Does community college count as a transfer for universities?

If I attend a community college for two years, will I be considered a transfer student when applying to a four-year university? How does this process usually work?

Yes, if you attend a community college before attending a four-year university, you will be considered a transfer student when you apply to the four-year school. Generally, this process involves a few steps:

1. Attend community college: You can complete a two-year associate's degree or simply complete general education courses. It's advisable to meet with a college counselor to ensure that your classes align with the transfer requirements or associate degree plan of your desired university.

2. Check transfer agreements: Some community colleges have specific articulation agreements or transfer agreements with four-year universities. These arrangements ensure that your credits will transfer directly, maintaining your course progress.

3. Complete the Application: When you're ready to transfer, you will complete the university's transfer application. Unlike first-year applications, transfer applications may require a record of all your community college course grades.

4. Submit Official Transcripts: Universities will ask for your official transcripts from the community college. They'll use these transcripts to understand your academic performance, assess course rigor, and determine what credits will transfer.

5. Enrollment: If accepted, you'll enroll at the university as a junior, assuming that all your community college credits transfer. However, transferred credits depend on the specific university's transfer credit policy.

It's always a good idea to stay in contact with admissions offices at the universities where you want to apply. They can provide specific guidance on successful transfer. This process can save you money and allow you to complete prerequisite courses before entering your desired program at a university.