Advice on transferring from community college and hearing your own experiences? Thank you

In high school I had I had a 78/2.3 weighted gpa. I was very unmotivated and had no desire to do any schoolwork. I just finished my first semester of community college with 15 credits/5 classes and all A’s/4.0. I am involved in 2 clubs, work part time, have a separate income of wholesaling items and investing in the stock market and am in the process of multiple edx courses. I didn’t take the act or sat in high school but am taking the act in February and am starting to study now. Next semester I am taking 16 credit including 2 honors classes. I was wondering what your anyones experience in transferring from community college either after 1 or 2 years and what their gpa, test scores and any other reason that contributed to their application were. What college did/do you go to? Where did you get accepted and denied? How competitive is your major? Any response would be appreciated thank you.

Your CC has a Transfer Advisor whose whole job is to help students get into the best place for their goals. Go meet with that person. Talk about your goals. Find out where students with academic histories like yours have ended up.

You have made a great start at your CC!

Good for you!

Your question is a little broad but I know many, many people who have done their first two years at community college and transferred successfully. In fact, I know many strong, high stats kids who are doing this to save money and get core courses out of the way. One such student is an engineering major and not only is he saving money at his CC, he is getting real teachers and smaller classes rather than T.A.s and large math classes at a university. As an Engineering student he has several direct transfer options after the first four semesters.

A 4 year university is usually harder then community College for most but not every student. You have developed good study habits now which is great. Many students freshman year see a complete grade drop the first semester /year.

When you transfer to go office hours, learning center, writing center, peer to peer tutoring etc etc for the first semester you are there. If you do well then it’s your choice to go but a big secret is many top notch students go to these since it helps them stay top notch students. Plain and simple. College is hard. Do the best you can to do your best.

Where you can transfer to depends a lot on how much your family can pay. Does your state have a pathway from cc to the 4 year publics? That’s a good place to start. Look at their websites to learn what their transfer requirements are and run their Net Price Calculator to see how much it might cost. Avoid borrowing more than the ~$5500/year federal student loan.

What state are you in? I don’t think our state schools would be impressed by loads of edx courses. You’re better off focusing on your classes or getting involved in ECs (not just solo projects) related to your major.

I agree just doing the edx courses since I am currently on winter break @austinmshauri. I am in New York and I have done a lot of research on transfer requirements but I simply don’t know what my realistic options are because of my bad high school grades and my uncertainty of the score I will receive on my act (I know not every college requires it). Thats why I was wondering if anyone had any knowledge on the subject, first or second hand. Thanks for the reply

I wouldn’t bother to take the ACT unless you’re planning on transferring with less than 2 years of credit at your CC.

The ACT and the SAT are tests that are taken by high school students. Once you begin the transfer process, the colleges don’t use your high school information. They want to see how successful you’ve been post high school.

New York has the SUNY system which is a very good deal for residents of that NY given that their schools are very underrated.

You may want to begin to use search engines to look up SUNY requirements for the major that you plan to declare. You should also look up some private universities in New York that you may afford and check out their transfer requirements. Good luck!!

@“aunt bea” this varies depending on college. These may be tests “taken by high school students” but certain universities still require SAT or ACT scores for transfer. I’m nearly 40, I certainly wish the test wasn’t required. So far the only school on my list who will waive the requirement for transfers is UNC CH and only under specific circumstances.

OP you’ve started out well and have received some good advice above. Figure out what you can afford, consult with a transfer advisor, narrow down your list of schools and continue to do your best. Good luck!

What’s your budget for college? Where you can go depends a lot on how much you can pay. You’re fortunate to be in NYS. We’re NYS residents too, and I think the SUNY system is an excellent value.

Our CC’s have a guaranteed transfer plan. If you complete the degree at your community college you’re guaranteed transfer to a 4-year SUNY. It may not be your first choice, but you’ll get in somewhere.

If you complete the 2 year degree you don’t need to submit test scores. If you look at the transfer requirements for SUNY Buffalo and SUNY Albany they say you only have to submit test scores if you have fewer than 24 college credits, so you don’t actually have to get your 2 year degree to transfer. But if you do get it then the 4 year SUNY will consider the general education requirements to be complete.

What year did you graduate from high school? Are you paying for college on your own or can your parents help? Are you eligible for the federal Pell Grant? @sybbie719 knows all about the SUNYs and NYS grants, and I bet she understands federal aid too.

What major(s) are you interested in? Are any 4 year SUNYs within commuting distance? NYS doesn’t take online courses unless they’re from an accredited college, so I wouldn’t waste your time on Edx courses. You’ll be fine without them.