By Christina Strot
What are some issues transfer students face? Different problems
surface depending on the type of transfer student. There is the “planned” transfer
student and the “unexpected” transfer student. The “planned” transfer
student is one who attends a community college with the intent
of transferring to a four-year university. The “unexpected” transfer
student is one who transfers because they disliked their previous
institution or changed their major and had to transfer institutions
for their program. Different types of transfer students will face
various issues; however, one common problem that relates to all
pertains to identity.
Students who plan their transfer from the beginning face the confusion
of working with credits from different institutions. Because every
school has a different system for course numbers and titles, it
can be a confusing process to piece together a schedule according
to another school’s requirements. Although
it is helpful to talk with guidance counselors at your current school, check
with a transfer specialist at the institution you intend on transferring to before
registering for courses.
Perhaps even more frustrating is when students who have already taken courses
at a university unexpectedly choose to transfer to another institution. If there
was no plan ahead of time to transfer, or if students took mostly general courses
towards an associate of arts degree, students most likely face the problem of
losing credits in the transfer process. There is an expectation that if students
receive an associate of arts degree from a school, they will be able to transfer
to another school and only have two more years to complete their bachelor’s
degree. This is possible when transferring from community colleges
to state universities; however, this is not the case for private colleges. Private
schools usually differ from state schools in the structure of their programs.
How do you remedy this problem as a transfer student? The solution is communication.
It is imperative for students considering transferring to immediately contact
the transfer specialist at the intended university. This will help eliminate
lost credits.
Whether students plan to transfer or not, it is common for students to struggle
with their identity within the new community—they are not a traditional
freshman, nor are they a traditional sophomore. Transfer students are in their
own category. Although you are not familiar with the new school, you are familiar
with college life. Other students might think you are a freshman, but you are
definitely not. You are more mature and experienced, but not necessarily at he
school. How do transfer students distinguish themselves from the freshman? By
getting connected with the community. Do not set yourself apart, rather work
to integrate yourself into the community.
Many schools have introductory classes for freshman, but fewer have integrative
courses for transfer students. As you are transferring, inquire about various
ways to get involved with the new community, establish yourself, and enjoy your
experience at the new university. One’s level of expectation usually precedes
the value of one’s experience—it is your responsibility to make the
most of it.
Christina Strot has been working as a Transfer Student Counselor
at North Central University, a Christian university located in Minneapolis,
Minn., for more than two years. Along with meeting, advising and
counseling transfer students, she leads orientations for transfer
students as they transition to their new school. To find out more
about the services offered to transfer students at North Central
University, contact Christina at castrot@northcentral.edu or
visit the Web site at www.northcentral.edu/futurestudents/transfer.
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