Bridging the Gap

Half of all college students attend community college because they are local, affordable, and have open admissions policies. Many students consider them a first step toward a bachelor's degree, but only one in 10 will successfully transfer and earn a degree.

The College Board recommends you take these steps to transfer from a community college to a four-year school:

	Learn about the Transfer Program A transfer program at a community college prepares you to enter an upper-division college as a junior. It usually requires general-education courses, courses required as preparation for your intended major, and electives. Upon completing a program, you generally earn an associate's degree. Some transfer programs don't award associate's degrees but still satisfy transfer requirements at some four-year colleges.
	Make Sure Your Credits Are “Transferable” If you already know what four-year college you'd like to attend, make sure the credits of the courses you take will transfer to that four-year school. If you've completed your courses and aren't sure what four-year school to apply to, pick one where most of your credits transfer. You can find details about a college's transfer program in its catalog. Contact the college's admission or registrar office if you need more information.
	Talk with an Adviser at Your Community College An adviser can help you meet your community college's graduation requirements and prepare for transfer. Meet with an adviser before registering for your first-semester course.
	Learn about the College's “Articulation Agreements.” "Articulation agreements" state specific policies related to transferring and make it easier for you to transfer from one college to another. Many community colleges have them with private colleges or with colleges in other states. Ask your adviser for the latest information. Some state or city college systems publish detailed listings showing what each community college course is equivalent to at four-year colleges within that system. Get and read all information about transferring from your college to another.