Path to a Baccalaureate Degree

Path to a Path to a BaccalaureaBaccalaurea

te Degreete Degree

Transferring to a Four-Transferring to a Four-Year Institution from Year Institution from

Isothermal Community Isothermal Community CollegeCollege

Part 1: Getting Started

Enroll in a transfer degree If your goal is to transfer from Isothermal

to a four-year college or university, the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science program is the best option for you.

The major you choose at Isothermal is determined by your intended major at the university.

If you plan to major in:

EngineeringPre-Medicine

BiologyChemistry

Math

If you plan to major in:

EducationBusinessEnglishHistory

Liberal ArtsSocial SciencesHuman Services

Choose which degree you need based upon your anticipated four-year major

Associate of Arts Associate of Science

Arts and Sciences Program Associate of Arts Curriculum

A.A. degree students take more electives in liberal arts.

Associate of Science Curriculum A.S. degree students are required to take additional

hours in upper level math and science.

Both programs require the following to graduate: Must earn 65 semester hours in designated disciplines

with an overall grade point average of 2.0 Have taken 44 hour general education core and other

institutional requirementsIsothermal Community College. (2005). General Catalog: 2005-2007. pp.43-

45. Spindale: Isothermal Community College.

Transferability of Courses The NC Community College System and the 16

institutions that compose the University of North Carolina have signed a comprehensive Articulation Agreement which states:

1. Students who complete the A.A. or A.S. degree and who are accepted by institutions within North Carolina University System will transfer as juniors provided they also meet institutional and/or program requirements at the University to which they are transferring.

Isothermal Community College. (2005). General Catalog: 2005-2007. pp.43-45. Spindale: Isothermal Community College.

Transferability of Courses Continued

2. Students who complete the 44 hour general education core at a college within the NC Community College System will have met the general education requirements at the universities with the NC University System.

Some Universities have institutional requirements such as foreign language which, if not taken as part of the 44 hour core, will be required after transfer.


Transferability of Courses Continued

3. Students who transfer before completing the 44 hour core will have transcripts evaluated on a course by course basis and will be required to meet the general education requirements of the transfer institution.

4. Students who transfer to private colleges or to public universities outside of NC will have transcripts evaluated in accordance with their policies. The final decision on transferability rests with the transfer institution.


I’m not in a college transfer program now. How can I change my major? Complete a “Change of Major Form.” These forms are available within the

Admissions Office in the Student Center Building. Forms are also available online on the Admissions website.

You may either hand deliver the form or fax it to the Admissions Office at 828-286-

8109.

How do I know which classes will transfer? Courses offered under the Associate of

Arts/Science degrees are included in the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA).

As long as you only take the necessary courses to graduate with an AA/AS degree or diploma, your courses should transfer.

A full copy of the CAA is available on our website.

Remember Consult four-year college catalogs to

determine institutional and program requirements at the schools to which you intend to transfer.

This rarely happens, but if you do have difficulty with a NC University System college honoring the Articulation Agreement, see the Arts and Sciences Dean for explanation or resolution.


Transfer Degree Check List Check lists are available online on the Arts

and Sciences Department’s website.

Your advisor may also have a check list available for you.

Keep in mind that it is to your benefit to know your long-term major and take electives toward that major.

Part 2: Planning Ahead Deciding on your long-

term goal.

Grades are important! Remember, only classes that you pass

with a “C” or higher will transfer. Some, more competitive institutions,

require a GPA of 2.5, 3.0, or higher to be admitted.

Certain majors require a higher GPA. For example, many business departments require applicants earn at least a 2.5 GPA.

Choose your long-term major.

Choosing a MajorChoosing a Major

You can have a general transfer major here at Isothermal, but the sooner you know your long-term goal of a Bachelor’s degree major the better.

When you know your long-term goal or major, you can select courses at Isothermal that will enable you to stay on track and complete your four-year degree more quickly.

Choosing a Major Continued Start Deciding ASAP!

Start the process your first or second semester so that you will have plenty of time to research a major and find a four-year school that will best fit you.

Take ACA 115, which has career exploration components, your freshman year.

Need Help Choosing a Need Help Choosing a Major?Major? This will probably be one of the most difficult

decisions that an adult must make. Make an appointment with a counselor in the Office of Learning Support and Retention.

Also, you may want to talk to faculty members, your family, and friends.

Research your potential careers by visiting the CFNC.org website at

www.cfnc.org

Do I have to complete a degree or diploma at Isothermal before I transfer? It is in your best interest to complete a

degree before you transfer, but it is not required.

You may complete as few as 30 transferrable hours and still be eligible for transfer admission at a university.

However, only students who complete a diploma or degree will enjoy the benefits of the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement.

Part 3: Select Possible 4-year Colleges or Universities

RESEARCH WHICH COLLEGES OFFER YOUR MAJOR

Hopefully you have a particular major in mind and now you need to check-out which transfer colleges offer that major.

There are some great websites to assist you in your search.

Online Research Within North Carolina:

http://www.cfnc.org/ Use the “Plan – For College” options.

http//www.northcarolina.edu/ Use the “Academics,” then “Academic Programs” tabs.

Outside of North Carolina: http://www.petersons.com

NARROW IT DOWN to about three transfer schools Visit these schools and figure out what it is that

you are looking for in a four-year college. Here are a few characteristics that you may want to consider:

Belle-Isle, G. Christopher (2006). Transfer Timeline. The Next Step

Magazine: Transfer Guide 2006. p. 22-24. Victor: Next StepPublishing, Inc.

-Distance from home -Costs (Tuition, Fees, Housing, etc.)-Rural, Urban, or Suburbari-Private or Public- Geographic Location (Beach, Piedmont, or Mountains)-School Size- Undergraduate and Graduate ProgramsFull-time or Part-time Status Requirements

NARROWING IT DOWN Financial Aid Available - Transfer Student

Scholarship Opportunities Housing Requirements Faculty-student Ratio within Major Co-curricular Clubs and Organizations Recreational Activities and Intercollegiate

Sports Internship and Co-op Opportunities

Belle-Isle, G. Christopher (2006). Transfer Timeline. The Next Step Magazine: Transfer Guide 2006. p. 22-24. Victor: Next Step Publishing, Inc.

TOUCH BASE with the four-year schools

Write or call the admissions office of the schools in which you’re interested and request a catalog, application, financial aid information and any other helpful information to be mailed to you.

Once you’re on their mailing list, you should also receive invitations to open house, scholarship information and brochures about the major you’re interested in studying.



TOUCH BASE with the four-year schools continued

Email the admissions offices of the colleges in which you’re interested for information about degree requirements and deadlines.

If you haven’t already done so, arrange for a visitvisit to the schools. Schedule an appointment for a campus tour at least three to four weeks in advance. You may request to stay overnight in a dorm or to sit in on some classes. Interested in sports? Ask to meet with the coach. You may want to take this opportunity to meet with a financial aid officer, too.



Look for some MONEY

Remember: you shouldn’t have to pay for scholarship information or for help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application.

Visit Isothermal Community College’s financial aid office to get information on transfer scholarships and to pick-up the FAFSA application.



You may also want to use the following websites to assist you in locating scholarship money:

www.fastweb.com www.nextSTEPmag.com/Scholarships www.cfnc.org www.collegeboard.com Remember to read deadlines carefully and

apply as soon as possible.

Part 4: Applying to 4-year Institutions

APPLY for Admission Follow all the application

procedures very carefully and be aware of application deadlines. Deadlines are particularly important for high-demand programs.

There are some colleges that consider transfer applications on a rolling-admissions basis throughout the year, so APPLY AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.



How do I apply? Most colleges and universities have online

applications. All NC 4-year institutions have online

applications at www.cfnc.org. For schools outside of NC, you will need to

visit each institution’s individual website to apply online or request a paper application.

http://www.cfnc.org/

All University Admissions Offices will Require: A completed application Official high school transcript Official Isothermal transcript Transcripts from other colleges you have

attended Application fee Some applications may also require:

Admission essay Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)

When should I apply? The General Rule of

Thumb is that transfer students need to begin the application process at least two semesters before they intend to transfer.

Remember Admission deadlines vary by institution.

More competitive colleges have earlier deadlines.

Contact the Admissions Office of each university to find their specific deadlines.

Create an APPLICATION PORTFOLIO An application portfolio can help describe your

capabilities and demonstrate how you will be an asset to the campus. You may want to include: Writing sample demonstrating your abilities Resume Letters of Recommendation from your favorite

instructors Remember the Office of Learning Support and

Retention can assist with resume writing as well as proofreading college application forms.

Also, keep in mind that some colleges require an admissions interview. You may want to practice articulating your interest in the particular schools in which you are applying.



How do I request my official transcripts? Complete a Transcript Request Form and turn it into the

Student Records within the Student Services Office in the Student Center. Allow at least two weeks for these transcript requests to be processed by the Registrar’s staff.

If you have attended other institutions, you will need to obtain an official transcript from that college, too.

Some schools require that you obtain official copies of your high school or GED transcript as well. Read the application packet carefully to determine if this is necessary. You can obtain an official copy of your high school transcript from the guidance office at your high school.



Remember! If some of your grades are in progress, you

will need to request another official college transcript. This is necessary to ensure that your 4-year

institution receives your final grades and confirmation that you have graduated.

Part 5: I’m accepted, now what?

RE-READ your ACCEPTANCE LETTER

Make sure that you fully understand what you are getting into.

If you have applied for a specific program, make sure that your letter indicates you’ve been accepted to that particular program.

Check to see that you’ve been accepted to the appropriate semester you want to begin.



PAY YOUR DEPOSITS Make sure to pay any deposits necessary

to secure your slot!



REVIEW YOUR CREDIT EVALUATION

If you haven’t already requested a credit evaluation, contact the admissions office and request one.

The evaluation will indicate what courses will transfer and how they fit into your program. It will also inform you of how many credits you have remaining before you earn your bachelor’s degree.

If you don’t understand the document, review it with the LSR Office staff.



READ ALL of YOUR MAIL Take advantage of

advertised special orientation and advising programs offered.

Participation in these

programs will help you meet other students, get a feel for the college’s environment, and become familiar with the opportunities available.

Belle-Isle, G. Christopher (2006). Transfer Timeline. The

Next Step Magazine: Transfer Guide 2006. p. 22-24. Victor: Next Step Publishing, Inc.

We Wish You the Best on Your Educational Journey.

NOW GET NOW GET STARTED!STARTED!

Path to a Baccalaureate Degree

Documents

Transcript of Path to a Baccalaureate Degree