Community College to ASU Transfer Tips

I'm looking to start at a community college and then transfer to ASU. Does anyone have advice or experiences on how to make this transfer process smooth? Any specific classes or programs I should focus on before transferring?

Response: The good news is that transferring from a community college to a four-year institution like Arizona State University (ASU) is something many students successfully do each year. ASU actually accepts more transfer students than freshman applicants which shows their commitment to transfer students. Here are a couple of tips that might help make your transfer journey smooth.

Starting with your academics, make sure you maintain a strong GPA at your community college. ASU often requires a minimum GPA for transfer students, so excellent academic performance is vital.

Next, consider the ASU-specific transfer tools. ASU has an online tool called the Transfer Credit Guide which allows you to see how the courses you're taking at your community college will transfer and apply to your intended ASU degree. It will be especially useful as you try to avoid taking courses that might not transfer or be applicable to your degree.

Evaluate how credits from your community college transfer into General education requirements at ASU. By completing as many of these as possible, you will have more flexibility in your schedule once you've transferred. Additionally, ASU has a Maricopa to ASU Pathways Program (MAPP) designed for Maricopa Community College students which provides a set of coursework guaranteeing admission to ASU.

ASU also emphasizes the importance of courses being "degree applicable", which means that the classes you take in your community college should ideally meet a requirement for your intended major at ASU. Identify what courses you'll need for your intended major at ASU and see if you can take equivalent courses at your community college.

It's essential to work closely with academic advisors at both your community college and at ASU throughout this process. They can provide you with detailed academic plans and assist you with course selections and transfer requirements. In some cases, your community college may have a dedicated transfer counselor who specializes in helping students navigate the transition to a four-year college.

Moreover, try and get involved in extracurricular activities or leadership roles in clubs/organizations at your community college to demonstrate your engagement outside the classroom. This can be beneficial not only for your ASU application but also for your personal and professional growth.

At the time of application, you'll likely need to provide all official transcripts from any post-high school institution attended, including your community college. Be prepared to have those handy and ensure all your grades are up-to-date.

Remember that transferring is a process that requires time, careful analysis, and patience. The more thoroughly you plan your courses and keep track of requirements, the smoother the transfer process should be. Good luck with your journey!