by Kenya Foster / reporter
Students should be aware of some key factors before transferring to a university for further education.
NW student development specialist Melody Pitts said the earlier a student starts planning for a transfer the better.
“Research the cost,” she said. “Know what you want to do and what your goal is careerwise so that you can find a university that fits your needs.”
Pitts advised that deadlines need to be met, especially when concerning scholarships. Since spots are limited, it is best to apply early.
Taking the right classes is also important, NE transfer center coordinator Vanessa Ximenez said.
“Some students self-advise and realize they are not taking the necessary courses,” she said. “We encourage students to be well informed by researching early what classes will transfer for their degree plan.”
South student Jody Lancaster researched the classes she needed while planning for her transfer to the University of Texas at Arlington.
“I made sure all of the classes I took at TCC applied to the bachelor’s program I chose,” she said. “Otherwise, it would be wasted time and money on classes I did not need.”
Ximenez also said planning as early as a semester and a half would be ideal to make sure a student can meet any upcoming deadlines.
First-time students are encouraged to start the thinking process early when wanting to transfer, South transfer and scholarship services coordinator Sandra Bermejo said.
“The earlier a student visits the transfer center, they can start planning their semester at TCC,” she said. “Typically, a first-time college student is taking basic courses, which is a cue to an advisor they want to further their education.”
Bermejo encourages a student with 12 college credit hours or less to start thinking about planning to visit a university of their choice. Students who want to apply for transfer in the spring or summer semesters should apply in the fall to beat any deadlines. The acceptance process to a university can take up to three to four weeks, so it is important to read the instruction letters thoroughly to prevent any further delay.
All students will benefit from transfer fairs that offer a chance to gain information on 40-60 universities in Texas and nationwide.
NE Campus holds a transfer academy for students in February, a three-session program that provides information on transferring. Campus tours to UTA and the University of North Texas also will be scheduled. NE students can register at tccdne.volunteerhub.com/events/index for the academy and to view any upcoming transfer events.
A trip to Texas A&M University is scheduled 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 3. TCC students with a minimum 2.5. GPA and at least 24 completed credit hours can attend. Students must register online at tx.ag/DayinAggieland. Transportation will be provided.
For further events, contact the transfer center on any TCC campus.
