MCT
The transfer process from community colleges to universities can be seen as a time lengthy and difficult procedure for college students. Nearly 85 per sent of students come to community college because they want to transfer to another institution. The majority of Mesa students apply to go to California State Universities.
There have been many improvements in California legislation of transfer programs over past two years. This led to a significant increase in students’ acceptance to the state’s most prestigious universities. For instance, last year there were 5000 more local students admitted to Universities of California. The Mesa Transfer Department Coordinator, Leroy Johnson, said: “We will see another jump between 2016 and 2017 because of the legislative move by the university of California to accept more local students”.
But when the time comes a lot of scholar fail this transition because of elementary mistakes they make. People simply don’t know deadlines or sometime just forget about it, apply too late, calculate GPA incorrectly, absently fill out application leaving out some classes they’ve taken, send transcripts to the wrong office.
All these pitfalls could be avoided if students reached out to help offered at their community colleges.
Mesa College transfer department provides scholars with any kind of information and assistance to make the transaction for them as smooth as possible. Collocated with a career center on the third floor of Student Services building, transfer center creates different activities and events to help students figure out their major and the university that would be the best fit for them.
Representatives from UCSD, SDSU and other 4-year institutions come to Mesa to see students on appointment basis and consult them. There are multiple workshops where students can get general data on transferring to their target universities. Students are invited to take bus trips to college campuses offered by Mesa College. It’s a great opportunity for people to see the campus of their prospective school, talk to professors and students, ask them questions, meet with faculty members from the major they’re interested in and learn more about admission and a financial aid process.
There are also transfer days. These events have representatives from over 50 universities. It’s a chance for students to see their options and to get aware of particular transfer process to their aimed 4-year university. One of such event will be held on Tuesday Nov. 15th 4pm- 7pm by the Math and Science building.
Aside of all of that, Mr. Johnson suggests students to complete honors classes, do community services and get involved in student organizations. Doing such activities can significantly impact student’s transferring and guarantee their admission to the most selective institutions. Of course scholars have to remember to talk to counselors about their education plan once a semester. In addition, they have to make sure to keep their GPA good, because bringing it up is a very hard process that can take up to one year. Students also have to complete a TAG program designed to make transitioning from community college to a 4-year university easier. Each institution has different requirements for this program, which scholars are recommended to learn about in advance and don’t postpone it. A lot of people do transitioning base on self-reported information, which sometimes is incorrect. “Students should come to the transfer center to check application before submitting it” Mr. Johnson said. He also points out that all sources at the transfer department are created exceptionally to help students and encourages them to take advantage of it.