Many college students go to a two-year university and then decide to transfer to a four-year or a more intensive collegiate program. If you have been in a community college or a trade school, you may want to open yourself up to newer and better opportunities.
With a Bachelor’s degree you will find opportunities and career paths that can offer more freedom, flexibility and pay. However, there are a number of factors to consider before transferring to a completely new college.
In most cases, you can’t simply pack up your things and sign up for a new college. Not only do you want to make sure you have the funding – you also want to make sure that you are personally ready for the responsibility of higher education.
Here are five factors to consider before transferring to a different college.
One of the most important factors that you want to consider is your budget. Do you have the capital to transfer? If you went to Northeastern University and then wanted to go to an Ivy League school, you may not be able to afford it.
This is why you want to do your research. Not only do you want to figure out what you can afford – you also want to figure out if you can acquire financial aid or loans.
2. Preparedness
How prepared are you to move or transfer? If you are done with your two-year course load and you don’t have a lot of stakes in the area where you are, you may be ready to move on.
However, if you have planted your roots or if you would have to move your entire life and possibly career, you may want to wait. Of course, there is also the option of completely throwing caution to the wind and seeing where the chips land.
3. Credits
Part of being prepared includes making sure you have enough credits to move on. Many four-year colleges want to make sure that the enrolling student has the right number of credits to transfer.
If you went to a junior or community college, you can usually speak with your advisor or counselor about the credits needed. The necessary credits may vary depending on what major you choose, so consider working towards completing all general prerequisites during your time at community college.
4. Career Aspirations
Another factor you want to consider is what kind of job you want to get after you graduate. If you want to become a doctor, your college path will be very different than if your passions lean towards writing. Be sure that you take into account any additional schooling you will need after earning a Bachelor’s degree.
5. Your Timing
On top of everything, you want to make sure it is the right time to move. If you are in a position where you have been offered a job, but the job requires you to stay in school, it may be perfect timing for a transfer. However, if you have to take care of a family member or if you are stuck in a current position, the timing may be completely off. In the end, timing is everything.
