PREPARE

1. PREPARE Make the Decision to Transfer ORGANIZE Getting it Together: Determine Where You Should Transfer To WORK Apply to Four-Year Schools EVALUATE Assess Your Options RETHINK Reconsider Your Choices P.O.W.E.R. Plan

2. P.O.W.E.R.Why Transfer? • More career opportunities • Higher salary • You will be better educated, understanding more about the world around you • More options

3. P.O.W.E.R.Try It #1 Examine your reasons for considering a transfer at this time by answering the questions below. Jot down notes in response to each question. Some reasons may seem more serious than others, but the purpose of this exercise is not to judge yourself, but to know yourself. Academics Does your current institution offer enough courses that you are interested in? Are there specific courses that you would like to look for elsewhere? Is there an entire area of study (i.e. a major) that you would like to pursue in another institution? Do the courses you have taken seem too limiting or too easy? Have you not done well academically and think you might do better or find better teachers at another institution?

4. P.O.W.E.R.Try It #1 Continued Academics Continued Have the courses you’ve taken sparked an interest that you would like to pursue in a four-year college? Have you discovered that you are a more serious student and more interested in learning than you thought you were? Extracurricular Activities Does your current institution offer enough extracurricular activities? Are there particular sports, clubs, organizations, or other activities that you would like to try out, whether at a competitive level or a less formal level, that are not offered at your current institution? Are you interested in experiencing, even just as a spectator, a higher level of student sports or performances?

5. P.O.W.E.R.Try It #1 Continued Career Reasons Are you thinking of a career that is different from (e.g. more demanding or stimulating) than ones that a two-year degree will enable you to pursue? Have you identified a specific career that you can’t pursue any further at your current institution? Are you interested in a career that promises to pay better than the ones available with a two-year degree? Have you been looking for a job and finding nothing that is right for you? Are you simply not ready to start a career, but don’t yet know what you want to do? Are you trying to expand your career choices by educating yourself further?

6. P.O.W.E.R.Try It #1 Continued Social Reasons Do you feel that you have “used up” or exhausted the social possibilities available at your current institution? Do you want a more active, campus- centered social experience than what’s found at your current institution? Are you interested in meeting a greater number of students from different states, regions, countries, and/or cultural backgrounds? Do you simply feel that you need a “bigger pond” to swim in? Other Reasons Are you simply looking to make a fresh start in a different place? Are you considering a change for geographical reasons (e.g. different climate, different region)?

7. P.O.W.E.R.Try It #1 Continued Other Reasons Continued Are you considering a change to a different setting (e.g. a switch from an urban environment to a more rural one, or vice versa)? Are you trying to get away from someone or something in your current school or neighborhood? Are you pursuing someone who Is at the institution you are considering transferring to? Are you being pressured (e.g. by parents) to transfer to a four-year college? Can you identify any other reasons why you are considering a transfer?

8. P.O.W.E.R.Journal Reflections • Contemplate the reasons why you might want to transfer by considering the plusses and minuses of your current college. • What are the things you like best about your current college experience? • What aspects of your current college experience do you like least? • What are the things that you would miss most of you complete your schooling at your current school? • What might you gain if you transfer to a new college to continue your education? • What might be the drawbacks of transferring to a new college?

9. P.O.W.E.R.Why would you want to transfer to an institution thatdoesn’t have formal arrangements? • You may be seeking a specialized major that only certain colleges offer • You may wish to continue your education in another state or geographic locality • You are seeking new academic challenges • You are seeking a college that is very different from your current institution

10. P.O.W.E.R.Factors to consider when transferring to a four-yearinstitution • Where do you want to live? • What is the philosophy and mission of the college? • How large is the college or university? • What is the student body like? • What extracurricular activities can you participate in? • Is student housing available? • How much will it cost? • What is the school’s reputation? • What is your own personal take on the school? • Will the four-year school accept me?

11. P.O.W.E.R.Steps for applying to four-year schools • Obtain an application from the colleges to which you are applying. • Make a list of the application deadlines. • Identify individuals who can provide you with a recommendation. • Arrange for transcripts and test scores to be sent. • Complete the applications.

12. P.O.W.E.R.Steps for negotiating Financial Aid • Call to make an appointment to speak with a financial aid officer. • Prepare a case that shows why you need a better package. • If your desired school’s offer is smaller than that of another college, mention that. • Be polite as you present your case.

13. P.O.W.E.R.Reassess your Decision • Before committing yourself to a four-year institution, take the time to reassess your decision by answering the following questions: • Are you continuing your education for the right reasons? • Are you doing it for yourself or to please someone else? • Does the thought of taking more classes, spending late nights writing papers, and studying for tests fill you with dread and anxiety? • Unless you are fully committed to attending college, you should reconsider your decision to transfer.