Transferring from NOVA to UVA: What's the Process Like?

I'm planning on starting at NOVA community college and then transferring to UVA after a couple of years. Can anyone share their experience or advice about the transfer process? Are there specific GPA requirements or transfer agreements I should know about?

Transitioning from NOVA (Northern Virginia Community College) to UVA (University of Virginia) is facilitated by something called the Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA). The GAA is designed to help students transitioning from community college to a four-year institution, with certain conditions that need to be satisfied to ensure a smooth transition.

First, the academic condition to be met should primarily include a capstone GPA of at least 3.4 upon completion of the Associate's Degree. The specific degree required from NOVA would be either an Associate of Arts (A.A.), an Associate of Science(A.S.) or an associate degree in general studies. There might be additional criteria or GPA requirements depending on the specific UVA department or college you are interested in transferring to.

Your course taking strategy at NOVA should also be towards completing transferable general education requirements or prerequisites for your intended major at UVA. Courses that do not transfer are usually occupational or technical courses, so always cross-reference with the Virginia Education Wizard or speak to your NOVA guidance counselor for details.

Applicants should also be aware that the agreement is for fall admission and that applications should be submitted by March 1 of the same year you intend to enroll.

Finally, it's also crucial to note that this transition requires full-time enrollment at UVA following the transfer, but you have more flexibility at NOVA where you can be part-time.

In conclusion, the process is structured and clearly defined, but it's essential to familiarize yourself with the requirements, map out your courses at NOVA properly, and stay in regular contact with your academic advisor throughout the process. Transferring is a common path and there are many resources available to assist students on this journey.