Does it matter which community college I attempt to transfer from?

College Search & Selection
1

Hi! I started my academic career at 18 (I’m 20 now) at a well known California Community College. I have 24 credits and will be most likely in the upcoming Summer, Fall, and Spring semester at a CC to get close to 60 credits before transferring out to a university fall 2020. I’ll start applying after fall semester. I was at Santa Monica College which I believe is well regarded for out of state transfers. I’m looking only at universities on the East Coast. I also would like to attend a community college in the upcoming semesters on the East Coast for personal reasons. I would be transfering the 24 credits I’ve done to a new school. I do worry about how my application will look coming from other community colleges. I’ve always been told SMC is the best for transfers and is prestigious when it comes to community colleges. I’ve looked at Howard Community College in Maryland and Northern Virginia CC in Annandale which seems like they have a certain prestige for a 2 year school.

My question is, will applying from somewhere like Howard CC lessen my chances of getting into a top 50 school? My top choices are Vanderbilt, UVA, Virginia Tech, William and Mary, and a few others. I’m considering safety schools as well. Also does anyone know if having two colleges I’ve attended on my transcript will harm my chances? Maybe make me look inconsistent or not ready for a fast-paced campus experience? Thank you in advance.

2

If you want to transfer within the MD state system, Howard CC would be fine. If you want to transfer within the VA public system, NOVA would probably be a better choice. Each of those has formal articulation agreements with public Us in its own state. Either could be fine for applying to private universities. Attending more than one CC is not unusual, especially if you move across the country and have a limited budget.

But please do check the residency rules for local and in-state tuition and fees. In the past, Montgomery College awarded in-county status if a student had lived here for three months and could demonstrate that they had provided the majority of their own support for 12 months. I don’t know if that policy is still in effect, and I don’t know the policies at the other MD CCs or in VA. Unless you happen to be married, a military veteran, an orphan, or in one of the other situations that allow you to file the FAFSA on your own, you won’t be considered independent for financial aid, and most public colleges and universities will consider that your residence is where your parents live. It may make best sense to finish up your AA at Santa Monica, and then try to transfer to the east coast.