How does the NY State Community College Transfer Guarantee work?

Has anyone used the New York State community college transfer guarantee to move to a four-year school? I'm trying to understand how it works and if it really helps ensure a smooth transfer process.

The New York State's Community College Transfer Guarantee is a commitment to ensure a pathway from a Community College to a four-year State University of New York (SUNY) or City University of New York (CUNY) institution, provided all academic requirements are met. Here's a brief overview of how it works:

1. Degree: You need to obtain an Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), or Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree from a NY community college.

2. Transition: Once you earn your degree, you're guaranteed the opportunity to either continue your education at a SUNY or CUNY four-year campus, depending on where you started. You can apply to multiple four-year institutions, but you're not guaranteed admission to a specific campus or to a specific program. It's worth noting that some programs may have additional requirements to consider.

3. Credits: Most importantly, the program assumes that you'll be able to carry all your earned credits over to your new institution. That being said, particular courses may not directly align, and might not count toward major-specific requirements at the four-year institution. It's advisable to work closely with academic advisors at both institutions to make sure credits are transferred efficiently.

4. GPA: Depending on the four-year institution and the program you're interested in, there may be a minimum GPA requirement to qualify for the transfer guarantee.

Remember, the Transfer Guarantee doesn't give you an automatic admission into the four-year institution of your choice. Admission requirements can vary, so it's important to take note of them before applying. It's always a good idea to speak with your academic advisor about your plan to transfer, as they can provide guidance based on your specific situation. And remember, the earlier you start planning your transition from a community college to a four-year university, the smoother the process will be.