In order to ensure a smooth and successful transfer from a two-year to a four-year college, it is important to be prepared starting from your first semester. If you haven’t already met with an academic advisor to discuss your plans, now would be ideal. You don’t have to know everything you want to do, but speaking with an advisor will allow you the opportunity for an expert to help guide you through the steps you need to take to successfully transfer.

Note: by now you should have already taken any placement tests which would determine which classes you should take for Math and English. If you don’t think the results match with your skill level, you can ask to appeal.

Advising centers have different names depending on the school, but generally you will find an advising center on your campus. Some take walk-ins, but it is best to make an appointment ahead of time either through their website, by phone, or in person.

Here are some ways to prepare for meeting with your advisor:

1. Be on time.

2. Bring your student ID.

3. If you have an idea of a major you’d like to major in, be sure to share that information.

   • Doing so will help your advisor work with you on the classes you should be taking so you waste no time. Determining your major early on can also help with shopping around for four-year colleges who have strong programs in that major.

4. If you’re undecided on a major, ask your advisor which classes to take that will almost guarantee to be transferable.

5. If you have an idea of a college or colleges you’d like to transfer to, be sure to share that information.If you have an idea of a college or colleges you’d like to transfer to, be sure to share that information.

6. Make a list of questions you want to ask.

7. Schedule quarterly or semester follow-up meetings.

Here are some questions to consider prior to meeting with them:

1. What are your academic goals?

2. What are your career goals?

3. How committed are you to reaching your academic and career goals?

4. What is needed to make your academic goals achievable?

5. What is needed to make your career goals achievable?

6. What steps can you begin taking today?