What's the process for transferring from Pikes Peak to UCCS?

I'm at Pikes Peak Community College and I want to transfer to UCCS. How tricky is this process? Are there specific steps I need to be extra careful about, like certain deadlines or paperworks?

Transferring from a community college such as Pikes Peak to a four-year institution like UCCS isn't inherently tricky but it does require organization and attention to detail.

First, you need to ensure you meet UCCS’s transfer admission requirements. As of the moment, UCCS requires transfer students to have at least a cumulative GPA of 2.4 from all colleges attended. Also, they need to be in good standing with their current institution and not have any academic or behavioral sanctions.

The next step in the process involves submitting your application to UCCS. The application requires you to provide information about your academic history, extracurricular activities, and personal background. Be prepared to dedicate some time to writing application essays if they are required.

As part of your application, you'll need to submit your official transcripts from Pikes Peak but also from any other colleges or universities you've attended. Transfer credit evaluation happens after you're admitted, but you can use the Transferology tool on the UCCS website to get an idea of how your credits might transfer. You can use UCCS' transfer guides to help ensure the smoothest transfer possible: https://transfer.uccs.edu/course-advising/advising-guides.

Pay attention to timing and deadlines– UCCS has fall, spring, and summer intakes. For example, if you're considering a Fall semester transfer, the application opens August 1 with a deadline of April 1. However, if you're looking at Spring semester, the application opens February 1 and has a November 1 deadline. The summer semester application opens November 1 and the deadline is April 1.

Also, check on financial aid opportunities. If you’re planning on getting financial aid, you will need to submit a FAFSA. UCCS has a priority date for submitting the FAFSA which is March 1 for the upcoming academic year.

Lastly, touch base with an academic advisor at both Pikes Peak and UCCS. They can help you understand what the transfer in and out processes are, and can give you advice on how to make the most of your time at both institutions.

Plan ahead, stay organized, and meet all deadlines. In short, the process requires a good bit of preparation but with sound advising and focus on your part, it is manageable.