Step 2
Gather information on potential schools and narrow choices to a “short list.”
(It is recommended that you complete this step no later than the end of your second semester.)
Ask yourself: “What am I looking for in a college?”
| Location: | Close to home? Far away? In-state? Out-of-state? Urban? Rural? Suburban? Are there state residency requirements which affect tuition or eligibility for state aid? |
| Size: | How many students? What is the average class size? |
| Population: | Male? Female? Co-ed? Diverse? Denominational? |
| Atmosphere: | Is this an environment where I can see myself? Will I feel a sense of belonging? Is it a commuter school? How’s the dorm life? |
| Majors: | What degrees are offered? Is the program accredited? Is it competitive? |
| Requirements: | What courses does the school require of transfers for acceptance into my major? What are GPA requirements for acceptance to the college, and to my major? |
| Cost: | How much is tuition? Room and board? Books? |
| Financial Aid: | How many students receive financial aid? What are the requirements? What are the application deadlines? Is work- study available? |
| Scholarships: | What transfer scholarships are available? What criteria are used for selection? |
| Services: | Is there tutoring? Counseling? Testing? Career Development and Placement? Support for students with disabilities? |
| Activities: | What clubs, Greek organizations, events, athletics, etc., are available? |
Use these resources in the Transfer Library in the Center for Advisement and Personal Development to identify a few schools to which you may want to transfer:
Peterson’s
college selection computer software
Peterson’s and other college guidebooks
Rugg’s Recommendations on the Colleges
College catalogs and videotapes of four and two-year colleges/universities
Transfer articulation agreement information
On-campus visits by representatives of four-year colleges/universities
Internet information on schools and scholarships
Participate in transfer fairs to make contact with transfer admissions counselors from the colleges/universities in which you are interested. Ask about admission, advisement, transfer credit, and financial aid.
Visit potential colleges, if possible. Take advantage of open houses for prospective students.
List the four-year schools you are considering:
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Resource:
Muriel M. Shishkoff. Transferring Made Easy. 1991 Peterson’s Guides: Princeton, NJ.