Is the PCC transfer degree planner a good tool to ensure a smooth transfer?

I'm enrolling at Portland Community College and heard about their transfer degree planner. Has anyone used this tool? Does it really help make the transfer to a university seamless, or is it better to meet with a counselor?

Answer: The PCC Transfer Degree Planner can be a very beneficial tool for planning your university transfer. It provides a structured framework for organizing the courses and credits you need to earn in order to facilitate a smooth transfer to a four-year university. With its interactive features, you can outline your academic path for the course of your time at PCC, ensuring that you meet all prerequisites and major-specific courses for your targeted transfer institution.

However, the tool should not completely replace in-person meetings with a counselor. While it does a great job of helping you manage your course load, a counselor can provide personalized advice and guidance that might not be captured in an online tool. For instance, a counselor could advise on course sequence to support academic success, give insights about opportunities to gain experience in your area of interest, or provide meaningful connections that could make your transition smoother.

Using both resources together could give you an even more comprehensive look at your academic journey. The Transfer Degree Planner can help you stay organized and ensure you're on the right track, while a counselor can provide the personalized guidance and support you need to make informed decisions about your education. It's also important to regularly revisit your degree plan as things might change over time (like interests, career goals, or transfer university requirements), and a counselor can assist with these revisions.