How does the College of Lake County's guaranteed transfer work?

I'm considering starting at the College of Lake County and using their guaranteed transfer program. Can someone explain how it works and the steps I'd need to follow? Any personal experiences with this would also be helpful.

The Guaranteed Transfer Admission (GTA) program at the College of Lake County (CLC) allows students to start their education at CLC and then transfer to a four-year college or university after earning their associate degree. Essentially, what this program guarantees is that if you meet certain requirements, you are assured admission to one of CLC’s four-year college or university partners.

Here are the basic steps to make use of the GTA program:

1. Enroll at CLC: Start by enrolling at the College of Lake County and indicate your intention to participate in the GTA program.

2. Choose a transfer institution and major: Select the four-year institution you anticipate transferring to, as well as the major you plan to pursue. This is important because you'll want to make sure the courses you take at CLC are aligned with the requirements for your intended major at your target school.

3. Planning your courses: Using the transfer guides provided by CLC, carefully plan out your schedule of classes to ensure that you are taking transferrable courses that pertain to your intended major at your transfer institution. You can do this with assistance from a CLC counselor.

4. Earn your Associate Degree: To qualify for the guaranteed admission, you'll need to complete an Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), or Associate in Engineering Science (AES) degree at CLC with specific GPA requirements depending on the transfer institution's requirements.

5. Submit your transfer application: When you're nearing completion of your associate degree, you'll want to begin the application process to your target four-year institution. Application deadlines and requirements can vary by institution, so it's important to research and understand the specifics for your chosen school.

6. Transferring: If you've met all the requirements for your chosen school and major, your acceptance under the GTA program should be guaranteed. After you are accepted and finish your degree at CLC, you'll then officially transfer and continue your studies at the 4-year institution.

Remember, to make the transition as smooth as possible, it's important to understand the requirements from the get-go and to frequently consult with a counselor or the transfer center to ensure you are on the right track. Additionally, visit open houses or information sessions both at CLC and at potential transfer schools to ask questions and gather information. This can help you to feel confident in your college plan and eventual transition to a four-year institution.