Northern Essex students meet with representatives from over 50 public and private four-year institutions in the Hartleb Technology Center.

More than 50 four-year colleges and universities were in attendance at Northern Essex Community College’s Transfer Day, which took place at the Hartleb Technology Center on the college’s Haverhill Campus on Oct. 12. Students were invited to speak with representatives from the schools, gather materials from their tables and enjoy a free slice of pizza.

Goals at the event varied, accurately reflecting the wide range of experiences in NECC’s diverse student population. Some already had plans for their post-Northern Essex experience and just needed information on the transfer process, like Cesar Mesta of Haverhill, a laboratory science major.

“I just want to know about the transfer process, and what I need to go into the specific program I want,” he said. “I’m looking for something specific.”

Others, like Gabriela Duran of Lawrence, also a laboratory science major, were less sure of their plans. For these students, the event was a way to scope out information on potential career paths.

“I’m here because I want to transfer, but I’m just not sure where or if I’m going to be the same major,” said Duran.

Cesar Mesta of Haverhill and Gabriela Duran of Lawrence, both laboratory science majors, stand outside the Transfer Day event after getting some information and free pizza.

A second Transfer Day will be held on Wednesday, October 19 from 11 am to 1 pm in the atrium of the Dimitry Building, 45 Franklin St., Lawrence.

Transferring requires planning, and it’s not unusual for students to feel intimidated or confused by the process. That’s why it’s so important for them to get started as soon as possible, said Grace Young, dean of academic support services, articulation and transfer.

“I don’t think a lot of our students understand that they need to start early,” said Young, who was responsible for organizing the event. “I always ask students, ‘What is it you’re trying to do when you leave here?’”

Young said the sooner students can answer that question, the sooner they can be enrolled in the right courses, courses that will successfully transfer to the bachelor’s degree program they want to pursue.

Representatives from the four-year institutions had plenty of advice for students as well. Kim Montague, associate director of undergraduate admissions for the University of Massachusetts Amherst, said students should be aware of the different procedures and expectations for different colleges — particularly if they’re applying to multiple schools.

“It’s really important for students to know the deadlines and what the application process is for each school,” she said. “Even under the UMass umbrella, the process is different at Boston, at Dartmouth, at Amherst. And of course, it’s important for students to have worked hard here, to have good grades and to have taken the right courses.”

The 53 colleges in attendance at the event represented a huge variety of different locations, major options and institution types. Young said having both public and private schools from around the area, with many different fields of study, is a critical service for NECC’s student population.

“A lot of our students are taking public transportation, or they’re being dropped off by a parent or a friend,” she said. “They don’t have the means to go out to UMass Amherst or UMaine, so we bring them here.”

For more information, contact Young at gyoung@necc.mass.edu or 978 556-3449.