by Starting at TJC makes sense for most students. The nearly 13,000 students enrolled this semester would agree. With an active student body, attentive professors and affordable tuition, TJC is a great place to begin your college journey.
You might already know that you want to transfer to a university after completing your associate degree here, or maybe you just want to keep your options open. Either way, here are a few things to keep in mind as you take courses. We believe you can go from TJC to anywhere you dream of!
1. Figure out what direction you want to go.
Take a career assessment. Are you interested in Business? Medicine? Education? Great. You don’t have to get specific just yet—but pick a direction. Choosing a pathway will put you on track toward your goals.
Meet with an advisor here and let them know what your goals are. They will help you tailor a plan specific to where you are going next.
2. Private or public?
No, I’m not talking about your finsta account settings.
Private universities are pickier about what courses will and won’t transfer. Look online to see what course equivalencies are for TJC’s courses and the private university courses. Meet with an advisor at that university or correspond with them through email. They will guide you to the transferrable courses.
Public Texas universities are simpler. If you are “Core Complete,” the transition is simpler—Texas colleges have to accept your core. If you have questions about how the term “Core Complete” applies to you, reach out to an advisor here.
Summary:
A) Plan to complete an associate degree.
B) Communicate with your senior institution about what classes you should take within that degree.
3. Apply, apply, apply.
It’s hard to get admitted if you never apply. Find out the deadlines for transfer student applications, set aside money for the application fees, and schedule days you can spend doing the paperwork required.
Apply for transfer to at least three colleges—not just your dream four-year school. If you are depending on scholarships to afford a private college, go ahead and apply to a few state schools as well. If your scores and grades are great, don’t hold yourself back from applying to one or two highly competitive colleges you might like.
Apply for scholarships! Take advantage of the TJC Writing Center and get help putting your thoughts onto paper. Armed with a few strong essays, you will be a great candidate for scholarships to your transfer school.
We know that for many students, TJC is part of your journey to a four-year degree. Let us help you get where you want to go!
