Prospective transfer student looking for advice

Transfer Students
1

To start off, I have more than 128 credits, so I know that puts me in a sensitive situation of whether I can make them stick. I dropped out of school four years ago because I hated the school, culture, and low quality of the education I was getting (worse than my high school).

So, here’s the scoop: I initially attended UCF intent on majoring computer science (because UF scrapped theirs—never applied) or Aerospace Engineering. After I sat in on one of the classes, I decided it wasn’t for me. So, I decided to switch my major to Finance, but after a few classes, dropped out because I realized what a joke it was. They’d kill you on the intro level classes (Intro to Managerial/Financial Accounting, Macroeconomics etc…), but as soon as you’d get to a higher level class it was like a clown show at the zoo. Then you’d have to show up 90 minutes early or you’d probably fail the final. Lots of stress. To add to that, some people like me just find taking an exam on a computer (esp. a packed sardine can unnatural).

So, I think I’ve covered why I had a really negative experience. Also, someone tried to kill me while I was taking an elective.

Anyways, so UCF is out of the question. That being said, everyone in my family circle is basically telling me that I have to go back to UCF, because if I don’t I’ll lose all my credits. I have ADHD and High Functioning ASD; there is obviously no way I could ever be in a situation like that again esp. with the school approaching 80k students.

I did make the best of my time, becoming an expert in one thing and developing an obsession with another: Stem Cell Biology/Pharmaceutical Biology. Hopefully, I plan to attend a Ph.D program with emphasis in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology.

I have some questions:

  1. Are most colleges more likely to weigh my recent grades more heavily or my Associate’s Degree (I graduated with a 3.5) in light of everything (not likely to include everything that happened besides the medical issue I had)?
  2. How would transferring from a Community College to a University to a Community College to a University going to hurt my Ph.D applications?
  3. I’m planning on doing a double major in Business and Biology or Biotechnology, will most public schools (inside and outside of Florida let me keep all the classes applicable to those majors)?
  4. Do most universities have policies of not accepting CLEP credit after a certain number of credits the student has taken? I’m planning on testing out of Management of Organizations, Chemistry, Business Law etc....), basically anything that the particular program would need and instead do activities and take a class or two that I’d enjoy.
  5. What should I be aware of if I decide to transfer to a University, but also be dual-enrolled to take classes in a much smaller class nearby? Is there a limit on dual-enrollment (particularly, UF/USF)? Should I just take every science/math class I need for the degree if it’s offered at the smaller college and I’m more comfortable there? How much would this affect my application for Master’s/Ph.D programs if they saw a lot of dual-enrollment classes, if I’m shooting for a top 40 program? Would it matter much more for the Ph.D, in this case?

Thank you very much in advance and I apologize for the block of text.

2

More than 128 credits?
You need to setup an appointment with an admissions officer, at the closes Florida public university. It would be someone in the college (like the college of liberal arts for Biology majors), since you would be a transfer student. Even if this isn’t the college you want to attend, they likely follow the same procedures at all 12 public universities in the state. If possible, meet them in their office and not via phone. You have a LOT of questions, and as they get answered, you’ll have more.
When you meet with them, bring your transcripts. They can give you the details on transferring, what credits still count, which don’t, etc.

Some colleges are much more selective than others. If you haven’t already taken the core classes for Biology, then UF is likely not going to accept you as a transfer student, but your chances may be much better at UNF. Keep your options open.

First, take a look at UF’s transfer credit policy. The other public universities in the state will have similar policies.
https://catalog.ufl.edu/UGRD/academic-regulations/registration-policies/#transfercredittext

On to your questions.

1. Colleges will put more weight on the core classes required for your major. For Example, at UF for the Biology major (BS):

As you can see, UF first focuses on the core classes for your major, and then they look at your overall GPA. Other Florida public universities would follow the same model for transfer students.
Here is a link to UF CLAS (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences) transfer requirements by major.
https://www.advising.ufl.edu/admissions/transfer-admissions/
Keep in mind that UF is the most competitive public university in Florida, other universities will likely be less demanding, based on major

2 [quote] 2. How would transferring from a Community College to a University to a Community College to a University going to hurt my Ph.D applications?

[/quote]

Keep in mind we have “funded” Ph.D programs. It’s much more competitive to find a funded position, like a research assistant (RA) or a teaching assistant (TA), than a self-funded (you pay your own tuition, etc) position. Community College doesn’t really hurt your chances. it’s all based on GPA, GRE test scores, and in some cases undergraduate research. Don’t worry about the Ph.D or Master’s programs, focus first on completing your BS degree. (and perhaps getting involved with undergraduate research)

3 [quote] 3. I’m planning on doing a double major in Business and Biology or Biotechnology, will most public schools (inside and outside of Florida let me keep all the classes applicable to those majors)?

[/quote]

As a transfer student, you may not get approval to double major. You’ll need to work that at with your college/major (you only apply to one major as a transfer student). You can talk to the college/major adviser to see if it’s even an option in their program. If you took classes in Florida public university, other Florida public universities are much more likely to accept your transfer credits, versus an out of state school.

4 [quote] Do most universities have policies of not accepting CLEP credit after a certain number of credits the student has taken?

[/quote]

Not really, but they may have limits on the number of CLEP (and AP, IB, AICE, DE, etc) credits they will accept as transfer credits. Since you already have 128 credits, I would highly recommend you talk with one of these schools, before trying to earn any more credits. These schools will also cap the # of transfer credits. For students who earn an AA, it’s capped at 60. However, since you took classes at UCF, your situation could be very different. Talk with an adviser.
Keep in mind that Florida public universities do have to charge a state mandated “Excess Hour Surcharge” . You may run into this issue (and it’s another reason why you may want to limit the number of credits you DO transfer with).
https://student.ufl.edu/excesshours.html

5. [quote] What should I be aware of if I decide to transfer to a University, but also be dual-enrolled to take classes in a much smaller class nearby?

[/quote]

In general, you cant dual-enroll, in the same semester, when attending a University. There are a few exceptions, such as taking a summer class at a local CC, but you would need prior approval.
Good Luck!

3

“everyone in my family circle is basically telling me that I have to go back to UCF, because if I don’t I’ll lose all my credits.”

It is unlikely that you would lose all of your transferrable credits. However it also is unlikely that all of your credits would be applicable to a new degree program. Many places will only apply two years worth of credits. Some will apply up to three years of credits. You already have four years worth of credits (if they are semester credits).

You need to meet with someone who can evaluate your current transcripts and see what those various credits add up to. You might be able to finish off a degree in something with only a semester or two (especially if you are willing to return to UCF). Working out the best way to get the undergrad coursework and research experience to prep for applying to the PhD programs that interest you is a separate thing. You might find that you don’t need to have a specific major as an undergrad, but rather certain coursework and work experience.