Transfer Students
Insight
Community College Transfer Guide (2nd Edition) by ISBN: 9780944708972Publication Date: 2014-11-14“In this book Dr. Silver hopes to make the complex and often-confusing path from community college to a four-year college or university a lot smoother, more understandable and less costly.” (131).
This book is a specific guide to transferring from a community college to a four-year university. It’s important to understand before you transfer the types of credit out there, such as: general education, lower-division major requirement, elective, application v. graduation, and non (e.g. vocational, remedial, old, or unaccredited). The most useful credit is G.E. and L.D. because they apply towards your bachelor’s degree. Also, make sure you meet with an academic advisor from both SLCC and the U to see if you're on track to transfer and to check if the credits you’ve taken will transfer with you—without planning, graduation will take longer.
Before transferring, consider your options. You’ll want to pick a major ASAP as well as research admission requirements. You should also keep in contact with professors for letters of recommendation (if necessary) and hold onto syllabi from your classes in case some credits don’t transfer—you might be able to dispute it. If possible, join an honor society and observe all housing and financial aid paperwork (so you’re not blindsided later). If you’re undecided about your major, take GE classes. Also, meet with a career advisor; beyond helping to find you a job, they can assist you with exploring majors that align with your interests.
Chapter eight is all about paying for college: grants + scholarships v. loans; the “sticker price” v. the “net price”; the length of your college career; and negotiating the amount of financial aid you receive (be equally aware of FAFSA’s “priority deadline”).
The following chapters are an in-depth exploration of 4-year colleges, looking at: guaranteed admission, graduation requirements, how to evaluate colleges, etc. Make sure... your credits are transferable AND articulated, they fulfill (if possible) GE and LD major requirements, and you double-check any online info. Sometimes too many credits can be a problem because they can’t all transfer; 4-year universities have a cap on transferable credits, or you can use up your financial aid. Additionally, this book considers the benefits (and detriment) of going to school full-time or part-time.
Lastly, make sure you visit the campus before making any final decisions about transferring. If you’re admitted, consider your transfer credit report and be wary of “transfer shock”. And don’t give up—ask for help. If you need to... talk with your instructor and advisor to drop classes before you get a withdrawal (W), refund your tuition, or look up how to drop out of courses.
[Bottom Line: Probably the most useful book of the three; this guide contains focused information about transferring from a community college to a 4-year university—with neat charts too].
The Naked Roommate by ISBN: 9781492645962Publication Date: 2017-04-04“[This book is] about helping you to get comfortable for what can be an uncomfortable (at times) journey ahead.” (2).
This book is entirely composed of tips, so I’ll go ahead and put a star next to the ones I think you’ll find most useful.
Tip #1: Don’t rely on expectations; be patient; * have three places on campus you rely on; * have five people on campus you rely on; ask questions; * “Be true to yourself. Be your personal best.” (512); talk to your parents; know you’ll get homesick; don’t “live online”.
Tip #2: Learn about resident halls; leave your door open if you want to be sociable; RAs can be useful; apply for housing early.
Tip #3: All about roommates: have rules; don’t judge too quickly; you may see them naked; they’re not your BFFs; respect your roommate (a LGBTQ+ roommate not excluded); how to handle roommates who are inconsiderate, law-breaking, addicted, or need help.
Tip #4: New identity and new friends; college friends won’t always work out; don’t compare them to your high school friends.
Tip #5: * Get involved: join a club; play a sport; become a member of an academic fraternity; travel via volunteer service.
Tip #6: Join a sorority/fraternity: how to get in; what they offer; what can go wrong.
Tip #7: What’s class like: * don’t skip classes; meet with professors/advisors; how to get an A (or F); study; don’t cheat; read & take comprehensive notes; group projects are an added challenge; decide on a major; * learn time management; take interesting electives.
Tip #8: Dating: do’s and don'ts.
Tip #9: Sex in college: a friendly reminder about STDs/STIs; the risk of unplanned pregnancy.
Tip #10: Drinking in college (it’s less common than you think).
Tip #11: Drugs on campus (prescription abuse too).
Tip #12: How to save money and avoid financial mistakes: ways to pay or reduce the cost of school; the importance of meeting with a financial advisor; have at least a part-time job; credit or debit cards; bad credit; * pay for books online, it’s cheaper; food hacks; laundry hacks.
Tip #13: What you don’t hear: weight gain and loss; body image issues; bullying; * mental health concerns; sexual assault on campus; * resources for transfer students; be safe; information about commuting; * it’s a good idea to transfer from a community college with an associate's degree; campuses are diverse.
Tip #14: * Learn from your mistakes.
[Bottom Line: The tips I’ve highlighted were important to me, but you may find others are more useful to you. I wouldn’t advise reading this book cover to cover; skim it for kernels of information, or skip straight to the good bits via the table of contents].
The Ultimate Guide to College Transfer by ISBN: 9781475826869Publication Date: 2017-05-19This book is interested in *why* students transfer; however, it also contains resources students transferring from Salt Lake Community College (or another institution) to the University of Utah may find useful. Some important things to consider are: which of your credits will transfer, the state of your personal finances, making sure you're on the same page as your parents, and (if necessary) taking a “gap year” before transferring. It’s equally crucial that you visit the campus, either in-person or virtually, before deciding to attend there. This provides an opportunity to consider housing, see what the commute is like, ask questions regarding majors, alumni, faculty, career opportunities, physical and virtual resources (check online for more transfer student resources -- like the one you’re reading now!), etc. Know that “...a successful adjustment requires students to show initiative, seek out extracurricular activities, and establish some level of connection with college faculty or staff at their new school.” (121). And if your parent or guardian is hovering over your shoulder trying to read this, don’t worry, every chapter of this book contains a segment called “parent perspective”, as well as individual chapters specifically addressed to them and their concerns.
[Bottom Line: This book has some useful tips, but don’t be afraid to skip around to find them].
Because of their wisdom and experience, peer mentors can serve as a guide for transfer students; mentees learn the institution’s values and practices, which increases their productivity and commitment to the university (Allen, McManus, and Russell, 456; Marra et al., 5-6). Mentors also engender familiarity with facilities and (campus) resources (Flaga, 133; Laier and Steadman, 5; Yomtov, Plunkett, Efrat, and Marin, 27). They can provide connections and increase feelings of campus connectedness and belonging (Marra et al., 5-6; Flaga 133; Sachedina, 61; Chester, Burton, Xenos, and Elgar, 30-31; Yomtov et al., 27). Mentors help transfer students rebuild the sense of community that is lost to them when they transfer from a community college to a four-year university (Kampe, Edmister, Boone, and Watford; Marra et al., 5-6; Laier and Steadman, 5). Good peer mentoring relationships foster retention (Kampe et al.; Marra et al., 5-6). Research suggests that peer mentoring contributes to the five senses of student success: capability, connectedness, purpose, resourcefulness, and culture (Kampe et al.; Sachedina, 61; Chester et al., 30-31). Mentors promote self-efficacy, address the advising gap, boost grades, and improve transfer students’ abilities to adjust (Marra et al., 5-6; Laier and Steadman, 5; Aspinall, 41, 42, and 144). They also aid in career advancement and can enhance the self-esteem of the mentee (Marra et al., 5-6). Additionally, peer mentors provide transitional and emotional support (Sachedina, 61; Kypuros, Fuentes, Vásquez, Crown, and Pierce, 5-6; Yomtov et al., 27). Finally, mentors promote integration (Yomtov et al., 27).
Works Cited
Allen, Tammy D., Stacy E. McManus, and Joyce E.A. Russell. "Newcomer Socialization
and Stress: Formal Peer Relationships as a Source of Support." Journal of Vocational Behavior 54.3 (1999): 453-70. Print.
Aspinall, Jason T. "The Use of Peer Mentoring as an Intervention to Increase
Self-Efficacy among Community College Transfer Students at a Four-Year Liberal Arts University." Robert Morris University, 2016. Print.
Chester, Andrea, et al. "Peer Mentoring: Supporting Successful Transition for First Year
Undergraduate Psychology Students." Australian Journal of Psychology 65 (2013): 30-37. Print.
Flaga, C.T. "The Process of Transition for Community College Transfer Students."
Michigan State University, 2002. Print.
Kampe, J., et al. "Transfer Students: Tailoring a Freshman Program to Their Needs."
ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Conference Proceedings 2008. 2008. Print.
Kypuros, Javier A., et al. "Technology-Enabled, after-Hours, Asynchronous,
Peer-Led Supplementary Instruction and Mentoring in Engineering Gatekeeper Courses." Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE), 2016 IEEE. IEEE, 2016. Print.
Laier, J., and S.J. Steadman. "Improving Transfer Student Success." ASEE Annual
Conference & Exposition, Conference Proceedings 2014. 2014. Print.
Marra, R., et al. "Peer Mentoring: Impact on Mentees and Comparison with
Non-Participants." ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Conference Proceedings 2010. 2010. Print.
Sachedina, S.A. "Transfer Students Experiences within Learning Communities at a
Four-Year Institution." New York University, 2012. Print.
Yomtov, Dani, et al. "Can Peer Mentors Improve First-Year Experiences of University
Students?" Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice 19.1 (2017): 25-44. Print.
Five Things To Know
- Use the library
- Take a library research class ASAP or check out the Marriott Library's libguides.
- Hire a tutor or use the university’s resources to get the help you need—in math, writing, language, etc.
- You’re (probably) not going to have enough time to complete readings, so learn how to skim smartly for information and prioritize tasks.
- Read the syllabus!
- Learn to navigate the campus
- With time, you’ll be aware of the building(s) where your major is taught, but if you need to take an extra day, or an additional 15-20 minutes before your first class to figure out where to go, do it.
- Learn time management
- Space out enough time to write a paper; however long you think you'll need, double it.
- Invest in a planner/scheduler.
- Go to class, whether or not instructors take attendance.
- Be yourself and do your best work.
- Meet with your academic advisor
- Check up with them regularly so you know if you’re on-track to graduate. They can also provide you with resources related to internships, major events, career opportunities, etc.
- They'll clear up misunderstandings about major requirements (what classes you need to take, as well as offer solutions to scheduling conflicts).
- Meet with career services.
- Get a part-time job to help pay for tuition/loans. Preferably work on-campus or near-campus.
- You're probably going to change your major (a few times)
- Don’t be afraid to class hop in the first week to see which courses appeal to you and your schedule.
- Switch your program if you don’t like what you’re doing.
- Know that your plans are going to change.
- Get to know your professors
- Meet with them during office hours.
- Ask them questions if you're confused about classwork, assignments, readings, etc.
- Professors can provide information about careers in your field of study, references for grad school, and supervise special projects/honors theses.
- If you ask (nicely), they may even allow you into a course with a waitlist. However, make sure you attend that first class even if you aren’t formally signed up—this shows initiative.
- Make friends with classmates
- Because (unfortunately) you're likely to lose touch with old friends from high school or the college you transferred from.
- And if you don’t live on campus, you’re probably going to have to put in more effort to meet people. Don’t be afraid to chat with classmates; they’re a great resource and potential friends.
- Keep in mind moderation, in all things, be it work, academic, or social life.
- Know that college is going to challenge your beliefs or put you in contact with people whose beliefs are different from your own.
- Attend orientation
- You'll learn about available resources; create connections with faculty, admin, and peers; create a support system; and meet other transfer students adjusting to university life.
- Get involved at the U—make it your “home”: meet friends + join clubs
- However, don’t run yourself ragged with extracurricular activities; join a few clubs or activities but don’t overdo it. You're looking to build sustainable relationships, not just boost your resume.
- Consider foreign exchanges, travel abroad, and volunteering; however, be aware of the costs attached to some of these programs.
- Learn to budget your money and always be on the lookout for scholarships.
- It's an unfortunate truth, but compared to freshmen, you're going to have less time to experience things and become familiar with the U's environment
- You need to become an active student and make sure to utilize the resources offered to you.
- You’ll also have to grow up faster than freshmen—they have time to make mistakes, you don’t. Learn quickly and how to stay on your feet.
- University isn't like high school or community college
- Homework will be harder and require more from you.
- Classroom sizes are different at the U (they may start out feeling "too big" or "too small").
- You may bring with you certain expectations about how college “works”; however, colleges aren't one-size-fits-all.
- Be wary of “transfer shock". This is a phenomenon shared by many transfer students, where they get overwhelmed and do poorly during their first semester, which leads to a reduction in their GPA
- If you feel like you're going to fail a class, go speak to the instructor & your academic advisor ASAP.
- If you do fail a class, don't let it set the tone for the rest of the semester. Reassess where you went wrong and look to the future, not the past.
- Don't be ashamed of feelings of loneliness or uneasiness or even failure. If you fail, it doesn't mean you don’t belong here or deserve to be a student at the U.
- Take care of your mental (and physical) health
- Consider taking a break/semester off from school if you feel it's needed.
- You’re going to make mistakes.
- You're going get bored and forget why you’re here. So, try new things and learn to live outside the “box”.
K.S.
