·         Go to the library…is it welcoming? Do they have the materials you will need?

·         If you will commute, how are the services for commuters? Do offices have hours that are convenient for YOU?

8.                   Set Up an Interview

                 This is a time for YOU to get to know the school as well as for the Admissions reps to get to know YOU. Think of questions beforehand and write them down!

·         Be on time. Dress neatly but casually

·         Be familiar with the college materials

·         Relax and be yourself

·         Bring a copy of your transcript and ask the interviewer if you could have an estimate on HOW LONG IT WOULD TAKE YOU TO COMPLETE YOUR DEGREE?

·         What grants or scholarships money is available for transfer students?

·         What is the average class size?

·         Are advisors available? Is tutoring available and free?

        9.            Applications, Financial Aid, Transcripts and References.

Apply on line or type your applications.

·         Apply to 3-5 schools including 1 safety, 1 stretch and 2 matches!

·         Have your guidance counselor or the Registrar’s office send your transcripts from your high school and any colleges you have attended

·         Send your FAFSA (and CSS profile if needed) to all the schools DO THIS EARLY…the early applicants get most of the financial aid.

·         Personalize your essay to help the admissions committee to get to know YOU. Have a prof, the writing center etc. look it over before you send it.

·         If references are needed, use professors who know you. Ask them early and provide them with a stamped, addressed envelope to make the task easy.

10.             Wait and Decide.

You made it. Relax and wait. Don’t forget to send in your deposit once you are accepted.   CONGRATULATIONS !!