What should I know about transferring from Bergen Community College?

I'm considering starting at Bergen Community College and transferring later. Any advice on the process, what to prepare for, and how to ensure a smooth transition to a 4-year institution?

Absolutely, preparing for a transfer from a community college to a four-year institution can be an excellent path to achieving your educational goals.

1. Start Early: It's essential to start planning the transfer process early—ideally as soon as you enroll at the community college. This will allow you to choose classes strategically and ensure they align with the requirements of your target universities.

2. Understand Transfer Policies: Some four-year colleges and universities have guaranteed admission programs or articulation agreements with community colleges. These arrangements allow qualified students to transfer directly into the four-year institutions. Investigate if Bergen Community College has such agreements with institutions you're interested in.

3. Choose the Right Classes: When selecting your classes, make sure they will transfer over for college credit to the four-year school you want to attend. You will need to talk with an academic counselor at the community college and potentially also the four-year institution to ensure you're taking transferable classes.

4. Maintain a Strong GPA: Your academic performance at Bergen will play a significant role in your acceptance to a four-year institution. Generally, the more selective the university, the higher the GPA they'll expect.

5. Build Relationships: College is a great place to build relationships, not just with your peers but also with your professors and advisors. These relationships could play a crucial part when you need recommendations for your transfer applications.

6. Involve Yourself: Community service, leadership positions, and extracurricular activities will enrich your experience and also enhance your transfer application. They provide a way to demonstrate your interests and skills outside of the classroom.

7. Application Components: Just like high school students applying to colleges, transfer applicants will need to submit transcripts, application essays, and sometimes letters of recommendation. It's important to note that some schools may require additional items, so always check what's required for each school.

Remember, each university or college has its own transfer requirements and deadlines, so ensure that you research and communicate with the admissions offices of the institutions you're considering. Good luck with your college journey!