Best practices for transferring classes from Bergen Community College to Rutgers

I'm planning to transfer from Bergen Community College to Rutgers. What steps should I take to ensure that my classes transfer? Any details about the process or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Transferring from a community college to a four-year institution is a common path many students take, and it's important to make the transition as smooth as possible. Here's a step-by-step guide for you:

1. Course Equivalency Database: First and foremost, check the "NJ Transfer" website – a resource in New Jersey that outlines how courses taken at a community college will transfer over to four-year institutions like Rutgers. This is a solid starting point to see if the credits you earned at Bergen will transfer directly to Rutgers.

2. Meet with Advisors: Both at Bergen and at Rutgers. Get in touch with your academic advisor at Bergen and express your intent to transfer to Rutgers. They most likely have experience working with other students who've transferred and will have insights into the process. At the same time, reach out to a transfer advisor at Rutgers. They should be able to provide information from the perspective of the receiving institution.

3. Articulation Agreement: Check if there's an articulation agreement between Bergen Community College and Rutgers. An articulation agreement is a formal partnership between two or more colleges and universities documenting the transfer policies for a specific academic program or degree. This can immensely simplify the transfer process.

4. Transcripts: Keep together all your transcripts from Bergen Community College and ensure all your grades are updated. Rutgers will need this information when considering your transfer application.

5. Additional Requirements: Alongside your transcripts, Rutgers may also request additional documents such as letters of recommendation and personal essays. It's essential to confirm these requirements early on to ensure you have ample time to compile these documents.

Remember that it’s always a good idea to keep a close eye on deadlines for transfer applications to make sure your materials are submitted on time. Best of luck with your transfer journey!