CCBC Alumni and the lead director of CCBC’s Honor Program weigh in on what to expect when transferring to a four year university.
Meg Masseron
For many students at CCBC, college education doesn’t stop at an Associate's Degree. Many students plan on transferring to a four year university after completing two years of community college, whether that be to save money or spend some time figuring out exactly what they want to study. How can CCBC students prepare for the transition from a two year to a four year college? What can they expect with that transition?
CCBC Alumni Megan DiVenti recently transferred to Temple University in Philadelphia to pursue a degree in journalism. She claims that while CCBC was an incredible stepping stone for her, transferring to a four year university provided more opportunities.
“One of the main reasons I came to Temple was because they have multiple television shows, have professors who were once anchors, reporters, producers, etc in the news business, and the city of Philadelphia had many internship opportunities, all of which CCBC did not have,” states DiVenti. “However, my main goal at CCBC wasn't to focus on my major, but rather to get my general study credits under my belt first.”
DiVenti expresses that students hoping to transfer should meet with academic advisors to plan for and prepare for the possibly rough transition.
“Take advantage of the resources at CCBC to help you figure out where you need to be. Academic advisors, professors, anyone who you can sit with and discuss where and what you want to do,” says DiVenti. “Being a transfer student can be tough, but if you work hard and get involved at CCBC then I feel that will prepare you a great deal at your four year university.”
Alumnus Billy Frederick suggests that students prepare for possible “transfer shock” - the possibility of entering a new college environment as an upperclassman being overwhelming. “Respect that transfer shock is real. [The] first semester after transferring can be tough for many, especially if you transfer far from your home,” says Frederick. “Seek help if you're struggling - whether with classes, with finances, mentally, physically, whatever the case. Every campus of four year universities, both big and small, has resources designed to help you.”
Dr. Rae Rosenthal, CCBC professor and lead director of CCBC’s Honors program, reiterates that it is vital that students seek help if they need it.
“Upon arriving at the four year school, it is important for students to take advantage of the many available resources - clubs, faculty office hours, career center, tutoring, events, etc. The most successful students are the ones who take advantage of the resources the school has to offer,” says Rosenthal.
However, despite the possible difficulties of transfer shock, DiVenti and Frederick have successfully settled in and are thriving respectively. With two internships now under her belt, DiVenti has taken full advantage of the opportunities a four year university has to offer.
“I was able to intern in Baltimore over the summer for credit at WBAL-TV11 news and I am interning now at FOX29 WTXF in Philadelphia,” she says. DiVenti was also a multimedia member for the Temple News, and will be working with Temple’s news station.
DiVenti looks back on her time at CCBC fondly, however, and is grateful for the chance it gave her to grow as a student.
“The good thing about going to CCBC and then transferring to a four-year university is that I was able to learn different things regarding school, life, and myself and for that I am so appreciative,” she states. “CCBC will always have a special place in my heart because it allowed me to become a better student academically and grow as a person.”
As a student who is about to receive my associate’s degree and transfer to a four-year university in the spring, I found this article to be very beneficial. I often do not take into consideration all of the resources that are available to me at CCBC. As I am about to begin my transition to a four-year school I will think more to use these resources to make the adjustment as easy as possible. It sounds as though if unprepared the transition has potential to be rough, but if I go into it well prepared and knowing what is ahead of me, that it can be an easy transition.
I am extremely grateful for the academic advisors and professors that CCBC has to offer. Many professors I have had so far know the ins and outs of transferring as well as classes that may work better for different colleges. The academic advisors have also helped me plan my route to a four-year school in a way that works around my busy life. Although transferring may not go exactly to plan, I know the staff at CCBC have helped guide me to the best possible path!