Can someone explain what the Direct Transfer Agreement at Seattle Central College entails? I'm aiming to transfer to a state university, and I want to be sure I meet all the requirements for a smooth transition.
Seattle Central College's Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) allows students to essentially complete the first two years of their bachelor's degree at Seattle Central and then transfer to a four-year university in Washington. This transfers as a package, meeting the general education requirements at most Washington state four-year universities.
To meet DTA requirements, you'll have to complete approximately 90 quarter credit hours (60 semester credit hours), a certain amount of which will need to be in specific subject areas like English, Math, Natural Science, Social Science, and Humanities. There will be some choices within those areas so you can explore different subjects.
All credits from DTA-associated courses will transfer, assuming you receive a grade of 'C' (or 2.0) or higher. Some competitive majors may require higher grades, however, so it's important to keep your GPA high and meet with your advisor often.
If you're looking to transfer to a particular university, make sure to research their specific requirements. While the DTA ensures you've met general education requirements, certain universities or degree programs might have additional criteria. It's always a good idea to connect with an advisor at both Seattle Central College and the university you want to transfer to, just to confirm you're on the right track.
One other thing to note is that while many state and private universities in Washington accept the DTA, not every university or program will. Again, a little research and a conversation with your future university will set you on the path to success.
It's also worth considering that Seattle Central College likely has a number of articulation agreements with specific universities, meaning you'd need to fulfill a predetermined set of course requirements before transferring to those universities seamlessly. Make sure to ask your advisor about these options, too!
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