- Send out transcripts. Fall semester is over, and you need to send your transcripts to many of your colleges. Remember, many colleges want your high school transcripts also. Only send official copies of all transcripts. If you take intercession classes, you need to send those grades also. Those students who did not complete formal high school, will also need to submit high school proficiency records.
- Update submitted applications. Many public colleges, especially the University of California, have you update your submitted application with fall grades online. So remember your username and password and sign in and update grades. Check as all campuses do not use the same procedures. If you take intercession classes, you can update those grades also in February.
- Complete applications. Many colleges have spring deadlines beginning in January and going through May. Check with each college’s website and make sure you submit completed applications on time. Spend time perfecting each application.
- Find and submit all forms. Remember, The Common Application does not have online paperwork capabilities for transfer students. So you need to print out all forms, sign them, and give self-addressed forms to instructors and then follow procedures for deans, counselors, and advisors.
- Submit test scores. Also remember, some colleges want your SAT, ACT, and AP test scores. Again only official score reports count so go track down your usernames and passwords.
- Write great essays. The colleges often have required essays for undergraduate, EOP, and scholarship applications. Write powerful essays about what your accomplishments since high school. Tell powerful stories. Make sure you find ways to use essays more than once. Do not tell write boring stories.
- Apply for financial aid and scholarships. You need to fill out financial aid applications and submit them as early as possible to the colleges on your transfer list. Remember, many private colleges also use the CSS profile. Students applying to public colleges in California need to submit their FAFSA by March 2. Also go to your transfer office and see if there are any scholarships they have for students like you. Research the Jack Kent Cooke transfer scholarship if you are a top, top student at a community college.
- Keep your spring grades high. Some colleges will want to wait to see your spring grades as you often are taking major prerequisites or completing core transfer classes. They may even ask for a mid-semester or quarter update from your instructors. The forms are available online.
- Complete transfer units. Most schools will not allow for summer classes the summer before you transfer, so you need to finish your transfer requirements by the end of spring. That may mean adding a spring class.
- Be patient. Transferring is a challenging process. So be patient. And check and double-check that everything you need is submitted.
good post, keep it up