Planning your transfer to a four-year college or university

Four semesters before transferring

• Investigate possible transfer institutions offering programs in which you are interested, looking into their cost, location, size, services, and other desired features.
• Use advising, faculty, counseling and career center personnel and resources to assist in choosing a major.
• Learn more about general education requirements and lower-division components of the curriculum.
• Begin looking for scholarships, discounts or other ways to meet costs.

Three semesters before transferring

• Visit advising, faculty, counseling and career center personnel and resources for assistance.
• Decide which transfer institution best meets your needs.
• Declare your intent to transfer to your academic advisor.
• Use four-year institution's transfer guides to assist you with course selection.
• Become familiar with college academic calendars and deadlines.

Two semesters before transferring

• Continue selecting courses that transfer appropriately within your program of study.
• Submit your applications for admission and financial aid (along with all official transcripts).
• Once admitted, complete any scholarship and housing applications that are appropriate.
• Talk with advisors and academic professionals at your community college and transfer institution and keep abreast of changes in program requirements.

One semester before transferring

• Complete transferable coursework in your program and apply for graduation and for your associate's degree.
• Send official transcripts (again) at the end of your last semester before transferring, and verify that you do not possess any financial/administrative holds.
• Attend new student orientation sessions (if possible) or use online orientation tools. Be sure to request maps, directories, tour information and other essentials.