Navigating Transfer from Anne Arundel Community College to UMD

I'm planning to transfer from Anne Arundel Community College to the University of Maryland. Has anyone done this before? What are some key steps to take and things to keep in mind to ensure a successful transfer?

It's great to hear that you're thinking ahead and planning for your transfer from Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) to the University of Maryland (UMD). This requires some preparation and careful consideration of a few factors. Here is some advice:

1. Know Your Course Credits: First and foremost, you'll need to ensure that your credits from AACC will transfer to UMD. Maryland has a tool called ARTSYS (articulation system), designed to help students like you understand how credits from a community college in the state will transfer to a public university within Maryland. Utilize it to understand how your current courses will translate into UMD credits.

2. Aim for an Associate's Degree: In Maryland, if you earn an associate's degree at a community college, you can transfer to a four-year university in the state as a junior, which means that your earned credits cover all your general education requirements at UMD. So, completing your degree at AACC can streamline your transition.

3. Check UMD's Transfer Requirements: Make sure to familiarize yourself with UMD’s specific requirements for transfer students. For instance, UMD requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for admission.

4. Maintain Good Grades: While a 2.0 GPA is the minimum, transferring to a competitive program or department at UMD may require a higher GPA. Aim to excel in your courses to better prepare for this higher-level coursework.

5. Connect with Advisors: Regularly meet with your academic advisor at AACC and consider reaching out to a transfer advisor at UMD. They can provide guidance on courses to take, deadlines to be aware of, etc. Advisors are there to support you, so make sure you're utilizing them.

6. Plan Ahead: As early as possible, aim to identify the major you plan to pursue at UMD, as this will help you choose the right courses at AACC. Keep in mind that some majors at UMD are Limited Enrollment Programs (LEPs) which may have additional admission requirements.

7. UMD Application: When it comes to the application itself, take time with your essays and have someone (advisor, professor, etc.) review them if you can. Make sure to highlight your experiences and achievements at AACC in a compelling way.

8. Stay ahead of Deadlines: UMD has a priority deadline (usually in early January for fall semester) and a regular deadline (usually in late January for fall semester). Applying by the priority deadline can increase your chances of admission, so be proactive!

Each transfer experience is unique, so your path might look slightly different, but these steps should provide a good starting point. Good luck with your transfer process!