JCC | Transfer

Start here, go anywhere: Transfer a great option for a bachelor’s degree

You dream of graduating from a university with that bachelor’s degree. Did you know you can get there from a community college, at a significant savings?

Community colleges offer courses that are equivalent to what many students take at their first two years of university study, and they can transfer on for those who are university-bound.

If your goal in college is to transfer to a four-year university, there are important steps to take before even beginning at Jackson Community College. To enjoy a smooth transfer and not have to repeat courses at a four-year institution that you had at community college, it’s important to plan.

Step 1: Plan ahead

Decide on a major or program early, and learn about the transfer program. Students may complete their first two years worth of course work at community college and then enter university as a junior. The types of college courses necessary may include:

general education courses
courses required as preparation for your intended program
electives
program or major courses

Step 2: Determine program requirements

Determine if your program of study is a “second admit.” That means that after you are accepted to the university of your choice, you also must apply to the college that houses your program, such as the College of Education for teachers. Some programs with secondary admits include business, education, engineering, nursing, social work, physical therapy, occupational therapy, music, dance, art and theater.

Step 3: Meet with an advisor

Meet with an advisor at JCC. He or she can help you meet JCC’s graduation requirements, and/or prepare to transfer with maximum credits to the university of your choice. Transfer credit means the courses you took at the community college are recognized as equivalent to the same courses offered by the four-year college you want to attend. An advisor can give you a transfer guide to help chart out the courses necessary for your major program to ensure ease in transfer. Remember, there’s no substitute for professional advice. Meet with an advisor even before you register for your first semester course to ensure that your courses will be necessary and “transferable.”

Step 4: Choose your top picks

Select the universities that match your needs and wishes! Many catalogs and applications are in JCC’s Student Services Center, in Bert Walker Hall, as well as at other JCC locations. A web page that will take you to the home page of Michigan colleges is www.macrao.org. Also, four-year colleges and universities visit JCC in mid-fall.

Step 5: Request information, apply

Call or go online to the universities you plan to attend and request catalogs and applications. Return applications with appropriate payment.

Step 6: Send transcripts

Request official transcripts be sent to the universities you are applying to, from JCC and any other colleges you have attended.

Step 7: File for financial aid

Complete the financial aid process.

Step 8: Visit

Visit the university you plan to attend.