This is the second of a two-part series on transferring. The first article, Transferring: When, Why, How? by Jordyn Cooke, was posted on March 25.
Many students use community college as a stepping stone to further their education. Anoka Ramsey Community College has a graduation rate of 16 percent but a “transfer-out” rate of 36 percent.
By Marissa Fortuna, Contributing writer
When students are ready to make the decision to transfer there are various steps that should be taken. So, what are the next steps? This is where the transfer process comes into play. Utilizing the proper assistance and tools will help ease the transfer process.
Timing is Key
When considering transferring to another college, student advisors are there to assist every step of the way. Advisor Kelsey Johnson indicated that the best time to meet with an advisor is during your first semester of college or as soon as students know they want to transfer. Many colleges have early deadlines and prerequisite requirements. Advisors want to make sure that students are taking the classes that will benefit them when they are ready to transfer. If students are unaware of what they want to do in the future, Johnson stated that it was still smart to meet with an advisor early on. This way they can ensure students are using their time at Anoka Ramsey effectively.
Take Time for Research
The transfer process is different for each student. Some students may know exactly what schools they are interested in attending; some are more interested in the major they have chosen. Each process varies, depending on the student and the student’s goals. An important step is the research. “Start looking, research other schools, look early and look often. The earlier you know, the earlier we can help,” Johnson said.
There are many variables to choosing a school that need to be considered. Students should create a plan for their research. Something to consider is the program requirements. Advisors have tools to help you find a college you are interested in and make sure that students are taking the correct prerequisites to get into the college of choice. Students should also research which schools have their program of choice. Katie Swanson, a student who previously attended Anoka Ramsey, recently started attending the University of Minnesota-Duluth. When she was researching colleges she had her heart set on attending another college, but they didn’t have a program for the major she was interested in.
Each fall the campus hosts a transfer week event. Many colleges and university attend this to share about their programs and institution. “Take advantage of college visits, they are taking their time to come to you instead of you doing having to visit their campus,” said Johnson. To find out when institutions will be at each campus, visit the Upcoming Transfer Events on the Anoka Ramsey website.
Utilize the Resources
Minnesota colleges provide students with many tools and resources when transferring. The best resource is the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum. MnTC is an agreement with all Minnesota state programs. Once you have completed the requirements you have completed your generals education for Minnesota. It is a plan which helps students meet all requirements of the transfer curriculum.
On campus and online there also transfer guides provided for students. These are specific guides to get into the program or school of choice. Transferology is a great tool to help students find out which of their credits will transfer and where. This is one of the college’s widely used tools.
Information and tools about transferring can be found at the Coon Rapids and Cambridge campus, in the student services center.