When transfer trips don't go as planned (cue the thunder sound effects now)

As the transfer coordinator, one of the greatest parts of my job is getting to actually take students to the school where they are wanting to transfer.  Many times, our students don't have the economic means (hello rising gas prices) to be able to take off a day and go to another college campus.  This is where the TRiO program, and more specifically, me in the 15 passenger van (Whoop whoop!) come in. 

On Thursday, April 21st, I got to take a group of nine students, all female, nonetheless, to visit the University of Central Arkansas.  Since Legally Blonde: the Musical, just happened to be playing on campus that evening, we planned for a late afternoon tour, dinner on campus and the show.  My cute students showed up in pink (per my request for the show), girly shoes, with their hair and makeup done.  Then...the weather simply did not cooperate. 

Curvy roads plus empty tummies caused us to be 20 minutes late for our tour, and upon arrival at the Office of Admissions, the rain was in a torrential downpour.  Gladly, our transfer admissions officer had an office set of umbrellas, and all was not lost, except for all of those cute, spring shoes my ladies were wearing.  On our walking tour, (Yes, I'm attaching pictures) my students did get a feel of what attending UCA would be like, even what it would be like on a dreary, rainy Thursday, when no one wants to be in class.  My students were thrilled to see the on-campus Starbucks, just outside the library. 

After eating on campus in the cafeteria, we trudged back to the van...still in the rain...past the animals gathering two by two....to go to the show.  The show was, of course, fabulous, and a great way to end our transfer trip.  Another bonus about TRiO is the exposure our students get to cultural events, events they would otherwise not be able to afford. 

My happy, sleepy group climbed back into the van for the foggy ride home with very positive thoughts of transferring to UCA.  The moral of the story is always always always pack your rain-boots and plan for a long (but happy!) trip.

The Campus Visit For Transfer Students : Transfer Articles : : Careers And Colleges .com

The Campus Visit For Transfer Students : Transfer Articles : : Careers And Colleges .com Yes you should visit! And you shouldn't visit on a Saturday, unless it's for an athletic event, fair, or some other student activity (Woo Pig Sooie!), because you don't get an accurate idea about the "normal" day on campus. You need to visit a class, speak with an advisor and eat on campus, and you can't usually do that on a weekend.

Transferring Colleges: Why to Consider It and How to Do It

Transferring Colleges: Why to Consider It and How to Do It

A To-Do List for Transfer Students

First Semester

1. Meet with your advisor...repeatedly.  Make sure you are taking courses according to a transferrable degree plan. You should be on some type of Gen Ed degree plan (the General Education core for the state, if you're staying in Arkansas for your transfer school).
2. Look at different four year schools, if you're not sure where you want to go.  If you are sure, you should already begin meeting with your four-year's transfer representative.
3. Begin looking at your transfer scholarship options.

Second Semester

1. Review your degree plan with your advisor.  If your school has a specific transfer advisor (ahem....that would be me if you're a TRiO student, or a student at UACCBatesville) then talk with them about your transfer plans.  They might have information or contacts at the schools you don't know (and chocolate in their offices!).
2. Visit four-year college campuses.  This semester TRiO has taken students to to several college campuses, and the campus visit makes or breaks many students' decisions.
3. Discuss transfer admissions requirements with your advisor, as well as the transfer representative for your desired school.  Look at the adhe.edu website (there's a link on this blog) at the ACTS system for inter-state transfer policies.

Third Semester

1. Discuss your proposed course schedule with your transfer representative and your advisor.
2. Complete applications to four-year colleges for practice and write a personal statement.  Typically transfer scholarships require some type of personal essay.
3. Complete and mail your applications to the four-year colleges by the deadline.  Be aware of any transfer scholarship deadlines.

Fourth Semester

1. Continue to meet with a four-year college representative.  Be aware of any graduation deadlines, if you are planning to graduate from your community college with an Associate's degree (required for some transfer scholarships).
2. Order official transcripts to be sent to your four-year college.
3. Relax when you get your acceptance letter!  (But still go to class....finish your course-work....and continue to visit with your advisor and bring her Sonic drinks :)  ).

How do you know if a college campus is right for you??

When my students are faced with the prospect of choosing a four year campus, they can be easily overwhelmed; especially if there are several schools with their intended plan of study.  Students need to invest a great deal of time into selecting a transfer school.  There are several "biggies" to consider when making this important decision!

The number one deciding factor for many students is the COST of attendance.  Tuition rates vary from in-state to out of state tuition and from private to public institutions. As a transfer student, students will want to take advantage of any transfer scholarships the institution might offer. 

Next is the physical CAMPUS.  Visit visit visit the campus!  Go with a transfer group from your school (like the TRiO transfer van), grab a friend and go for a visit, or just go by yourself.  Contact the school's transfer representative so that they can schedule a tour and meetings with advisors for your personal needs. Students need to be certain the campus is a good fit for them. 

Does the school you're interested in attending have your INTENDED MAJOR?? If you don't know what you want to do, look at lists of majors and see what interests you. 

Finally, check out the STUDENT LIFE on campus.  If you are a traditional student, and are interested in clubs, activities, intramurals and Greek Life, check out what that campus has to offer.  If you are a non-traditional student, see if this campus will fit into your family's life, or with your work schedule.