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 :)  ).