Arapahoe Community College Transfer Agreements: How do they work?

I'm considering starting at Arapahoe Community College and then transferring to a four-year school. I heard they have transfer agreements. How do these work, and what's the best way to make sure my credits transfer smoothly?

Transfer agreements, also known as articulation agreements, create a seamless transition for students transferring from community colleges to four-year institutions. These agreements outline the courses you need to take at the community college level, which will then transfer and count towards your degree at the four-year institution.

For instance, if you were to start at Arapahoe Community College with the aim of eventually transferring to a specific four-year school, the articulation agreement would provide a roadmap of the courses to take that would align with the requirements of your intended major at the four-year institution.

Prior to starting classes at Arapahoe, it's best to do some thorough research. Identify your target four-year school and intended major, then look into any agreements Arapahoe might have with that institution related to your intended program of study. You can typically find this information on the community college's website or by speaking with an academic advisor.

It's important to follow these guidelines closely, as not all credits may transfer or be applicable to your degree of choice. Meeting regularly with your advisor at Arapahoe and seeking advice from advisors at the four-year school can be beneficial to ensure you stay on track.

Remember, while following the articulation agreement is key to making sure your credits transfer smoothly, your admission to the four-year school will still depend on other elements such as your GPA, involvement in extracurricular activities, and potentially application essays, depending on the school. It's a good idea to contact the admissions office at the four-year institution to understand all their transfer requirements.

By taking this approach, you can save money in your first two years of study, verify your interest in a chosen field of study, and seamlessly transition to a bachelor's degree program if that's your end goal. Sounds like a pretty smart decision!