Transfer Tips

• Check the transferability of courses before you take them.
• If your program allows you to choose from a selection of courses, check with academic advising on your transfer requirements – it could save you time and money.
• Courses in general education areas are the most likely to be accepted for transfer – completing them at NECC will save you time and money.
• When changing your major or career goal, the quality of the program you wish to enter is more important than the ability to transfer more credits.
• Schools may limit the ability of a single course to meet multiple program requirements.
• Most schools accept transfer credits if the content, level, and standards match their existing courses – check their course descriptions.
• Your new college determines how many credits it will accept for transfer, even if other schools told you something different.

Most Applications Will Require One or More of the Following Essays

• Application essay – a specific topic to write about
• Transfer essay – your past educational experiences and reasons for transferring
• Personal essay – describe yourself, your interests, goals, motivations, and strengths

Essay Tips

• Read the directions carefully
• Be positive about yourself
• Always type the essay unless told otherwise
• Have someone else review and proofread your essay before submitting it. Take advantage of NECC’s Tutoring Center for help.

Most four-year colleges will ask you to declare a major when you apply for transfer admission. Your choice of major should reflect your career goals.

Visit your NECC Academic Center advisor to choose a major and review your career goals.

Be sure the major you choose will lead to a career in the area you want. Review college catalogs for the specific courses required for that degree.

A Bachelor’s Degree requires about 120 credit hours distributed among general education, electives, and core major requirements.

Most four-year colleges prefer that you complete most of your general education and some lower division major courses before transferring. Your NECC courses will, in most cases, transfer as general education or electives. Carefully selecting your courses at NECC can help you complete your bachelor’s degree in two years as a full-time student.

• Get to know your major’s department head and faculty early on
• Be aware of academic calendar differences and credit hour calculations
• Plan ahead for courses scheduled only once per academic year
• Never mail your only copy of any document
• Align your academic plan with your financial aid package
• Apply on time each semester to graduate on time
• Use campus support services, even if you’re doing well academically

• Defaulting on a student loan can damage your credit and borrowing ability
• Understand NCAA rules regarding your eligibility as a transfer student-athlete

Campus Life

Where is your school?
Is there on-campus housing for transfer students?
Do you have an orientation for transfers?
What sports, clubs, and organizations are on campus?
What services do you offer students with special disabilities?

Academics

What is the deadline for transfer applications?
Will I have junior status if I transfer with an A.A. or A.S. degree?
What majors do you offer?
What G.P.A. is required for my major?
How many credits will you accept from NECC?
How many credits must I complete at your school to receive a four-year degree?
What is the average size of your classes?
Do you have support services, such as, a math center or on-campus tutoring?

Financial

What is the annual tuition? Additional expenses and fees?
Do you offer special scholarships for community college transfers?
What is the deadline for financial aid applications?
Is there a work-study program?