Tips for a Successful Transfer

1. Tips for a Successful Transfer By: Liz Diaz 872-3593 ldiaz@southtexascollege.edu

2. Texas Common Course Numbering System • Effort among Texas colleges and universities to improve the transfer of general academic courses. • Provides a shared, uniform set of course numbers to determine course equivalency of transfer credit in Texas. • Most colleges have replaced their course numbering system with TCCNS designations.

3. Policies of theTexas Higher Education Coordinating Board • Each public institution must identify at least 42 semester credit hours of academic courses that fulfill their Core Curriculum. • A student who successfully completes the entireCore Curriculum at one institution may transfer those courses to meet the core requirements at the receiving institution.

4. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (cont.) • An institution may deny the transfer of credit in courses in which a student received a grade of a “D”. • No university shall be required to accept in transfer or toward a degree, more than 66credit hours of academic credits earned at a college.

5. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (cont.) Excess Credit Hours Rule • Students first enrolled in Fall 2006 or later will be charged additional fees for attempted college credit hours above the 30 hour cap. • Attempted hours includes classes that were dropped, repeated or not needed on a degree plan except for developmental, technical or dual enrollment courses. EX: 120 hours + 30 hours = 150 hours

7. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (cont.) Six Course Drop Rule • Applies to students first enrolled in Fall 2007 or later. • An institution may not permit a student to drop more than 6 courses. Includes any course dropped at other institutions except for dual enrollment or developmental classes. • After the student has reached the drop limit, s(he) will not be allowed to drop a course.

8. How Credits Transfer • General Education Credits – Meet the core curriculum requirements for many degrees; include courses in English, history, science, and math. • Field of StudyCourses – Meet the lower level requirements for the major at the receiving institution. • Elective Credits – Courses that count towards completing the total number of credits needed for a degree.

9. Articulation Agreements STC and several universities have established Articulation Agreements to develop and maintain transfer options for students.These partnerships allow a smooth transition from STC into baccalaureate programs.

10. STC has Articulation Agreements with Several Universities Including: • Midwestern State University • Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi • Texas A&M University – Kingsville • Texas State University – San Marcos • UT – Brownsville • UT – Dallas • UT – San Antonio • UT – Pan American • University of Houston – Clear Lake

11. Transferability of Courses To find out if a course will transfer from South Texas College to another Texas college or university, go to: www.tccns.org

12. TRANSFER TRACK • Program that provides STC students an opportunity to meet with representatives from universities. • Students receive information about academic programs, applications, and brochures.

13. Step 1: Find Out Which Universities Offer Your Major Search for institutions using the following web sites: • www.petersons.com • www.your-college-search.com • www.collegeforalltexans.com

14. Step 2: Consider These Factors • Location – in Texas or out-of-state • Size – small (less than 5,000), medium (5,000 – 10,000) and large (10,000+). • Public or Private – Public institutions are supported by state tax dollars. Private institutions are independent and self-supported. • Costs – Tuition costs in Texas can range from $1,500 to over $20,000 per semester. Also, housing costs (dorm or apartment) can vary.

15. Step 3: Learn About the Admission Requirements • Deadlines for Admissions, Financial Aid and Housing • Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) • Additional Requirements for Major • Test Scores

16. Step 4: Find Out About Financial Assistance • FAFSA – Federal student aid that includes grants, loans and work-study. • Scholarships – Based on merit, need or athletic criteria; funded by universities, departments, companies and alumni. • Veterans’ Programs – Students who have served in the U.S. armed forces may be eligible for educational benefits.

17. Step 5: Plan Ahead • Admissions Application– Deadlines vary. Usually the larger the institution, the earlier the date. • Financial Aid– Awarded on an academic year basis. Complete the FAFSA early for the upcoming academic year. • Scholarships – Generally have an earlier deadline than for grants or loans.

18. Step 6: Complete and Send Documents • Admissions Application & Fee • Financial Aid/Scholarship Applications • Official College Transcript & High School Transcript (if required) • Test Scores – TSI, THEA, Accuplacer, ACT or SAT • Housing Application (if applicable)

19. Step 7: Get Organized • Keep Records – Make copies of everything you submit. When you talk with someone on the phone, note the name, date, and the subject matter. • Develop a Backup Plan – In case you aren’t admitted, the financial aid doesn’t work out, or you change your mind.

20. Step 8: Be Successful • Learn about student support services and where they are located. • Set up a daily schedule and stick to it. • If you’re attending classes full time, try to limit your hours at work. • Develop good study habits. • Talk to your instructors if you have any concerns about your classes.