Any student planning to transfer from a two year to a four year college needs to know about articulation agreements. These agreements are a contract between two colleges that specify how credits will be transferred. In some states, there are statewide agreements making it easy for students to complete two years at a community college and enter a state university as a college junior. In other states, there are only very limited agreements between just a few schools.
In states such as Florida, California, and Kentucky, there are statewide agreements. These agreements make it so that a student who completes an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree at a community college has fully met their general education requirements. As a result, their credits transfer easily, and they can enter the four-year school as a junior. Junior status should allow a student to enter a four-year school with the ability to finish their bachelor’s degree in two more years.
Tips for Students Beginning at Community College
1. Articulation Agreements: Check the articulation agreements in your state: Articulation Agreement. You can likely find this information online or from your community college advising office.
2. Advising is Vital: The student should meet regularly with community college advisers. Take advantage of opportunities to meet transfer and admissions advisors from four-year universities. Use online transcript and course audit software to keep track of your progress on your own. Don’t rely solely on advisers to do this important job for you.
3. Maintain a High GPA: Your grades will be the single most important factor in admissions and scholarships. Fixing a low GPA can be a really slow process, so if you are struggling, get help before you get stuck with low grades on your transcript. One of the best ways to protect your GPA is to understand the school’s requirements and deadlines for dropping or withdrawing from courses. One failed class can dramatically lower your overall GPA.
4. Set the Goal of a Two-Year Degree: Too often, students just take a mish-mash of classes and figure the credits will transfer. Don’t waste your time on this approach. Setting the goal to complete your degree and focus on completing requirements.
5. Seek out Honors Opportunities: Join campus honors societies if invited. Phi Theta Kappa is the most respected national organization for two-year college students. Phi Theta Kappa students are eligible for transfer scholarships at many schools.
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