Transfer Success Guidebook

Transfer Success Guidebook Office of Transfer Services Student Center, Room 290 transfer@sunywcc.edu www.sunywcc.edu/transfer

Welcome to the Office of Transfer Services After successfully completing your studies at Westchester Community College you can transfer almost anywhere — colleges or universities, public or private, in-state or out-of-state. With so many options, choosing a transfer school can be confusing, and even if you are sure of your choice, achieving a successful transfer still takes planning. Our mission as the Office of Transfer Services is to assist you with defining your future educational pathways and personal goals. We provide a wide range of transfer services and information on the various opportunities available at four-year institutions to maximize your transfer potential. Some of these services include: Individual Transfer Counseling Fall and Spring Transfer Fairs Transfer Application Assistance Articulation/Transfer Agreements with Four–Year Colleges Four-Year College Representatives on Campus Year Round On-Site Admission Days Transfer Planning Workshops Transfer Information Sessions This booklet has been designed to help you understand the transfer process and the ways the Office of Transfer Services can help you achieve a successful transfer. We look forward to guiding you on your journey as you explore the options and choose your destination. Robin Graff - Coordinator of Transfer Services Nedra Brien - Transfer Counselor Heather Allalouf - Transfer Counselor To ask a question or schedule an appointment please email transfer@sunywcc.edu. You can also schedule an appointment online through Viking Success at: https://www.sunywcc.edu/academics/viking-success/.

Table of Contents Page 1: Intro to Transfer Services Page 3: Benefits to Completing an Associates Degree Page 4: Steps to Transfer Success Page 5: Semester 1- Search Page 6: College Search Tools Page 7: Semester 2 - Select Page 8: Questions to Ask 4 yr. College Representatives Page 9: Semester 3- Apply Page 10: CUNY Application Process Page 11: SUNY Application Process Page 12: Scholarships Page 13: Other Scholarship Resources Page 14: Semester 4/Final Semester - Enroll Page 15: Glossary and Terms Page 16: Transfer Office Contact Information

Wondering... Should I complete my Associate degree at Westchester Community College before transferring? Here are some things you should know: « Success Completing an Associate degree means you are more likely to complete a Baccalaureate degree « Cost effective Completing an Associate degree could mean fewer student loans « Scholarships Many four-year colleges offer scholarships to students with an Associate degree « Transferability of Credits Many four-year colleges will waive certain General Education requirements if an Associate degree is completed « Transfer Agreements Transfer agreements ensure that graduates of the college will be guaranteed seamless transfer with junior status, thus being able to complete a bachelor’s degree within two years of full-time study upon transfer. They often include merit scholarships based on final GPA « SUNY Transfer Guarantee All NYS residents who transfer directly from a SUNY Community College with an AA or AS degree are guaranteed admission to a SUNY four-year campus. Although the program will guarantee your admission, it does not ensure admission to a specific campus or program

Steps to Transfer Success Semester 1- Search Semester 2 - Select Top Choice Schools Semester 3 - Apply to Top Choice Schools Semester 4 - Final Semester - Enroll in Top Choice

Semester 1 – SEARCH The search phase of your Transfer Success Plan is an opportunity to find the best transfer options that match your educational pathways and personal goals. How to search: « Consider your academic and career goals « Meet with a Transfer Counselor « Confirm you are in the correct degree and that you are taking courses that will transfer « Attend transfer events and workshops « Utilize college search websites « Explore Transfer Agreements WCC has with partner colleges on the transfer webpage It is always important to have a “back-up” plan. Even if you have always had one specific transfer college in mind, consider applying to at least three to five choices so you can compare and review the opportunities each college offers. College Search Tools https://www.petersons.com/college-search.aspx https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search/filters https://www.collegeboard.org/ https://campustours.com/ https://www.raise.me/ https://thecollegepod.com/micro-scholarships-how-to-find-win-them/

Semester 2 - Select Now that you have narrowed down your four-year collegechoices, it’s time to select the best fit colleges for your success. How to select: Decide on your major at the four-year college. Make sure you are aware of any prerequisite courses needed for your intended major at the next college. Review transfer guidelines for schools you are interested in to maximize transferability of credits. Browse scholarship opportunities at your top choices Visit top choice campuses and meet with college reps on the WCC campus when possible. Make sure to have your Westchester Community College degree requirements reviewed. If you are missing coursework, especially courses in your core curriculum, you may still have time to add classes for future semesters. Questions to Ask a Four-Year College Representative: There are many factors to think about when considering transfer schools. When you visit a potential transfer school or speak with on of their transfer admissions representatives, be prepared with a list of questions, and don’t be afraid to ask them! Here are some to consider: Campus Life Is the area surrounding the college urban, rural, or suburban? Is there a diverse student body? What is the campus atmosphere (commuter or residential)? Is there on-campus housing for transfer students? What student clubs and organizations are available on campus? What, if any, athletic programs are offered? How is your college transfer friendly? Academic Are Westchester Community College courses transferable and will they count towards my bachelor’s degree? What are the admissions requirements? When is the deadline? How do I check the status of my application? When will I receive a transfer credit evaluation? What majors do you offer? What GPA is required for my Major? What Disability Services are available to students? What is the average size of your classes? What is the graduation completion rate? Do you have academic support centers on campus? Financial What is the annual tuition? Additional fees? Do you offer scholarships for community college transfer students? How do I apply for financial aid? What is the deadline for financial aid applications? Is there a Work-Study Program?

Semester 3 - Apply Apply to 2 or more colleges of your choice How to Apply: Check application deadlines and apply to colleges of choice Pay application fee or request fee Waiver if one is available Submit your official transcripts fromWCC and any other college you have attended. Submit supplemental materials including score reports, high school transcripts, and recommendations if necessary. Complete and submit your FAFSA, as well as the college or university’s scholarship application

CUNY Admissions Info and Transfer Application Process Step 1: Complete the Online Application Complete The Online Application at www.cuny.edu/apply. The priority application deadlines are February 1st for fall admission and September 15th for spring admission. Step 2: Pay The Application Fee You can apply to up to four CUNY colleges on one application for one non-refundable application fee. CUNY does not accept fee waiver requests due to financial hardship. Veterans should email vetwaiver@cuny.edu to learn more about applying for a fee waiver. Step 3: Print Your Application Summary Package Upon submission, you’ll be able to access a copy of your Application Summary. We recommend you download a copy. Your CUNYfirst ID number will generate shortly after you submit your application. This 8 digit unique number will help CUNY identify your application quickly and match any documents you send to them. Step 4: Send Your Required Supporting Documents to CUNY/UAPC Request an official Westchester Community College transcript to be sent electronically or via mail directly to CUNY/UAPC by going to www.sunywcc.edu/transcripts. You will need to send a high school transcript and an official transcript from any other college or university you have attended. All supporting documents should be sent to: General Transfer Admission CUNY/UAPC P.O. Box 350145 Brooklyn, NY 11235 Digital Transcripts can be emailed to: transcripts@cuny.edu Step 5: Check Your Application Status You are responsible for checking the status of your CUNY Admission Application. For instructions, please visit www.cuny.edu/status. Please allow 6-8 weeks after your items arrive at CUNY/ UAPC for processing and for updates to be reflected on your Application Status. You can also contact the CUNY Help Desk for Students at aoline@mail.cuny.edu or 212-997-CUNY (2869). IMPORTANT: Applicants to CUNY four-year colleges must have completed at least one college-level course in Mathematics and English with a grade of “C” or better. Some CUNY programs will use your entire coursework history, including grades earned from courses taken more than once, to determine a grade point average (GPA). If more than one college was attended, your GPA will be determined through a combined calculation of all attempted coursework

SUNY Transfer Application Process Step 1: Complete the Online Application Complete The Online Application at www.suny.edu/applysuny. Although each SUNY institution has their own admission application deadline, it is highly recommended to follow the guidelines under the SUNY Transfer Guarantee Program. The deadlines are March 1st for fall admission and October 1st for spring admission. Step 2: Pay The Application Fee There is a non-refundable fee for each SUNY campus to which you apply. However, The SUNY application fee is waived for all students graduating with an A.A or A.S. degree. Step 3: Send Your Required Supporting Documents You can request an official Westchester Community College transcript to be sent directly to each SUNY campus by going to www.sunywcc.edu/transcripts. You must also have an official transcript sent from any other college or university you have attended. A high school transcript may be required by some SUNY campuses. Step 4: Submit Your Supplemental Applications In addition to your online application, some campuses may require or recommend a supplemental application which may include an essay question. You will be directed to return to applySUNY to complete the supplemental applications. Step 5: Wait for Your Decision(s) You will receive an admission decision from each college to which you apply.

Start your scholarship search early! Maximize your options for scholarships to help you complete and transfer Scholarships for WCC Graduates Westchester Community College offers many scholarships through the Foundation that are designated specifically for graduating students. In addition, many four-year colleges offer full and/or half tuition scholarships designated for Westchester Community College graduates. WCC Graduating and Transfer Student Scholarships PepsiCo Foundation S.M.I.L.E. Scholarship The PepsiCo Foundation S.M.I.L.E. (Success Matters in Life & Education) Scholarship is designed to help students transition from designated partner community colleges to four-year colleges and universities. If selected as a recipient, the student will receive a $25,000 award Pepsico Foundation S.M.I.L.E. Scholarship Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is a highly selective scholarship for the nation’s top community college students seeking to complete their bachelor’s degrees at four-year colleges or universities. Each Cooke Scholar has access to generous financial support for two to three years, college planning support, ongoing advising, and the opportunity to connect with the thriving community of fellow Scholars. Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships Phi Theta Kappa members have access to millions of dollars in scholarships, a benefit unmatched by other honor societies. In addition, Phi Theta Kappa key partners sponsor various scholarships, giving you the opportunity to further your education in a variety of fields. Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships College Specific Transfer Scholarships Many colleges offer community college graduates merit scholarships. These scholarships are based on final cumulative GPA and are not need based. Other Aid Sources/Scholarships Fastweb Scholarship Search Scholarship Experts College Board’s Scholarship Directory SRN Express Princeton Review Find Tuition from CareerBuilder.com International Student & Study Abroad scholarships Scholarship Central (includes international scholarships) NYSTAA Scholarship

Semester 4 – Enroll Now, you are ready to Commit! How to Enroll: « Apply for WCC graduation « Review all your acceptance letters « Consider scholarships received, financial aid, tuition costs and payment options « Choose a campus and submit enrollment deposit « Submit a final transcript request to be sent to your new school once final grades and degree status is posted « Check email frequently for transfer orientation information and other important details « Sign up for classes as soon as possible « Consider joining a student club or organization on campus « Learn about on-campus job and/or work study opportunities Congratulations, you’re on your way and we wish you the best of luck as you continue on your academic journey!

Glossary of Transfer Terms Articulation/Transfer Agreement A formal agreement between institutions that maps out transfer of credits from a 2-year to a 4-year degree program. For Profit/Proprietary Institution A private institution operated by its owners as a profit-making enterprise. Also known as a For-Profit College. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) The federal application form that students must complete in order to apply for any type of financial aid. General Education Courses A pattern of courses which all students are expected to complete regardless of their major to ensure that they have a broad, basic education. Matriculation The act of formally enrolling in school by registering for classes. Public University A school financed primarily by tuition, endowments and state or local taxes. Rolling Admission A term that describes an application process where a school reviews applications as they are received and offers decisions to students as applications are reviewed. Residency Requirements The number of courses, credits or percentage of a program a student must complete at an institution to graduate from that institution.

Office of Transfer Services Contact Information Robin Graff Coordinator of Transfer Services Student Center, room 290 Nedra Brien Transfer Counselor Student Center, room 290 Heather Allalouf Transfer Counselor Student Center, room 290 To ask a question or schedule an appointment please email transfer@sunywcc.edu. You can also schedule an appointment online through Viking Success. For more information regarding upcoming transfer events, workshops and updated articulation agreements, please visit www.sunywcc.edu/transfer

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTM3MzMz