1. When should I start planning for transfer?
It is never too early to begin transfer planning. Early planning means that you can: 1) select courses at BMCC that may satisfy prerequisites and entry level courses at the 4-year college; 2) research schools to find your best ’fit’ college and program; 3) identify possible scholarships; 4) create your portfolio; request letters of recommendation; 5) meet application and scholarship deadlines; 6) apply for financial and institutional aid; and 7) take advantage of all the transfer planning assistance available to you as a BMCC student.
2. Do I need to complete the associate degree before I transfer?
No, but it is often recommended that you complete the associate degree. For some career paths, however, you will be better served by early transfer. An academic advisor can help you determine if early transfer is your best option. In most cases, there are advantages of earning the associate degree at BMCC: 1) research shows that associate degree earners are more likely to complete the baccalaureate degree; 2) an associate degree is a valuable credential; 3) earning the degree demonstrates that you can meet the goals you set for yourself; 4) with the associate degree, it is more likely that all your earned credits will transfer. You may also be exempt from additional general educational and institutional requirements.
3. What is the ‘best’ college for transfer?
The ‘best’ college is the one that meets your unique selection criteria. Some things to consider are cost of attendance; the majors offered, location (urban vs. rural); size of the student body; demographics; and campus safety. You may also consider sports and student activities, if these things are important to you. Identify your priorities before you begin to search for a transfer college.
4. What should I expect when I transfer to another college?
Expect that your experience will be different: 1) you may not have an assigned advisor and you will need to be proactive if you want academic support; 2) you will need to declare your major immediately even if you are continuing in the same major you had at BMCC. This is very important as your financial aid may be contingent upon your enrollment in courses that apply to your declared major; 3) even though you are a ‘new’ student, you may not be recognized as such. Faculty members who see your accumulated credits will view you as a ‘junior’ – an experienced third year student.
5. What can I do to prepare for the transition to another college?
Regularly check your email for admissions updates. Activate your new campus email as soon as you are invited to do so. This is to ensure that you do not miss important information. Attend all orientations, advisement, or information sessions. Visit your transfer college! Create a transfer network with your peers at BMCC and maintain contact so you have an established social network at your new school.
6. How do I submit a copy of my transcript with my transfer application?
You can order an official transcript on CUNYfirst. If you have any financial holds on your account, your transcript request cannot be processed until the hold is removed. Please be aware that BMCC can only process transcript requests for our institution. If you have attended any schools prior to BMCC/CUNY, you will need to contact those schools directly to request those transcripts as well.
