{"id":27,"date":"2021-01-21T21:31:10","date_gmt":"2021-01-21T21:31:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sanjac.mycareerfocus.org\/spring-2021-volume-1-issue-1\/transferring-is-easier-than-you-think\/"},"modified":"2021-02-18T22:08:22","modified_gmt":"2021-02-18T22:08:22","slug":"transferring-is-easier-than-you-think","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sanjac.mycareerfocus.org\/spring-2021-volume-2-issue-1\/transferring-is-easier-than-you-think\/","title":{"rendered":"Transferring is easier than you think"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Courtney Morris<\/span><\/p>\n

Before starting college, Ralph Alley already knew his goal: to earn an early childhood education degree from Sam Houston State University. Alley enrolled at San Jacinto College to stay with family and ease into higher education.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t comfortable making that quick of a change,\u201d he said. \u201cI needed to learn independence.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

Ralph Alley tours Sam Houston State University before transferring there from San Jac. (Photo courtesy of Ralph Alley)<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Because of San Jac\u2019s low tuition, he could avoid student loans, and transferring to SHSU would be straightforward thanks to both schools\u2019 partnership.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBefore I registered at San Jac, I explained with an admissions counselor where I planned to go,\u201d he said. \u201cThe counselor made sure my classes transferred to SHSU.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alley applied early, got accepted, and will start at SHSU this fall after wrapping up his associate degree.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was much simpler than I anticipated,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do you want to save dollars by starting college at home? Need the flexibility and convenience of community college while you figure out your career course? While everyone\u2019s path looks different, San Jac makes transferring as simple as possible for students.<\/span><\/p>\n

Director of student support services Sonia Townsend and educational planners Julie Cleburn and Crystal Moreno share tips to navigate the transfer process.<\/span><\/p>\n

I haven\u2019t chosen my major or transfer university. Where do I start?<\/span><\/h3>\n

As soon as you enroll at San Jac, meet often with an educational planner to ensure you\u2019re on track with your goals \u2014 and to choose a major if you\u2019re undecided. Students usually meet with an advisor at the beginning, middle, and end of their program, but you can meet anytime you need help.<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t know where you want to transfer? Educational planners can help you decide by exploring your career options.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe like to start with the end goal in mind and work our way backward,\u201d Townsend said. \u201cNot all universities offer the same majors. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to select the university best suited for your academic and career goals.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Even if you plan to stop at an associate degree or certificate, don\u2019t discount transfer advising. You may find you need a bachelor\u2019s degree to advance in your career, or an economic slump may prompt you to advance your skills or pursue a different career.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLife has a funny way of throwing twists and turns in the way of our neatly laid-out plans,\u201d Moreno said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Action Step:<\/span> For advising and other academic needs, schedule a virtual appointment. Visit https:\/\/appointments.sanjac.edu<\/b><\/span><\/a>. Select \u201cEducational Planning, Counseling, and Completion\u201d as the department and \u201cGeneral Advising\u201d as the reason for the visit.<\/span><\/p>\n

I know my transfer university. Now what?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Transferring is basically a two-step process: (1) Applying to the university (2) Sending a transcript from San Jac<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut the process can get complicated depending on where you want to transfer and the respective program or university-specific requirements,\u201d Cleburn said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Usually, you can complete most lower-level requirements for your bachelor\u2019s degree at San Jac.<\/span><\/p>\n

During your advising appointments, an educational planner will guide you through the overall transfer process:<\/span><\/p>\n