How to Be a Successful Transfer Student

Many students who start their education at SCC plan to eventually earn a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution. Students who plan to attend SCC as long as possible before transferring to a university are generally recommended to earn an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree. Students planning to major in education are recommended to earn the Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) degree.

For most universities and major fields of study, the A.A. degree closely parallels the courses a student would take during the freshman and sophomore years at a university. In most cases, the student earning an A.A. or A.A.T. degree would transfer as a junior and could then complete the last two years (junior and senior) of his/her college education at the university. Students who plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering, health information or nursing can choose to earn the Associate of Science (A.S.) degree at SCC.

All students need to be aware that it is their responsibility to contact the institution to which he/she plans to transfer to ensure the transferability of any course.

Missouri Statewide General Education Policy

Completion of the 42 credit-hour general education block for the A.A. degree at SCC will also fulfill lower-level general education requirements at participating institutions. Visit the Missouri Department of Higher Education website, http://www.dhe.mo.gov/cota/gectinstitutions.php for a list of these institutions.

Important Steps for the Transfer Student

Choose a Major
SCC offers many courses that fulfill the lower division (freshman and sophomore) general education and major field requirements in most fields of study. Choosing your major early in college will enable you take the courses that will best transfer toward your major.

Unsure of what you want to major in?  Talk with a career counselor in the Career Services Center, Room 1204 in the Administration Building.

Choose a Transfer University
Each transfer university has specific graduation requirements that must be met for each major field of study. Therefore, deciding which university you will transfer to will help determine the appropriate courses you will need to take at SCC to meet university requirements. Make an appointment to visit the campus of each university you are most interested in. Visit the admissions office, the department of your major, financial aid, housing and any other areas on campus that are important in your decision making process.

While you are on campus, observe EVERYTHING! If you choose that university, you will be spending a lot of time and money there. Read the college newspaper and bulletin boards around campus – that can give you a good “feel” of the environment. Walk around in the classroom buildings, the student center, library and admissions/registration. What kind of impressions do you get? Do you feel like you fit in? Look at the students and faculty – do they look like they’re happy to be there? If possible, see if you can sit in on a class to observe classroom interactions. If you plan to live in a residence hall, be sure to take a tour of the ones you might be living in.

Choose Appropriate Classes

• Choose appropriate classes based on your major and the university you have decided to attend.
• Use transfer guides or a course transferability form if a transfer guide is not available.
• Obtain departmental materials that give detailed information on the specific courses needed for your major.
• Become familiar with all your transfer college policies, procedures, and requirements needed to successfully finish your Bachelor's Degree.
• Consider earning an associate degree if the courses are equivalent to what is needed at the transfer university.