5 Steps to Ease the Transfer Process to a New Community College
November 19, 2019
Are you thinking about transferring to a new community college? Just as students transfer between 4-year universities, it’s possible to transfer to a new community college, too. The good news is that the transfer process is usually very easy. Because most community colleges are open-access, most people who apply are accepted. As long as you meet the requirements of the new college, you have the right to attend.
Nevertheless, it helps to be properly prepared when transferring to a new community college in Alabama. Below you’ll find five easy steps to ease this transition.
1. Gather your documents.
The first thing to do is gather all of the documents you’ll need to continue your education. Most community colleges require one form of identification, such as an unexpired driver’s license, identification card or passport. Other documents you may need include financials, proof of health insurance and vaccination records.
2. Be prepared to fill out an application.
As a transfer student, expect to fill out an application for admission. These applications can usually be found online in the school’s application portal. This portal allows you to fill out the application and upload it to the admissions department while keeping everything confidential. Expect to share personal information like your name and address, as well as your education history.
3. Mail official transcripts.
Your transcripts will tell the new school what classes you took and if your coursework can be transferred or accepted for credit. Requirements vary among schools, though most are transparent about what they look for when making these decisions.
For example, Lurleen B. Wallace Community College uses the following guides to determine when coursework can be transferred: American Council on Education, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and the National Association of Foreign Student Affairs. We try to be as flexible as possible in this area.
4. Get your placement tests.
Most 2-year colleges want to see placement tests from transfer students. This helps them determine what classes you should be placed into. If you don’t want to take the school’s tests, consider exemption. To be exempted from a placement test, you can send in your high ACT scores or show proof of completed degree-accreditable, college-level courses with a passing grade.
5. Maintain communication with the admissions department.
As long as you meet the requirements of the new community college, you should have no problem continuing your education. To ensure the process goes smoothly, maintain communication with the admissions department. Follow up when you send something, have all requested documents ready and know what classes you plan on taking.
If you are thinking about transferring to a new 2-year college in Alabama, contact LBWCC today. We are very happy to welcome transfer students and get them on the path to success!
