Counselors assist transfer students
by Katy O’Halloran, reporter

    Transferring to a university is a big step, but being prepared will guide students to a successful path, SE Campus counselors advised students.

    Since many TCC students plan to transfer into a four-year university, Penny J. Matthes and Joyce Fisher offered the Tips for Transfer Students seminar last month on SE Campus.

    There are many important decisions to make before preparing for a transfer, Matthes and Fisher said.

    “The first thing you need to do is plan a weekday visit during the school term. Then you can see how classes are taught and students live. It is important to talk to students who are currently going to the university of your choice about class size, professors and support groups,” Matthes said.

    Many students learn more things about campus life when they return to the university again for a club meeting or social event to discover how friendly the campus is socially, the counselors said.

“Transfer students should always have a plan A and a plan B, in case the student does not meet the university’s requirements,” Fisher said.

    Students need to call the admissions office to get a schedule of group tours or make an individual tour appointment. Student guides are great sources of information from a student perspective.

    Transfer applications should not be taken lightly, the counselors said.

    When students start preparing their transfer applications, they should always proofread.

    Also, students should make copies of all parts of the finished application in case it gets lost and a replacement must be sent.

    The application and fee should be put in a large manila envelope for mailing.

    Mathes and Fisher discussed several advantages to going to a state university.

    “State schools tend to be more affordable as opposed to private universities. Although all colleges are costly, many scholarships are offered throughout the school year,” Matthes said.

    TCC students have access to blue books and scholarships books in each library. The SE Campus has 12 books just for scholarships.
Deadlines are especially important, Mathes and Fisher said.

    Students must follow up on paperwork and call or e-mail the school to make sure the application arrived.

    “If you are required to write an essay for transfer admissions, you should always be yourself,” they said.

    Students need to point out what contributions they, as a student, will provide for the university of their choice.

    Most essay topics allow students to illustrate something important about themselves, their values and the kind of person they are or hope to become, the counselors said.

    “Always attend transfer orientation sessions and acquaint yourself with the layout of the new campus early,” they said.

    The counselors referred to several web sites for students transferring to a university.

    Usnews.com helps students choose the perfect college for them. It provides a survey that will help them determine what type of school they might want to attend and what type of upper-level studies they might be interested in. Another helpful site is www.50states.com/college/texas.htm, a link to all Texas colleges, Mathes and Fisher said.