I know 2 is what’s expected to be the normal amount for people to transfer to a 4-year, but I’ve been hearing more and more stories of people taking 3, 4, even 5 years to transfer, and that sounds horrifying, especially if you’re dependent on financial aid.
My question is, is the reality of this overestimated? I’m in California and my local CCs are notorious for being crowded, and I’d really like to transfer as fast as possible. I plan to hold a job too.
Could I then attend multiple CCs or do online classes?
You apply for transfer when you have completed the required coursework needed for admission to the program you want. If you are working and can’t carry a full course load, or if you change your goals, or if your CC reorganizes the courses offered, well then it can take a bit longer to finish the courses you need.
Meet with the counselors at the CC you want to attend. Get their advice on finishing on time. You might have to take some classes in online format. You might have to take some classes at the crack of dawn, or late in the evening, or on weekends. You might have to take classes at multiple different CCs. You might have to cut back on your work hours. But if you stay focused, chances are that you can indeed come up with a way to finish in what you feel is a reasonable amount of time.
Usually target schools show both a minimum & maximum number of hours for transfer applications. Additionally, transfer students are usually required to spend at least 2 academic years at the new school.