How do you transfer from a community college to a 4-year college?

Question

I'm thinking about going to community college rather than applying to be a freshman in a 4-year-college. It's not because my high school record is bad (it is pretty strong, in fact), but because of financial problems I might have if I go to a 4-year college for all four years.

If I studied at a community college for 2 years before transferring into a 4-year college, will it look bad? Could I transfer to anywhere, even a top-tier school, as long as my record stays great? Is it more difficult to get admitted as a transfer student? is the process the same as it is for prospective freshmen?

Answer 1

If you are looking at top-tier schools, you need to make a counseling appointment with the counselors from those colleges. Especially if it's a private school. Transferring from a JC to a State college is usually pretty straight forward and the counselors at the JC should be able to help you. But, in CA for instance, there are TWO versions of State college - UC and CS. They have different admission/transfer requirements.

These days it is very common to transfer from a JC, but you will need to do more research on the schools you are interested in going to. Do an onsite visit if you can - it is the best way to get a feel for the schools.

And, look into financial aid and grants - both at the JC's and Colleges. If your grades are good, you may qualify for more help than you know (did you take SAT?)

It's tiring, but doing lots of research will help you in the long run. A friend of mine spent 2 years at a JC - but then decided she wanted to go to a private college - they accepted the units, but NONE of the work in her major (basically, they accepted the General Ed stuff, but that was it!) So, she ended up wasting over a year of coursework because she needed to take it all again.

Best of luck - talk to lots of people and keep an open mind about it all - but when it's all said and done, the higher degree will be the only one employer's really care about.

Answer 2

I work for a private 4-year college, and we accept transfer students from community colleges all the time. There should be no stigma attached...particularly if you complete the associates degree.

It is a good idea to check with the 4-year colleges you might be transferring to just to make sure your classes will transfer. For example, most 4-year colleges will not accept an "academic development" courses (those under 100-level). I had to take some basic math and intermediate algebra (both were 0** classes) that didn't transfer to the 4-year college when I transferred.

The most important part of transferring credits is your grades. Usually, any grade under a "C" will NOT transfer, and you will have to repeat any under that grade, even if you have your associates degree. If your high school grades were good and so are your community college grades, you should have little problem transferring to a 4-year college.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

The transfer process requires an application as it does for all entering students. The difference will be just how many credits will the college accept from the community college. Most state schools in the state where the community college is will accept all credits. Private schools may not. Check and see by contacting those colleges you plan to apply to after your two years at a community college. Good luck.

Chow!!

Answer 4

It doesn't look bad to go to a JC before a 4 year college. A lot of people I and a lot of my friends did it for financial reasons. My tuition for 4 years of college, 2 at a JC and 2 at a public university will be $16,000. My little sister is taking out loans and doing all 4 years of her undergrad at a private college and it is going to cost her $160,000, 10 times as much.

To increase your chances of transferring to a top university you need more than just good grades. Get involved in a sport or a school organization and if your JC offers an honors option for some courses take it. Also, getting to know your proffesors will help with recomendations. Go to thier office hours 3 or 4 times, make sure they know who you are.

Answer 5

I went straight to a 4 year college but going to a community college is not bad. ANY form of education is great. Community colleges are excellent at preparing you for 4 year institutions. Just remember that grades are not always what matters when applying to colleges, become very community oriented, take leadership positions, etc. From personal experiences, I have a friend who went to a community college who then transferred to Stanford University. Your advisor will be able to further help you. Overall, don't think that a community college is not effective in preparing you for a great 4 year college, it's an education, Period!
Good luck on your decision!! =)

Answer 6

I know of someone who messed up in high school, went to a community college and did really well. then transferred to a university on a full scholarship, so it's possible. If you're going to start out in a community college, talk to your advisor to see what sort of things you will need to do in order to make your transfer to an university smooth. You should also check out to see what classes will transfer. You don't want to waste your time and money taking course that won't. Good luck!

Answer 7

if you know the 4-year school you plan to attend, then talk to the registrar about what classes will transfer and which ones won't.

many schools have limitations on the number of hours accepted from another institution (ex. 60 hours).

it shouldn't look bad. a jr. college is a good way to go and usually cheaper and closer to home/job, etc.

you don't want to take a lot of classes that don't transfer, so check every time you register for a class if you can get credit for it at the other school.

good luck.

Answer 8

Talk to the people in the admissions office of both the Community College and the college you want to transfer into.

Answer 9

it depends on the state as some states such as Florida guarantee admittance to the state schools upon successful completion of your associate degree from a community college and is a lot cheaper.
It also matters little what degree you had before, as the highest one is the one that holds weight.

however there is one major down side is there will be less time to get to know and make long term friends who will soon be business contacts in your future life plus you have to learn a new campus twice

Answer 10

check with the college you will be eventually transferring to. Talk with the guidance counslers from both colleges. Trust me you don't' want to wast your time taking a course that wont transfer.