Transferring from ACC – follow five easy steps

Steps for a smooth transfer

The transfer process has many details to consider. It is a time for you to keep an open mind to the possibilities that may present themselves as you explore your options. It is never too early to start planning your transfer process. If you stay on top of your planning you will enjoy your search for the right transfer university and you will benefit from a smooth transition.

Step 1: Start early to plan ahead

Whether you decided to spend two years at ACC earning an associates degree or completing basic core courses begin developing your personal transfer plan the first semester you enroll at ACC. The more you know about the university you want to transfer to the smoother your transition.

• Review a complete list of U.S. Universities . If you have selected a major obtain a degree plan that you would like to follow from that university.
• Meet with ACC advisors and counselors to help you define your long and short-term goals, evaluate your academic skills, and assist you with your course selection.
• Visit the Career and Transfer Center to access college catalogs, transfer guides/2+2 plans, transfer admission information, and university applications.
  • Complete career interest assessments to help you clarify your major and learn about various career options.
  • Attend student success workshops to learn strategies on how to be successful college student.
• Contact the advisors from your selected transfer institution to acquire additional insights from their university.

Step 2: Select the university that is right for you

When selecting the university you intend to transfer consider the following criteria.

• Location: Do you intend to stay in the Austin area? Are you open to relocating? Do you prefer a rural, city, or suburban setting?
• Size: Based on enrollment, what size of college would you prefer attending?
  • Small (less than 5,000)
  • Medium (5,000 – 10,000)
  • Large (10,000+)
• Public or Private: Do you want to attend a public or private university?
  • Some private schools have ties to religion organizations and others are “non-sectarian,” meaning they have no relationship to a particular religious group.
  • Public universities are supported by state tax dollars and are subject to state legislature rules and policies. Private universities are independent and self-supported.
• Cost: Is cost a factor you must consider?
  • Private universities have higher tuition rates than public universities.
  • Do not let cost keep you from considering the university of your choice. Find out what type of financial packages are available to transfer students.
• Majors: Does the university offer the major you have selected?
  • Some majors including Architecture, Marine Biology, Nursing, etc. are only offered at selected universities.

Step 3: Investigate your choices

To determine if a university is the “right fit” for you, research the following important questions.

• Admission Requirements: What is the minimum grade point average for transfer admission?
  • What is the lowest letter grade accepted for a transfer course, D or C?
  • Are there additional admission requirements for your intended degree, including a portfolio, completion of certain courses, or a higher GPA requirement?
• Minimum and Maximum Credits: What is the minimum and maximum number of hours that could be transferred to be eligible for “transfer admissions?”
  • Most universities require a minimum of 30 hours and maximum of 66 hours to apply as a transfer student.
  • Also find out if Advanced Placement credits earned while in high school or other types of test-based credits from CLEP exams count in the total number of credits you can transfer.
• Campus Visits: Does your university offer campus visits or open house for transfer students?
  • University recruiters visit ACC campuses throughout each semester. These visits are noted on the transfer services website and calendar on the ACC homepage.
  • Visit with the recruiters and possibly schedule a campus visit.
  • One of the best ways to get an idea of a university’s “personality” is by visiting the campus. In your visit include meeting with an: admissions counselor; departmental academic advisor; financial aid/scholarship officer. If possible sit-in in a class and have a meal in the student union. Schedule an overnight stay in a residence hall, if applicable.

Step 4: Get Organized

In the transfer process, there are many deadlines to consider. The more organized you are the less challenges you will have later. Pay close attention to deadlines in the following areas:

• Admissions Application: This deadline varies based on the university and or the type of major you select. You can find these deadlines on university information sheets.
• Financial Aid: This deadline depends on which semester you will transfer. Contact the financial aid office at the transfer university to determine which deadline and which FAFSA application applies to you.
  • Deadlines depend on which semester you transfer: Fall: April. Spring: October.
  • You must reapply for financial aid yearly.
  • Usually the time to apply for financial aid is in January. However, you may apply at any point of the year for financial aid.
  • The FAFSA is available online at Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Some universities may require additional forms from you but all require the FAFSA.
• Scholarships: Some universities have separate deadlines for scholarships than loans, grants, and work-study.
• Keep Records: When you are filling out college, financial aid or scholarships applications, you are completing legal documents.
  • Keep copies of everything you submit. Also when you talk with someone from a college, note the individual you spoke with, the date, time and the subject matter.
  • Have appropriate records when contacting a university

Step 5: Determine your personal readiness to transfer and develop a strategy

If you have done your homework on the university you are considering and you have kept good records you are well on your way to a successful transfer. Continue to meet with an ACC advisor, counselor or faculty member to guide you in the transfer process.

• Decide on following an associates degree versus taking only core courses:
  • If you plan to transfer to a Texas public university consider following the ACC General Core Curriculum,. Transfer guides & 2+2 plans offer the first two years of coursework which may be taken at ACC and transferred towards a specific degree.
  • If you elect to complete an associates follow one of ACC degree plans
• Alternative Plan: If you have done your homework you should be aware of your chances of being admitted to the university you plan to transfer. Develop an alternative plan in the event that you are not admitted or your personal plans change.