Preparing your students who are already planning to transfer

There are many reasons a student may choose to complete a two year program before transferring to a four year school. How can you best prepare your high school students who are already planning for this transition? There are several things you can help them to stay on track with their education.

• If they already know what four year school they’re interested in:
  • Advise them to stay in contact with their counselor at their two year school and keep them informed of their plans
    
  • Push them to reach out to their transfer counselor at their four year institution of choice now, before they even start at their two year school. The transfer counselor can help them make sure they are getting credits that will be useful and that will transfer easily to their second institution. According to Chegg, most students don’t think to reach out until it’s time to apply, and by then it’s too late to change the courses they’ve already taken.

• If they haven’t decided on a four year school:
  • Have them look into any schools that their two year program may have transfer agreements with.  Those schools may offer special benefits or make transferring easier for students. Cornell partners with both Kirkwood Community College in Iowa and Harper College in Illinois.
  • Encourage them to explore and even visit schools they might be interested in now, so they can narrow down their list and know what they’re looking for in a four year institution.

• If they’re not sure what they should study at their two year school:
  • Make sure they plan to stay on track for their associate’s degree—while students can transfer with a mix of credits, transfer students who complete their associate’s degree complete their degree at a much higher rate, according to U.S. News & World Report. Associate’s programs also generally cover many of the general education requirements they’ll need to fill at their four year school, leaving more time for their courses in their area of interest at their four year school.   

• If they’re looking for a fresh start:  
  • Many students who may not be ready academically for the four year experience can get a fresh start at the community college. Most 4 years colleges will not focus on a student’s high school GPA or test scores if they are getting their AA degree, giving the student  a clean slate to really build their academic profile.
• No matter what type of student they are:
  • Encourage involvement at the community college—four year colleges like to see engaged students so they should be encouraged to get involved in leadership, campus activities, and volunteer work. A part time job is another way to develop communication and interpersonal skills.  
  • Participate in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). This is the national and international academic society for 2 year colleges.  Encourage your students to join this association, as it leads to scholarship opportunities at four year colleges. It also promotes civic engagement and leadership opportunities. For example, Cornell College awards all PTK students starting at the $15,000 scholarship level.  

If you or your students have any questions about transferring to Cornell, reach out to our Transfer Coordinator, Sharon Grice, via email or at 319-895-4162