South Puget Sound Community College

Transfer Tips

Are you thinking about transferring to a four-year school? Here are some tips to make your transition to a university smooth. Remember to Start Early!

Ask Questions

Only certain types of degrees transfer! The Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees (Option 1&2) are intended to transfer to four-year universities in Washington. These degrees are also referred to as Direct Transfer Agreement Degrees (DTA's). If you are pursuing an Associate of Technical Arts (ATA) degree, those degrees are generally designed to provide direct workforce skills and are not transferable. However, certain ATA degrees may transfer to specific universities. Stay in close contact with your faculty advisor to insure you understand your options and are on track with your course requirements.

Look Out for Pitfalls

It is very helpful to decide your four-year major early-on. Once you decide your major, immediately research universities that you may be interested in to determine what general education courses they recommend you take during your first two-years. For instance, does your major require the calculus series, should you take additional biology or art? Most Washington state college General Education Requirements can be found at Washington University Links.

If at all possible, finish your AA or AS degree. If you complete your degree and receive a DTA, colleges generally have to accept all your credits. If you do not complete an AA/AS, the receiving college can pick-and-choose classes they want to accept.

Be cautious of Elective credits. When choosing electives to satisfy your degree, it is always best to pick additional courses from the General Education List (GEL). Colleges have certain requirements when it comes to accepting "gray-area" credits (those elective credits not on GEL).

Do Your Research

Explore Washington colleges and universities at Washington University Links. Many colleges allow you to request information online. Not all specialty colleges are listed on this site. If you have a particular interest, printed materials can be found in the Counseling Center in Building 25.

It is very important to check specific admission requirements. Look for minimum transfer GPA's, foreign language and general education requirements. Also look for specific department requirements.

If possible, visit the college. Check out the campus, residence halls and community.

Get Ready, Apply!

Look for admission deadlines. You often have to apply to the university as well as the department in which you plan to major.

Order official transcripts from each college you have attended. It is always a good idea to order a copy for your records as well. Remember, universities will only accept official transcripts. The transcript must remain sealed in the original envelope. A copy of your high school transcript may also be required.

Choose one or two colleges and apply for admission. Application fees are usually around $36.

Find Financial Resources

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form after January 1 of the year you plan to attend. You can also complete this form online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Each university sets its own priority deadlines. Most financial aid deadlines occur before March 1. If you apply after that time, you may still be eligible to receive aid, but the amount you receive could be considerably less.

Research scholarships. Check with the institution you plan to attend, your high school, your local library, local community organizations and the Internet.