We’ve compiled a list of questions you might want to think about prior to meeting with your Western advisor, the Transfer Coordinator, and/or the four-year institution you're thinking about transferring to. After reviewing this list, you should be well-prepared to ask the right questions and receive the correct answers.
- Preparation for a Transfer Discussion
- Check out websites of colleges/degrees of interest to you
- Bring a copy of your unofficial transcripts and, if possible, transfer agreements of interest
- Have a list of questions to ask and be ready to take notes!
- Career Goals
- What is my career goal?
- Will this degree relate to my career goal?
- Will my bachelor’s degree improve my ability to acquire a job or allow me to advance in my career field?
- Location
- Do I need to travel to your campus to take classes and are the classes offered in non-traditional format?
- Do you have classes at other campuses that might be more convenient for me?
- Cost/Financial Aid
- What is the cost per credit for a class from this institution? Is there a difference in the cost of online courses versus traditional courses?
- What is the application fee?
- Are there any additional course fees?
- Is there a difference between the cost of private and non-private colleges? Why?
- What do I have to do to receive financial aid at your college?
- Are there scholarships that I am eligible for (i.e. specific transfer, program, background, etc.)?
- National/Regional Accreditation
- Is your college well respected in the community?
- Is the college nationally or regionally accredited?
- Does your college have a physical location in a state?
- Will the credits taken at this college be accepted by other colleges for advanced degrees (i.e. graduate school)?
- Credits
- Will you review my credits before I apply? Do an unofficial course evaluation?
- What is the maximum number of credits that I can transfer to your institution that will count towards my program?
- How many credits do I need in addition to my associate degree to complete this specific bachelor’s degree?
- How many credits in the major/minor need to be completed at your institution?
- How many credits are in this bachelor’s degree program?
- Does your college have semester or quarter credits?
- Timing
- Should I finish my associate degree first?
- When can I apply? When can I register for classes?
- If I decide not to attend your institution or decide classes are not for me, when is the withdrawal date?
- Can I attend part-time or full-time?
- Is there a late fee charge for application or payment of credits?
- Are there opportunities for summer classes, winter/summer break classes, hybrid classes, weekend classes?
- Housing
- Is there a requirement to live on campus as a transfer student?
- How do I find out about available rental apartments in the area?
- How do I sign up for campus housing?
