Where to get transfer support 

• Whether you are an incoming first-year student, freshman, or sophomore, you can never be too early in planning your next steps towards becoming transfer-ready. The transfer process can be very intimidating and stressful. Between researching schools, filling out applications, and applying for financial aid, the process is extraordinarily complex and can weigh you down quickly. However, all you need is the proper timing and preparation. Just know that you are not in this alone. You can get help from our transfer center. 

Transfer Center

• For any of your transfer questions, the transfer center is there to deliver the support and advice you need to achieve your transfer goals. You can meet with one of our counselors any weekday (Mon-Thur 8 am-5 pm, Fri 8 am-12 am) or attend one of their upcoming transfer workshops to receive the help you need. Meeting with a counselor is simple: head to the MSJC transfer center website, click the “Join our Virtual Lobby Now” button, and make an appointment with one of our amazing transfer counselors, whether on campus or virtual. If interested in attending a workshop, go to the MSJC workshops and events website, click the workshop you’re interested in, and register. 
  

  

Workshops

• Workshops operate throughout the transfer process, shifting their focus to provide the appropriate support and meet the needs of most transfer students. For example, it can be difficult for students to narrow down which University is right for them. The transfer center is hosting the “Are You Ready to Transfer” workshop on Wednesday, April 8th, to start helping students narrow down which university they will attend. Each workshop fulfills students’ needs depending on the timing and situation they are in.
• I attended the “Next Steps” workshop, designed to help transfer students understand what to do after submitting their applications. I spoke with Transfer Counselor Jessica Rodriguez, who has worked with MSJC’s transfer center for over 10 years, connecting with a range of students to help them achieve their transfer plans. With a few questions of my own, I received advice to help me understand my position in the transfer process and the key steps I should take as I await admission decisions. 
  

  

“The biggest factor within the process is staying present in the moment. Stay focused on your schoolwork, don’t be tied to your application, and take your mind off what is uncontrollable.” A big step and crucial factor for students is researching each school’s program and campus. “Programs are taught differently at different schools; you would think they’re the same across the board, but they’re not. You also want to go somewhere you’ll enjoy being at.” The workshop was a wonderful experience, and I received the help and advice I needed during this part of the transfer process. 

Q/A with Transfer Counselor Jessica Rodriguez 

Common Schools Students Transfer to?

• “UCs and Cal States are where most students transfer to; there are a few out-of-state kids, but most want to stay in California.”

What mistakes do transfer students make?

• “Not connecting with a transfer counselor early. Students, even those who don’t know what major or path they’re pursuing, need someone to talk with to understand information and explore the majors and programs each school offers.”

Should Finances get in the way of applying or enrolling?

• “Don’t think about how expensive costs are, apply, get your FAFSA in, and explore your aid package. Don’t put up those walls, there’s so much opportunity on the other side.”

What’s more important, extracurriculars or GPA?

• “Depends, for Cal State, it doesn’t matter, but for UCs, depending on the major, extracurriculars play a pivotal role. 

When should students start planning for transfer? 

• “End of their first semester, end of freshman year, they should meet with us and get their plan started.”

When should students start narrowing down to what school is realistically for them?

• “I would suggest researching and looking through the catalogs at each school and figuring out what program fits best for you.”