Seattle Central College AA Transfer - How Does It Work?

I'm considering doing an AA degree at Seattle Central College and then transferring to a four-year university. Can anyone explain how the AA transfer process works and if it's a smooth transition?

An Associate's degree (AA) from a community college like Seattle Central can indeed be a stepping stone towards a four-year university degree. This pathway is a common choice for many students, often due to its cost-effectiveness and flexibility.

Generally, the process works as follows:

1. Choose a Major: Before you start your AA degree, it's a good idea to have a sense of what you'd like to study at a four-year university. This will ensure that the courses you take at Seattle Central are relevant and transferrable to your chosen bachelor's degree.

2. Course Planning: You'll need to carefully choose your AA courses to align with the general education requirements of the four-year institution you're interested in. While an AA degree generally includes a wide range of subjects giving you a well-rounded education, you'll want to take courses that will directly transfer. Many universities have transfer admission guides and course equivalency tools to help with this.

3. Earn Your AA: You'll need to successfully complete your AA degree. Usually, this is around 60 credit hours.

4. Apply For Transfer: In your second year at Seattle Central, you'll start applying to four-year universities. Each university will have a different application process, so you'll need to research the requirements for each one.

5. College Credit Transfer: After being accepted into a four-year university, the university will evaluate your transcript and award you credit for the courses you've completed during your AA. Some universities have articulation agreements with community colleges, guaranteeing the transfer of credits.

6. Transition to the University: Once you start at the four-year university, typically as a junior, you will focus on courses specific to your chosen major.

Remember that each university has a different policy when it comes to transfer students and accepting credits, so it's crucial to research and connect with both Seattle Central's advisor and the admissions team at your prospective university. For a smoother transition, seek out the resources and services at Seattle Central designed to assist transfer students, such as counseling services and student success workshops. Remember, your AA degree can be an excellent foundation for your academic journey.

Keep in mind that this process might not be the exact same for every student or every university, but it can serve as a general guide. Don't hesitate to reach out to the universities you're interested in to get more personalized advice!