Which Courses Should I Take to Improve Transfer Odds?

I'm in my first year of community college and planning to transfer. What courses should I take to enhance my application chances when transferring to a four-year institution?

One key component when planning to transfer is aligning your chosen courses at community college with the requirements for your intended degree at a four-year institution. Therefore, the classes you need to take will depend heavily on your intended major as well as the specific requirements of the institution to which you look to transfer. For example, engineering programs might require certain math and science courses, while English literature programs typically require a range of humanities classes.

Further, a general rule of thumb is to complete your general education or "core" requirements while at community college. These generally include classes in mathematics, English, natural and social sciences, humanities, and others. Not only will these classes generally be easier at a community college level, but it will also allow you to focus on your major-specific courses once you transfer.

The completion of prerequisites for your intended major is also crucial. So, for instance, if you intend to major in biology, you'll likely want to complete general biology, chemistry, and possibly human anatomy or other higher-level courses.

Don't forget to maintain a strong grade point average (GPA), as academic performance will be a significant factor in your transfer application. Therefore, select classes in which you are confident you can succeed.

Lastly, make sure to consult with your community college academic advisor or transfer counselor. They can guide you through this process and help you tailor your coursework to optimize your transfer application. For example, some institutions in a state would have articulation agreements with public community colleges, which could guarantee admission if you meet certain requirements.

To sum up, your course selection should fulfill the general education requirements, include prerequisites for your intended major, and allow you to maintain a strong GPA. Remember to use the resources available to you, including your academic advisor or transfer counselor.