Advising and
Counseling Services
TRANSFERRING
SUCCESSFULLY
…tips for
students
seeking a
bachelor’s degree
[Type text]
Table of Contents
The Transfer Process ..................................................................... 1
Transfer Resources ........................................................................ 1
Choosing a Four-Year College ...................................................... 2
Transfer Tips ................................................................................... 3
Transfer Checklist .................................................................... 4 - 5
Tips For Financial Aid .................................................................... 6
Scholarships ................................................................................... 6
SUNY Transfer Guarantee Program for AA/AS Graduates ......... 7
General Education Credit Review Worksheet ........................ 8 - 9
College Visit and Interview .................................................. 10 - 11
Application Decisions and Your Decision .................................. 11
[Type text]
The Transfer Process
It is important to establish a plan to follow when deciding on colleges to research which includes completing
admission and financial aid applications and applying for scholarships. This guide includes useful
information that will assist you in creating an organized plan of action.
As you may start the transfer process it may be helpful to try to adapt the timeline below to your own
schedule and/or make an appointment with the Transfer Counselor at Advising and Counseling Services.
CCC Credit Hours Accumulated
0 – 16 credits
First Semester*
Transfer Activity
Explore careers and specific academic
programs/majors.
16 – 36 credits
Second Semester*
36 – 52 credits
Third Semester*
Identify and select 5 – 10 transfer colleges.
Apply for admission and financial aid.
Send academic transcripts.
Schedule and follow through with college visits and
admissions interviews.
Receive letters from colleges stating their decision
about your application.


52 – 68 credits
Fourth Semester*
Make your final decision!
*First through fourth semester assumes full-time study
Transfer Resources

Internet
Most college/university websites include their college catalogs and online admissions applications.
You can also view student services and photos of the campus as well as apply for transfer admissions.
Academic departments, financial aid, and residence life (housing) information is generally included.

Peterson’s Guide to Four-Year Colleges – Internet: www.petersons.com

Additional Services Include
o On-campus visits from four-year colleges and universities are scheduled throughout the
academic calendar. This includes regular on campus visits by Keuka College, Elmira College,
Mansfield University, and SUNY Empire State College
o Transfer College Fair (November)

Individual copies of Transfer Publications for home reference include
o
Transition, The Student Transfer Guide
o
College Transfer Guide, A Guide For The 4 Year College Transfer Student
o
Next Step Magazine
o
Your College Search
o
For Graduates Only
1
Choosing a Four-Year College
Selecting a four year college for transfer that will meet your academic needs and also fit your personality is a
critical step. Once you have completed your Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree, you will find
you have reached your limit of transfer credits to most four year institutions. Most colleges and universities
will accept 60 to 68 credits from a two-year college. This means you should thoroughly research the major
you will be pursuing, including determining which colleges/universities offer the program, to understand the
amount of time necessary to complete your degree.
Characteristics to consider when choosing a four year college or university include:












Majors and academic programs of study
Faculty members’ areas of expertise
Geographic location
Campus setting: rural, urban, suburban, metropolitan
Student body size
Overall entrance difficulty
Campus Life
Housing availability- on/off campus
Public and private colleges/universities
Articulation Agreements
Internships or practical experience opportunities
Accreditation – Institutional and program specific
College Major/Academic Program - When choosing a major, consider your career goals as well as classes
you enjoy and in which you excel.
Geographic Location - There are excellent colleges and universities throughout the United States. When
choosing a college, at any distance, try to visit at least once. This will give you an opportunity to see the
college facilities, including residence halls and classrooms, and to meet students, staff and faculty. Learn
more about the institution and your chosen academic program. If you plan on living off-campus, you might
explore apartment locations to determine whether there are safety or commuting issues.
Many students would like to continue their studies in the Southern Tier. We are fortunate to have many
institutions that offer a variety of majors, programs of study and various opportunities within a reasonable
distance. They include:
 Elmira College
 Keuka College
 Ithaca College
 Mansfield University
 SUNY Binghamton
 SUNY Empire State College
 SUNY Brockport
Overall Entrance Difficulty
Most colleges/universities have a recommended minimum grade point average for transfer students to enter
the college and/or admittance for specific academic programs. Students can enhance their admissions
application by having an interview with an admissions counselor. Participation in extracurricular activities is
another way to add to your application in a positive and productive way.
Some examples include:
 Co-curricular Clubs (student organizations associated with particular academic areas)
 College Organizations
 Student Government
 Athletic involvement
 Community Service
 Internships
 College Committees
2
Transfer Tips
There is so much to know about each institution, including the different program requirements, general
education requirements, application procedure, and financing your education. The following tips may help
ease your concerns and make the process easier.

Transfer Plan: Create a plan that you can follow, from choosing a major to deciding where you will
apply. Include attributes you will be looking for in a college/university aside from your major or
program of study.

Campus Visit: You should plan a visit to the colleges where you will be sending applications. Many
colleges offer Transfer Open House programs that are geared toward the transfer student and their
particular needs.

Application Process: Know the application process and deadlines. Although most institutions will
review transfer students on a rolling basis, it is to your advantage to apply early. You should also
have options; apply to 2-4 colleges. This will not only give you options if you are denied at one
institution, but allow you to see a couple of presentations of financial aid and credit evaluations.

SUNY Guarantee: This option guarantees NYS residents who apply directly from a SUNY or CUNY
two-year college with an AA or AS degree to continue full-time study at a four-year SUNY college.
The application deadline for the Guarantee is March 1 for Fall admission and October 1 for Spring
admission. More details on this guarantee and the requirements, including additional deadlines, can
be found in the SUNY Application.

Alumni: Find out what the alums who graduated from your program of interest are doing. Also ask if
internships are available in your major. These are practical questions that all admissions officers
should be able to answer and information that could be valuable to you as you decide to apply and
ultimately attend the college.

Deadlines: Know all deadlines. This information is critical throughout the entire process from the
admission application, to the financial aid application, to the deposit deadline.

File System: Create a file on each college/university where you are applying. Include general
information, a copy of the application, deadlines listed on the front, and a checklist of the application
process. Also create a file for financial aid and make copies of all financial aid documents.

The Application: Before filling out your applications, make photocopies. Fill out the copies first to
avoid making mistakes on the original. The application is a reflection on you and it is always wise to
present yourself in the best way. If an essay is required, have someone read it before you submit it.

Students with Disabilities: Remember that when you transfer to another college, your disability
goes with you. You should think about this as you make your transfer plans. Since none of your
disability–related information (documentation, accommodations, etc.) is part of your general college
record, it is not automatically transferred with your other records. There are other considerations you
need to be aware of when you transfer with a disability. Be sure to make an appointment with the
Office of Student Disability Services to talk about the process as soon as you begin to think about
transfer.

The Bottom Line is: Always read Transfer Student section of your prospective college’s Admissions
page carefully and follow their guidelines and procedures. When in doubt, call the college and ask to
speak with their Transfer Admissions Officer.
3
Transfer Checklist
Application:
SUNY Colleges:
 Obtain a current SUNY Viewbook from Advising and Counseling Services.
 You have a choice of two application methods. You must follow the directions provided, so please
read them very carefully.
o Complete the On-line version at: www.suny.edu/student or
o Obtain a Paper application from Advising and Counseling Services. Complete and mail the
Paper application using the envelope accompanying the application.
 The SUNY application fee is waived for up to four (4) SUNY Colleges for NYS residents transferring
directly to a baccalaureate campus for the semester immediately following your graduation with an
associate degree from a NYS two-year public college. By completing the section for all transfer
college students, when you indicate expected ending date under “Dates Attended” SUNY will
calculate no charge.
o When completing the On-line application select “pay by mail” option and you will not be
billed (for your first four selected colleges).
o When completing a Paper application, do not mail a check (unless applying to more than
four schools).
 Look at each prospective school’s transfer admissions web page for any additional required
materials (ie. SAT scores depending on number of already completed credits). Some SUNY
campuses will send you a supplemental application, after they have received your application. You
should complete these forms and return them to those institutions in a timely manner.
CCC Codes:
College Code: 54
CEEB Code: 2106
Private Colleges:
 If you are applying to a private college/university, mail the application and fee directly to that
college/university.
Transcript Requests:
 You may request your official Corning Community College transcript be sent, without charge, to
prospective colleges. Your account must be in good standing with no holds for your transcript
request to be processed. To request a transcript via the MyCCC Student Link:
o Click on: My Banner Links
o Click on: Student and Financial Aid (Apply for Admission, Register, View your
academic records and Financial Aid).
o Click on: Student Records View your holds, grades and transcripts
o Click on: Request Printed Transcript
o Click on: Look up College Code
o On the Transcript Request Address page, click on the Select a State or Province
dropdown menu and find the state of your transfer school.
o After selecting state, click on the List Cities in Selected State, Province or Country
box
o Click on the Select College City dropdown menu and find the city of your transfer
school.
o After selecting the city, click on the List Colleges in Selected City box
o Click on the Select College name dropdown menu and find the name of your transfer
school
o Click on Copy selected college information to Date Entry form box. The college’s
name and mailing address will now be entered.
4
(continued)
o
On the Select Transcript Type page, There are two required fields.
 Click on the Transcript Type dropdown menu and select the appropriate official
transcript
 When applying to a SUNY school, Click on: “SUNY Gen Ed Official
transcript”
 When applying to a non- SUNY school, Click on: “Official”
 Click on the Course Levels dropdown menu and select Click on the
“Undergraduate” selection
 At the bottom the page, Click on Continue box
 On the Transcript Request Options” page, Click on the Click on the Delivery
Method dropdown menu and select “Standard Mailing”
 At the bottom the page, Click on Continue box
 On the Transcript Request Summary page, review the inputted data.
 If the data is correct, click on the Submit Request box and your request will
be processed.
o
For SUNY Schools continue the request and eventually you will arrive to a drop down
menu: Transcript Type
Click on: “SUNY GenEd & Official transcript”
Follow the remainder of the prompts.
o
o

If you prefer, complete a "Transcript Request Form" for each college at Student Administrative
Services (Administration Building, Main Lobby). CCC students and graduates can request unlimited
transcripts without charge. Written requests need to include your name, college ID, years attended,
signature, and the complete address where you want the transcript mailed. Reminder: After
confirming all of your grades have been posted, request a final transcript mailed at the end of your
last semester at CCC to the college you plan to attend.
Other:
 Always request an evaluation of your credits before you make the decision on where you will attend
college. Evaluation of all potential transfer credit is the responsibility of the transfer institution. If
you have attended another college, look at that college’s website for the transfer request procedure
to have official transcripts sent to your college choice. If you are unable to locate the information
contact the college/university for directions.
 Complete a "request form" at the CCC Health Office, Commons, to have your immunization records
released free of charge. This document will be sent to you. You can then make a copy and forward it
to the college you will transfer to.
 Send a letter to the Admissions Office(s) of the college(s) you are applying to, informing them of the
courses in which you are currently enrolled.
 Contact the colleges and request an interview. In most instances, interviews are not required, but
they can be very beneficial to learn more about the college and the academic program that you are
interested in studying.
 Complete all federal and state financial aid forms if you are applying for financial aid.
 Always completely read the Transfer Admissions pages and Financial Aid pages of your prospective
schools. You are responsible for following any additional steps not detailed on these pages. For
example, although SUNY colleges have a SUNY Application in print or on line, you still need to be
aware of, and complete, any additional required documents.
5
Tips For Financial Aid



Your primary source of information for financial aid should be the Financial Aid Office of each of your
prospective schools. The school’s website is a good starting point. Generate questions and call each
office to confirm your understanding.
Make sure you know the appropriate forms to file. All colleges will require the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Some colleges will require additional forms, eg. Profile Form or an
individual college form for financial aid.
Recommended filing date for fall is February 15 and Spring is October 15. You should complete the form
as soon as the required tax records have been completed.
Scholarships
Scholarship research takes time. You need to plan ahead as most scholarships require an application
process and have very strict deadlines. Advising and Counseling Services has many resources, including
publications listing scholarships, a bulletin board with a sample of available scholarships and scholarships
sponsored by transfer colleges/universities for transfer students.
Tips on searching for scholarships: The scholarship criteria and application process will vary. Some
scholarships will require an essay, a resume or perhaps an interview. You will need to read directions very
carefully and adhere to all deadlines.
 Research local scholarships first
 Check membership organizations with which you have an affiliation such as religious, community
service, fraternal, military, union, and/or professional
 Large employers often offer scholarships or tuition reimbursement for dependent children of employees
 Use a free scholarship search service which collects information on hundreds of awards and compares
them with your characteristics. Based on the answers to the questionnaire you will receive a list of
possible scholarships that match your criteria. It is up to you to decide which ones to apply for.
 Research institutional scholarships
A Sampling of Scholarship Web Sites:

















www.americorps.org (AmeriCorps)
www.chelafinancial.com (Chela Financial)
www.collegeboard.com (The College Board)
www.college-guide-nys.org (New York Private Colleges and Universities)
www.collegeview.com (CollegeView)
www.communityfund.org (The Community Fund of the Elmira-Corning Area)
www.ed.gov (US Department of Education)
www.fastweb.com (FastWeb)
www.4scholarships.com (4Anything Network)
www.gocollege.com (GoCollege)
www.hispanicfund.org (Hispanic College Fund)
www.nationalservice.org/scholarships (Presidential Freedom Scholarships)
www.nysfaaa.org (NYS Financial Aid Administrators Association)
www3.canisius.edu/nystaa/(The New York State Transfer and Articulation Association)
www.petersons.com (Peterson’s)
www.princetonreview.com (Princeton Review)
www.uncf.org (United Negro College Fund)
6
SUNY Transfer Guarantee Program for AA/AS Graduates
An opportunity to continue full-time study at a four- year SUNY college is guaranteed to all New York State
residents who transfer directly from their degree-granting SUNY or CUNY two-year college with an Associate
in Arts (A.A.) or an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree. To be eligible for the program, however, you must
comply with the following requirements (material must be received on or before the dates indicated):
FOR FALL
ADMISSION
February 1
FOR SPRING
ADMISSION
September 15
February 15
October 1
Provide the four-year campus(es) with an official two-year
college transcript, showing three semesters of completed
studies.
March 15
October 15
Complete all supplemental application materials for
campuses which require them
Deadline for AA/AS applicants to submit a SUNY Application
to the SUNY Application Processing Center (APC)
*Applications to transfer, of course, may be submitted after these dates, but will not qualify for the transfer
guarantee.
**The transfer guarantee becomes effective if you are denied admission at all of your four-year
college choices. Remember that applications on file at baccalaureate campuses must be complete. One
incomplete application will eliminate you from the Transfer Guarantee Program.
***Although the program assures admission to a four-year college, it does not assure admission to a
specific campus or major.
From: http://www.applyweb.com/apply/suny/app_related.html
7
General Education Credit Review Worksheet
General Education comprises a depth and breadth of study across the curriculum. The purpose is to expose you to areas you many not
otherwise explore while making you think differently from subject area to subject area. It is important to pay attention to the types of courses
you take and create a balanced transcript for transfer. Not all colleges and universities will have the exact same requirements, but you can
create a list of courses that may naturally transfer in a productive way. Below is the SUNY General Education Course Plan as an example to
follow.
Corning Community College
SUNY General Education Course Plan
If you are planning to transfer to a SUNY college or university, you should complete a minimum of one course in at least seven (7) of the
ten (10) knowledge and skill areas (exception: Engineering Science requirement is five of the ten areas.) Completing courses in all 10
areas will be to your advantage as you transfer to a SUNY college or university. If you are transferring courses from another college or
university, these courses may fulfill SUNY General Education Requirements (see your advisor.) Some requirements may be met through
high school coursework and/or challenge exams. Using the grid, circle courses completed and maintain this document as a record of
requirements that have been fulfilled. Although this is the most up-to-date information (as of April 19, 2009) it is still a work in progress.
Please seek assistance from your Academic Advisor, Advising & Counseling Services, or Student Administrative Services for clarification
and updates.
Waiver
HIST1110
HIST1120
HIST2320
ARTS1310*
ARTS1320*
HUMA1010*
HUMA1020*
HUMA2010*
HIST1010
HIST1020
MUSC1230
MUSC1240
THEA1010*
GOVT1010
HIST2110
HIST2120
HIST2170
HIST2410
ARTS1310*
ARTS1320*
HUMA1010*
HUMA1020*
HUMA2030
HUMA2070
HUMA2200
MUSC1230
MUSC1240
PHIL1010
PHIL1100
PHIL1230
GEOL1510
PHIL1300
GEOL1520
GEOL1530
PHYS1730
PHYS1740
PHYS1820
PHYS2830
PHYS2840
SCIN1110
CHEM1030
CHEM2010
PHIL2010
PHIL2050
PHIL2070
PHIL2250
PHIL2310
PHIL2320
PHIL2360
PHIL2420
PHIL2500
ENGL1020
THEA2501
ARTS1030
ARTS1210
ARTS1410
ARTS1420
ARTS1440
ENGL2480
ENGL2490
MCOM1220
MUSC1311
MUSC1411
MUSC1421
MUSC1321
MUSC19201990
THEA1010*
THEA1020
Waiver
FREN1010
GREK1010
GERM1010
LATN1010
RUSS1010
RUSS2010
SIGN10101
SPAN1010
ARAB1010
ARAB1020
ARAB2010
ARTS1500
ARTS1670
1
This requirement may be used for students entering programs leading to certification in elementary & secondary education and
programs leading to careers in health and social science agencies where there is likely to be significant contact with the hearingimpaired.
*This course appears in more than one knowledge and skill area, but can be used to fulfill only one requirement.
8
Basic
Communication
(BC)
Foreign Language
(FL)
The Arts
(A)
Humanities
(H)
Other World
Civilizations
(OWC)
Waiver
ANTH2120
ECON2001
HIST1050
PSYC1101
PSYC2215
SOCI1010
GEOG1210
Western
Civilization
(WC)
Waiver
ASTR1010
ASTR1020
BIOL1010
BIOL1020
BIOL1510
BIOL1520
BIOL1050
CHEM1510
CHEM1520
CHEM1010
CHEM1020
ERTH1010
American History
(AH)
Social Sciences
(SS)
Waiver
MATH1120
MATH1230
MATH1140
MATH1210
MATH1620
Natural Sciences
(NS)
Mathematics
(M)
Knowledge and Skills Areas—SUNY Learning Outcomes
Waiver
ENGL1010
Alternative methods for meeting knowledge and skill area requirements.
Knowledge and skill
areas
Mathematics
Natural Sciences
AP Scores of 3,4, or 5
CLEP
(minimum score)
Calculus with Elem.
Functions-41
College Algebra-46
College Algebra/Trig-45
Calculus (AB)
Calculus (BC)
Social Sciences
Exams in Biology,
Chemistry, Physics (B or
C)
Psychology
American History
American History
Gen. Biology-46
Gen. Chemistry-47
American Gov’t-47
Intro Psychology-47
Intro Sociology-47
American Gov’t-47
American History I to
1877-45
American History II
1865 plus -45
Western Civilization
Other World Civilizations
Humanities
The Arts
Foreign Language
Basic Communication
College French I-39
College French II-45
College German I-40
College German II-48
College Spanish I-45
College Spanish II-50
420 or better on CLEP
General English Exam;
College Composition-44
English
Your General Education Plan
Courses Taken:
Courses for Future Semesters:
jw:rev.02/08/10
9
Other
Regents: Sequential III
Regents exam—passing
score.
College Visit and Interview
The Interview
Although most colleges and universities do not require an admissions interview for the application process, it
is to your benefit to make a visit to each college where you submit an application. Most admissions offices
will offer individual interview appointments and group tours of campus. Both the interview and tour are
wonderful opportunities to get to know the campus, the students and different programs available.
The interview is less like a job interview and more of an opportunity to share information. Admissions officers
will ask specific questions about your academic background, extra-curricular activities, community service,
and future goals. This allows them to reflect on how their institution can offer the kind of opportunities you
have had in the past and look forward to in the future. The interview also allows you to ask questions and
voice any concerns you may have.
If you have specific concerns about your past academic performance or needs you would like to address, the
interview is a great platform to do so. Many times the application process does not allow you to show
yourself as an individual and the interview is one of the best ways to correct past mistakes or project
characteristics that may be of value to admissions counselors when deciding on your application. These
characteristics may be strong leadership skills, artistic talent, belief in academic goals you have set and
motivation to succeed.
Questions you may be asked:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Why did you decide to attend Corning Community College?
What would you like to major in to complete your bachelor’s degree?
Why do you think Corning Community College has prepared you to continue your education?
What do you think you can bring to this institution to leave your mark?
What kind of clubs, organizations and community service have you been active in during the past and
how do you think that involvement has affected your personal life and professional goals?
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Why did you choose to apply to this institution?
Reflecting on your academic background, what are you proud of and what would you like to do over?
How do you usually study; in study groups, by yourself quietly or with music, etc.
Who is your favorite professor and why?
Questions you may want to ask:
You should attempt to gain an understanding of areas of concern by researching (via website) and then ask
clarifying questions.
1.
Could you give me an idea of how my credits will transfer and what my class standing may be? (You
should be prepared with a copy of your transcripts)
2.
What is the faculty like?
3.
I am interested in (_______) major; could you tell me more about the program.
4.
Do you offer internships? What kind of internship is traditionally done by students in my major?
5.
Are there scholarships available to transfer students and how do I apply for them?
6.
What kind of housing is available for transfer students? Are they housed with upper class students or
put together with new students that comprise freshmen? What options are available?
7.
Are on-campus apartments available? To what extent do you help with off-campus housing?
8.
Is there a Career Development Center that will assist me in my job search?
9.
What are some jobs alums are holding in my major? May I have a copy of a graduate study?
10. What percent of your students go on to graduate school
11. What are some specific colleges/universities they attend?
10
The Tour
Tours are generally given by current students. They are trained to follow a certain script, but will also
interject stories about their own college experiences. Students are very honest about their college and you
can usually trust what they say. They are, however, chosen because they love their college and want good
students to come and enjoy the opportunities they are experiencing. Be a critical thinker and ask, “why?”
A tour of campus will also allow you to see the Residence Halls and classrooms. This is a good opportunity
to ask the student guide what their classes are like, how they have enjoyed the one or two Residence Halls
they have lived in and what they think of the food. Also ask the student what kind of extra-curricular activities
they have been involved in and how easy it is to get involved.
Other Options
You may also ask if you could meet with someone:

in Financial Aid

A faculty member in your major

A coach if you are interested in a particular sport.
Additionally, colleges may have an overnight policy where you can stay in the dorms, eat the food and attend
a class or two. This is an overall experience that is extremely valuable and worthwhile. An important
question to ask is whether you are provided a student host during your visit. It is extremely helpful to have
someone you can rely on to eat with and introduce you to students on campus.
If you will not be living on campus, you may still want to attend a class or two. The Admissions Office can set
this up for you at your request.
Application Decisions and Your Decision.......
Acceptances:
Once you have received your acceptances, it is important to read them thoroughly to find out when your
deposits and notifications are due. You will need to review and evaluate any information that follows your
acceptance as well to determine how well the institution meets your criteria.






Financial Aid Package
Quality of Education
How Well the Major Fits Your Needs
Number of Credits Transferred
Setting of College
Geographic Location
Pay close attention to deadlines. There will be a notification deadline that will include a monetary deposit.
Make sure you follow these deadlines to ensure your place in the class.
Denials:
A denial letter is difficult to receive and you need to put the decision in perspective. Do not take these letters
personally. You may have applied to a program that has a large number of applicants for their fixed number
of admitted students. If you have your heart set on a particular college, you should ask the college about any
options that may exist. Some suggestions may be:
* Summer Session Enrollment
* Mid-Term Enrollment
* Part-time Enrollment
* Probationary Status or non-degree enrollment
* Special Admissions Considerations
* Change of Program Request
These options may enable you to prove your ability to the institution and work toward a full-time program.
Some colleges have these options, others will not. You need to contact the Admissions Office at the
college/university as soon as possible to find out what your options are and start implementing them. It
would also be to your advantage to work closely with the Career Counselor at CCC to help you with the
efforts.
11
NOTES.....
NOTES...
NOTES.....
lahrev072613
12