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Find the Right University

Determining where you want to go to school isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make. To do that, ask yourself:

  • What is my career goal?
  • Which major will most help me succeed at that?

Not sure? Then try to complete “the basics,” called core curriculum classes, while you attend community college. You’ll save time that you can use later to help you decide your focus.

Comparison Shop

There are many factors to consider when choosing a four-year college. Do you want to attend a private or public college? Do you prefer a large or small campus? Do you want to travel or stay close to home? Ask yourself:

  • What are my goals and interests? Do I know what I want to major in?
  • Does the college I’m considering offer a good program in my major? Does it offer me career counseling if I don’t yet know what field to study?
  • What is the reputation of the college I’m considering? How will that affect my career goals?
  • How does the university I want to attend handle transfer students and does it offer them financial aid? Will I have to retake courses when I transfer?
  • Do I want to live on campus? Do I want to join a sorority or fraternity, participate in athletics or learn to be a leader?

To help narrow down your choices, you might want to use look below, or print a comparison chart to  fill out!

Transitions from Community College to University

Admissions

Community College

University
What are the requirements for admission?

Open door (with requirements for entrance into certain programs)

Requirements based on community college GPA and the number of transfer hours earned for university admission. Many majors within different universities have their own GPA and transfer hour admission requirements to be admitted to their programs.
When is the application due?

Before you start taking classes

All universities have deadline dates for submitting an application. Usually, the deadline is  at least 1 semester before you start (check with the university where you want to transfer for specific dates)
Do I need to pay to apply?

There are some community colleges that have an application fee that must be paid when applying.

The application fee varies by institution, so contact the university to find out the exact fee. Check on special opportunities for transfer students to have the application fee waived at the university where you want to transfer
Do I need multiple applications?

Just one application for admissions.

Some majors require an additional application. Check with the university where you want to transfer for specific dates.
Where do I apply?

applytexas.org

applytexas.org
Who will assist me with application process?

Admission representatives can assist you in completing the application process.

Most universities have admission representative who specialize in working with transfer students. Contact their admission offices and ask for a transfer counselor or transfer center/unit.

Financial Aid

Community College University
Is financial aid available? Yes Yes
When is the financial aid application due? Typically before you start taking classes Usually  at least 1 semester before you start (check with the  university where you want to transfer for the specific date)
Who do I talk to with financial aid questions? A representative of the financial aid office A representative of the financial aid office
Are grants & scholarships available? Yes Yes
When is my tuition due? Before classes start- and be sure not to miss the deadline or you may have to register again Check with the university about payment dates when registering for your classes.  Before classes start-check with the university so that you do not miss the deadline
Do you offer scholarships for transfer students? When should I apply for scholarships? Yes, some universities offer scholarships to transfer students based on overall GPA, PTK membership and other factors. You should contact the financial/scholarship office for the deadlines, any specialized application procedures, and possible award amounts.

Advising and Orientation

Community College University
Do I have a specific advisor I need to talk to? Advising Center in student services Contact transfer specialist is available, a general advisor, or an advisor in the department of your desired major
Must I attend a new student orientation? New Student Orientations are available. Check the community college for requirements Not all universities have orientations for transfer students to attend; please check with your University.
What are the expectations for textbooks? Check with your professor  or the college bookstore about textbook requirements Check with your professor or the university bookstore about textbook expectations
How can I learn more about the university before transferring? Some colleges offer you an opportunity to meet with an admissions representative at your college during each semester. This person can assist you with transition into the university. Some universities offer prospective student special events or meetings during each semester. Contact the university’s admissions office for more information.
How do I register for classes? Some colleges require you attend an orientation, meet with an advisor or both before you can register for classes.  The adviser will assist you in selecting courses and information on registering for classes. Some universities require you to either attend an orientation, meet with an academic adviser, or both before you can register for classes. The academic adviser will assist you with selecting classes, , provide information on registering for classes, and determine whether you are meeting degree requirements

Curriculum

Community College University
Where can I take my Core Curriculum Classes? Yes Yes
Will my Core Curriculum Classes count for my degree? Yes–if you complete your core at the community college you will meet the core requirements at the university when you transfer Yes – In most cases, ask a university representative about printed or electronic resources that explain the applicability of your course work to a specific degree program.
How do Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees or career/technical courses transfer?>>Click here<< Some universities offer Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science degree that will combine your applied credit with specialized course to create a customized bachelor’s degree.>>Click here<<
What classes can I take that are guaranteed to transfer? Meet with an academic adviser at the community college your first semester to get started on the core curriculum. Also get information from transfer101.org on who to contact at universities regarding the transfer process and courses that will meet university degree requirements. Save yourself time and money by contacting the admission office or the academic department at the university you would like to attend at least one semester before you want to transfer. They can recommend a list of both core and major courses you can take at your particular community college that will satisfy the university degree requirements.

Transferable or Articulated?

Each course you take at community college falls into one of three categories: transferable, articulated, or neither (often called non-transferable). A transferable course will be accepted and go as a credit towards your degree, at least as an elective — it may or may not count as a general requirement. Articulated credits may be used for both major and general education requirements. To find out for sure what your credits are doing for you, make sure you talk to an advisor. You can ask about Choosing a major

Check Your Courses

The colleges and universities in the State of Texas established a common numbering system for the first two years coursework in community colleges and universities. The common course numbering system and state equivalency table provides you with information on freshman and sophomore level coursework at both community colleges and universities. See the how courses you are taking at the community college are listed at the university.

Resources to Help You Compare and Chose a University

To learn more about some of your Texas four-year university options, visit their Web sites:

Also feel free to check out these sites for more tips