The Importance of Transfer Writing

Transcription

1 Transfer Services Advising Guide Your Ticket to Further Education Brockton ~ Canton ~ Middleborough ONE MASSASOIT BLVD, BROCKTON, MA ~ (508) RANDOLPH STREET, CANTON, MA ~ (781) UNION STREET, MIDDLEBOROUGH, MA /15 1

2 Table of Contents: Page 3: Welcome Page 4: Transfer Resources at Massasoit Page 5: General Transfer Timeline by Credits Page 6-7: Finding the Right Fit Page 8-9: Selecting a Course of Study Page 10-11: MassTransfer Page 12-13: Transfer Agreements (Articulation Agreements) Page 14-15: Application Process Page 16-17: Common Application Page 18: Financial Aid & Scholarships Page 19: You Have Been Accepted! Please use this document as a guide to the Transfer Application Process. The Advisement & Counseling Center s Coordinator of Transfer Affairs will make every effort update this document in a timely fashion. 2

3 Dear Student, Welcome! We hope that you will find this transfer guide useful when considering transferring to another college/university. Massasoit prides itself on assisting students who are looking to continue his/her educational plans beyond Massasoit. You will find that when it comes to transferring to another college after Massasoit, many of the four- year colleges and universities will be excited to review qualified applicants. You are already a successful college student who has completed college level courses; which is a great thing! Admissions representatives from four- year schools are seeking qualified applicants and will help you with the transfer application and credit process. Massasoit s transfer services are located at the Advisement & Counseling Center in the Student Center Building on the Brockton campus and the Administrative Wing of the Canton campus. You will find many great resources to help make informed choices regarding your academic future. It is our goal as a department to ensure that your questions and challenges are met with precise and informative answers. We encourage you to review this guide and begin thinking about some of the questions you may have when considering transfer. Our Coordinator of Transfer Affairs and Academic Counselors at the Advisement & Counseling Center are here to assist you with your ticket to further education! Sincerely, Massasoit Transfer Services & Advisement & Counseling Center 3

4 Transfer Resources at Massasoit Transfer resources at Massasoit are available in many ways. Please visit the Advisement and Counseling Center page on Massasoit s website for more information. Below are descriptions of some of the transfer resources available to students: College Transfer Days College Transfer Days at both the Massasoit Brockton and Canton campuses allow students to meet with four- year state and private college and university admissions representatives about transfer and articulation opportunities. Questions about transfer credit equivalencies, choices of majors and minors, student life and admissions are common. These fairs occur in the fall and spring academic semesters and students are strongly encouraged to attend. Transfer Presentations and Workshops Transfer Presentations and Workshops, held on both the Brockton and Canton campuses provide an opportunity for a four- year institution to talk in depth about the transfer process at their college/university. In this format, students are encouraged to ask questions while receiving an overview of the transfer and admission process. Throughout the year, Massasoit s Advisement and Counseling Center schedules colleges and universities to come on campus to present. It is strongly suggested that students attend these presentations. Transfer Information Tables Throughout the academic semester, admissions and transfer representatives from 4- year colleges and universities will have information tables in highly populated student areas in both the Brockton and Canton campus. This is a great way for students to meet and greet potential schools throughout the semester. Please check the Transfer Services Calendar on the Massasoit website, the MyMassasoit Portal Advising Page or campus TV s for dates and times for all transfer events. 4

5 General Transfer Timeline by Credits 0-12 Credits - Work closely with an academic counselor to plan your coursework and review your academic and transfer goals. - Use your MyMassasoit Log- in, access DegreeWorks to understand your program requirements and map out your academic plan. - Begin basic research on four- year institutions. - Utilize the MyMassasoit Portal Advising Page and access Transfer Agreements or Transfer Advising Guides Under Advising Tips and Tools Subfolder for specific Transfer Information Credits - Research colleges/universities that offer academic programs and activities that interest you. - Request general admissions information from four- year institutions. - Attend Massasoit transfer events and workshops during the academic year. - Meet with an academic counselor at Massasoit to ensure transfer- friendly course selection and overall transfer goals Credits - Attend transfer events and open houses for colleges/universities you wish to attend. - Speak to an academic counselor and be sure you are on track with required coursework. - Focus on the colleges where you plan to apply. or call the admissions office or transfer office with your questions. Contact your prospective major department to see if there are departmental admission requirements or open houses for your major. - Begin general review of colleges/universities application materials and become familiar with transfer deadlines. - Begin your college applications (remember transcripts, letters of recommendation). - Research Financial Aid and apply for transfer scholarships if applicable Credits - Review your DegreeWorks audit and make sure you are on track to graduate! - Attend a Massasoit transfer event to finalize transfer plan with four- year colleges. - If you are applying as a MassTransfer applicant, sign up at the Advisement & Counseling Center for an On- The- Spot transfer meeting with colleges of your choice. - Finalize and have your application in the mail and remember Financial Aid deadlines! Keep in mind that every school has its own deadlines. 5

6 Finding the Right Fit It is very important to do as much research as possible when choosing a new college or university. Research criteria should include both personal and academic reasons for the school of your choice. The first step for your research should be to identify your main priorities. Second, review characteristics that match these priorities. Here are some key factors to consider: Location Location is a major factor for obvious reasons. You may want to ask yourself; do I want to live on campus or at home? If you are looking at schools out of state, chances are you will not be commuting therefore you will have to consider housing options. It is also important to consider the area of the location of your school. Do you like an urban (city) area or do you prefer a rural (small town) setting. Both of these options have their advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to think carefully about location. Size College or University size is another major factor to consider. The number of students both undergraduate and graduate that are on campus is important for both personal and academic comfort and feel. Size decisions also include: - Amount of personal academic attention you will receive. - Student to teacher class ratio. - Range of academic majors offered at either a small or large institution. - Overall variety of facilities including labs, gyms, housing, laboratories, student life activities, athletic options TIP: The size of an institution may also have an effect on the amount of financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships, etc.) opportunities available to you. Majors When researching colleges/universities, it is important to make sure that they have the major you are looking to study. Researching online will give you the answer as to what majors are offered and it is equally important to examine the number of students accepted into the major you are choosing. For example, if you are choosing a very selective allied health major such as Nursing, consider the overall acceptance rate for that specific major. Cost/Financial Aid The cost of attending a four- year institution can be very high. While researching schools, keep a close eye on the overall price tag as well as the financial aid opportunities available to you. TIP: Keep in mind, college is an investment in your future, but it does not have to be a burden of financial debt to you years after graduation. 6

7 Campus life Campus life and student activities are an important factor for many reasons. As a transfer student, you should feel comfortable on campus beyond the classroom. College campuses all over the country develop their own personalities and cultural norms. One of the best ways to get a feel for the campus is to take a guided tour. This will allow you to see for yourself the everyday life and feel of the campus you are visiting. If you are a student who wants to get involved in student life activities, you will want to visit the student life office while visiting. Pick up a list of the student activities planned for the semester. If you have time, maybe attend an event if your guided tour allows. TIP: Getting a hands- on feel for the culture of the college is a great way to answer the question, Can I see myself here every day? Housing You may want to ask yourself, do I want to live on campus or live at home? Whatever your answer may be, location of the school may extend or limit this decision. If you are looking at schools out of state, chances are you will not be commuting therefore you will have to consider housing options and possibly meal plans offered by the college. On- campus housing can be expensive so you also want to compare pricing to off- campus housing options if they exist. TIP: Living on- campus is a good way to include yourself in the everyday culture of the college. However, some students find it more beneficial to live off- campus for cost reasons, better focus on academics and overall comfort. Diversity Consider the advantages of learning and living with a diverse student and faculty body. Consider the advantages of a student population that stems from many countries, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, etc. Your college experience can be a great way to learn and grow with people from many diversities and this factor can be a major advantage personally and professionally. If you are looking at single- sex colleges consider the factors to determine if this may be the right social and academic environment for you. 7

8 Selecting a Course of Study (Major) In order to begin your transfer plan to a four- year institution, you may first want to decide on a major of study. If you are currently in a transfer program at Massasoit, you may already have an idea of what you wish to study but you also may still be undecided. It is encouraged that you meet with a transfer counselor or your student advisor at Massasoit to discuss your options and what career best fits your transfer program. Will My Courses Transfer? This is the most common question asked by students. When it comes to transfer, many colleges will accept colleges- level courses both general and specific. It is important that students research the major they are considering at the four- year institution and compare courses to courses completed at Massasoit. Most courses transfer under the following guidelines: (Guidelines vary for each four- year institution) - Courses selected fit into the four- year institution major course of study - Student received a grade of C- / C or higher in each course. - Maximum number of credit from two- year institution normally credits - Community College courses typically only transfer as level courses. Developmental Courses at Massasoit Students who have completed developmental courses will not be able to transfer these classes because they do not meet the general college- level requirements for Massasoit of any other institution. These courses include Fundamentals of Math, Introductory Algebra, and intermediate Algebra, introduction to Writing, Preparatory College Reading I & II. Transfer by Major STEM: Science/ Technology/ Engineering/ Mathematics If you are a student considering a STEM major at the four- year institution, it is important to review the course requirements and curriculums to ensure that a majority of courses from Massasoit will transfer. This is a critical step for STEM majors because of the specific courses that must be taken within the four- year curriculum. Many Massasoit students will choose the Liberal Arts Transfer- Science (LATS) Associate Degree program because of its design for students who wish to take many science and math courses and electives. The Liberal Arts Transfer (LAT) Associate Degree is also a viable option. Both Associate Degrees are MassTransfer eligible. Business Administration: Students who have an interest obtaining a Business degree at a four- year institution should strongly consider the Business Administration Transfer Associate Degree at Massasoit. This program is for students who wish to transfer their credits into a specific concentration such as management, marketing, finance, international business, etc.) 8

9 Humanities / Social Sciences: (English, Literature, Communications, Art, Sociology, Psychology, History, Philosophy etc.) For students considering selecting a major within Humanities or the Social Sciences, you will find that most students select Liberal Arts Transfer as a major at Massasoit. Students looking for a more specific field while enrolled at Massasoit should also consider the Human Services Transfer Associate Degree. Transferring credit in these majors is relatively easy since there tends to be plenty of free electives at the four- year level; however, students must be mindful when selecting program electives at Massasoit. Both Liberal Arts Transfer and Human Service Transfer are MassTransfer eligible programs and meet the MassTransfer Block requirements, which will waiver General Education requirements at public four- year institutions. Selecting the Right Course Electives (Attributes) Colleges/Universities have many different requirements depending on the major you choose. At Massasoit, it would be in your best interest to select appropriate elective courses that potentially fulfill these requirements at the four- year institution. While you are enrolled at Massasoit, when you look at your program requirement sheet you may come across elective options (LA, HU, SC, etc.) If you are not sure what courses will fulfill these elective attributes, the Advisement & Counseling Center has guides that show you what courses fulfill these elective attributes. Course Attribute Guide Liberal Arts (LA) Anthropology Journalism Art Math* Biology Media Chemistry Modern Language Dance Music Earth Science Philosophy Economics Physics English* Psychology ESL Religion Film Sociology Geography Speech Government Theater History Travel Geography Modern Languages (ML) American Sign Language Arabic Cape Verdean French Portuguese Spanish Humanities (HU) Art Dance English ESL Film Journalism Modern Language Media Music Philosophy Speech Theater Science (SC) 3- credit requirement Biology Chemistry Earth Science Physics Social Science (SS) Anthropology Economics Geography Government History Psychology Religion Sociology Lab Science (LS) 4- credit requirement Biology Chemistry Earth Science Physics 9

10 What Is MassTransfer? MassTransfer is a statewide transfer program that provides Community College students the ability to transfer to a Massachusetts State University and the University of Massachusetts System. The MassTransfer consists of the following: MassTransfer Block Students who complete the 34- credit MassTransfer Block with a 2.0 or higher grade point average will satisfy general education requirements (MassTransfer Block) at four- year public institutions. Once the block is completed, a notation is automatically noted on the student s official transcript. MassTransfer Block Credits Massasoit Courses that meet the MassTransfer Block Freshman English Composition/Writing 6 Credits English 101 & English 102 Social Sciences 9 Credits Anthropology, Economics, Film 122, Geography, Government, History, Psychology, Religion, Sociology Humanities & or Fine Arts 9 Credits Art, Dance, English, Film, Journalism, Modern Language, Media, Music, Philosophy, Speech, Theatre OR ATF, ATG Natural or Physical Sciences 7 Credits Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science Mathematics 3 Credits Math 121, Math 122, Math 131, Math 132, Math 203 or higher Total 34 Credits Note: A Minimum Grade of D is required to satisfy courses in the MassTransfer Block MassTransfer Eligible Programs and Benefits (MT) Massasoit Associate Degree programs that are MassTransfer eligible must include courses that satisfy the MassTransfer Block and have been thoroughly reviewed to guarantee 60 credits (or more) transferable credit. Upon graduation of the Massasoit Associate Degree, the student will receive the following benefits based upon their final GPA. Minimum Final GPA Benefits 2.0 GPA No admission fee or essay Transfer of 60 credits applied to the bachelor s degree Automatic Satisfaction of the MassTransfer Block Courses 2.5 GPA All of the above benefits, plus guaranteed admission 3.0 GPA All of the above benefits, plus a minimum 33% tuition waiver. Check with the 4- year institution for waiver eligibility and amount. 10

11 Massasoit Associate Degree programs that meet the MassTransfer Block and will include the MassTransfer Benefits package upon graduation Business Administration Transfer Child Care Education & Administration Transfer Criminal Justice Transfer Engineering Transfer Human Services Transfer Liberal Arts Studies - Media Communications Liberal Arts Studies - Theatre Liberal Arts Transfer Liberal Arts Transfer - Computer Science Liberal Arts Transfer - Elementary Education Liberal Arts Transfer Science Liberal Arts Transfer- Social Science Additional Transfer Agreements (ATA s) Additional Transfer Agreements (ATA s) are State Community College and University agreements that guarantee MassTransfer benefits depending on GPA but do not include the MassTransfer Block. It is important to note that these agreements may be very helpful to students who are in a non- transfer degree programs but wish to transfer certain credits to a four- year institution. See the following Massasoit Business and Fine Arts programs: Umass Dartmouth ATA Agreements Business Administration General- Umass Business (Online) Business Administration Management- Umass Small Business/Entrepreneurship Business Administration Management- Umass Operation Management Business Administration Management- Umass Organizational Leadership Business Administration Accounting- Umass Accounting Option Business Administration Marketing- Umass Marketing Option Liberal Arts Transfer- Computer Science- Umass Computer Science (Engineering) Visual Arts- Fine Arts 2D Option Visual Arts- Fine Arts 3D Option Visual Arts- Graphic Design Umass Graphic Design MassTransfer Application Process 1. Complete the MassTransfer Application on the MassTransfer page or on the website of the individual college you are applying to. You DO NOT have to write an essay and you DO NOT have to pay an application fee. In order to qualify for all of the benefits of MassTransfer you must complete your associate s degree before you begin classes at the four- year school. Non- grads qualify for MassTransfer Block benefits ONLY. 2. Send College Transcripts. You can request a transcript at the Massasoit Registrar s Office. You will also need to contact any other colleges you have attended and arrange to have your transcripts forwarded. 11

12 3. Submit the MassTransfer Application. Make sure to submit your MassTransfer Application form by the deadline indicated on the form to insure that you receive the benefits of the MassTransfer program. 4. Send a Final Transcript. After you have received your final grades, send a final transcript to the college you have chosen to attend. Check with the Massasoit Registrar s Office to ensure that your graduation status is recorded on your transcript before you request a final transcript. Transfer Agreements (Articulation Agreements) Massasoit Community College participates in many transfer agreements, listed below, also known as articulation agreements with four- year colleges and universities. Eastern Nazarene College B.A in Business Management and B.Ed. in Early Childhood Education Stonehill College Dual Degree Transfer Agreement and Science Transfer Initiative Newbury College Agreements for Massasoit graduates in Culinary Arts, BAC- Hospitality, BAT, BAC- Accounting Bryant University Massasoit Business Administration Transfer A.S to B.A in Business at Bryant 12

13 Curry College Nurse Education at Massasoit to BSN in Nursing (Cont. Ed) Child Care Education and Administration Transfer at Massasoit to Psychology (Cont. Ed) Human Services Transfer at Massasoit to Psychology at Curry College (Cont. Ed) Criminal Justice Transfer (Both Day and Continuing Education Divisions) University of Phoenix Exciting On- Line Bachelor Degree transfer opportunities with the University of Phoenix New England College of Business (On- Line) Massasoit s Business Administration General and Transfer A.S to B.A in Business Administration Bellevue University (On- Line) Studies, Boston MA Northeastern University College of Professional Massasoit Veterans Services and Northeastern CPS have partnered to allow for a smooth transfer experience. Massasoit / NUCPS Veterans Transfer Guide 13

14 The General Application Process Applying to a Four Year College or University There are multiple application options for Massasoit students. The easiest way to know what application to fill out depends on the answer to the following questions. When do you plan to Transfer? - Before graduating from Massasoit? - After graduating from Massasoit? - Are you in a MassTransfer approved program? - Does Massasoit have an existing Transfer Agreement with my selected institution? If your answer is BEFORE graduating from Massasoit Students will follow the Transfer Student application instructions on the college / university website of their choice. There are no exceptions to this. Most applications require students to do the following: - Fill out a General Application - Obtain Recommendations / Instructor Evaluations - Write an application essay - Provide College Official Report - Provide Mid- Term report - Provide Official Transcripts (from all colleges and high school) - Resume (usually optional) - Pay Application Fee Above is a general guideline and application requirements vary from one school to the next. Most schools in the Boston area require the Common Application. More information on the Common App is provided in the next section. Please read institution websites carefully for detailed instructions on the Transfer Application. If your answer is AFTER graduating from Massasoit Please note that it is in your best interest to apply to your four- year college of choice early into your final semester at Massasoit. This will ensure a more smooth transition for you. Does Massasoit have an existing Transfer Agreement with my selected institution? Massasoit has numerous Transfer / Articulation Agreements with four- year schools in the area. Review these Transfer Agreements to see if you qualify for guaranteed admission and other benefits. Transfer Agreements can be found on the Massasoit Transfer Service website. 14

15 The Common Application Visit the Massasoit Transfer Services Homepage for a PowerPoint presentation on the Common Application The common application is an efficient way to apply to multiple schools. The great thing about the common application is that you only have to fill out the application once and send it to all the schools you are planning on applying. The Common Application is about twelve (12) pages long; below you will find a description for each of the sections in the common application. The Common Application should be completed online. The instructor evaluations, college official reports, and mid- term reports should be mailed directly to each institution. GENERAL APPLICATION (AP1- AP5) This is the general part of the Common Application. Applicants are asked to fill out all detailed information clearly and answer all questions whenever possible. If a question does not pertain to you, or if you do not have an answer you can leave information blank or list N/A for Not Available. Applicants are asked to fill out all information and allow for adequate time to obtain information from appropriate parties. There is also a Personal Essay, in which you are given the opportunity in 250 words or less to tell admissions representatives your reasons for transferring and what you hope to achieve. This essay should be the same for all schools that you send the common application. It should not be customized in any way. If you need an essay specific for a college, the college will notify you of the requirement. Be sure to sign the application, to indicate that you have included accurate information. COLLEGE INSTRUCTION EVALUATION 1 & 2 (IE- 1 and 2) This portion of the application allows the student s instructors to evaluate the applicant. You will complete the top portion of the evaluation with your personal identification information and then you will give this form to two different instructors who taught you in a full- credit college course. Be aware of the deadline for the common application, and give your instructors enough time to thoroughly complete the application form and submit it. Most institutions will require two instructor evaluations, but if an institution only requires one, you will only need to submit one. Be sure to give your instructors self- addressed stamped envelopes for each school you are sending the Common Application so that they may send their evaluation. COLLEGE OFFICIAL S REPORT (OR- 1 and OR- 2) You will need to give this form to a college official at your current/most recent institution who has access to your full academic and disciplinary record. At Massasoit, you should bring this form to the Dean of Students Office with the top portion of the form completed. Be sure to provide the college official a self- addressed stamped envelope for each school you are applying to so that he/she is able to mail the completed form. For example, if you are applying to four institutions, you will need to give the college official four copies of the college official s report form to complete. It is important, that you give the college official enough time to thoroughly complete the form. 15

16 MID- TERM REPORT (MT) This is the final form that will need to be completed by someone other than you. As with the instructor evaluations and the college official report forms, as the applicant, you will complete the top portion of the Mid- Term Report form. Once that is completed, you are responsible for having each of your current instructors complete the information regarding the course they are teaching. For example, if you are currently enrolled in a Math Science course, you will need to take this form to your math science professor and have him/her complete the Course title/department, course number, number of credits, current grade, comments, and sign the form. You will need to do this for each of your current courses. Common Application assistance: Common Application Help Desk: Common Application FAQs: 16

17 Financial Aid & Scholarships Every student is encouraged to fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at REMEMEBER TO COMPLETE THE FAFSA EARLY EVERY YEAR! Do not Forget! Some institutions have an additional financial aid applicants must fill out. Be sure to check with each institution to see if that institution requires an Institutional Financial Aid Form. Avoid Scams! Student should NEVER pay an application fee when filling out Financial Aid forms or Scholarship applications. There are many websites that solicit money from students. These are scams! As the student, it is up to you to figure out how much it will cost to attend each school and determine if the award amount will be enough. You are expected to cover any amount that is not covered by financial aid. Finding Scholarships Massasoit has many scholarship opportunities for students on our transfer service website! Scholarships are a great way to apply for funds that you do not have to pay back after you finish school. Most institutions have institutional scholarships that you can apply for like the Chancellor s Scholarship at UMASS Dartmouth. This is just one example of an institutional scholarship. Check the website of your schools of interests to see if they offer scholarships to transfer students. You can also search for private scholarships from a variety of places and it is up to students to take the initiative to look for these opportunities. Please note that most Transfer scholarships may be reserved for Community College graduates with a grade point average over 3.5. Review the Massasoit transfer website for Scholarship Information. CEEB/FAFSA CODES You will need these when you apply to other colleges and have financial aid information sent to those colleges. Go to the following websites to find the codes you need: FAFSA Codes: CEEB Codes:

18 You Have Been Accepted! Congratulations! Once you have been accepted to the four- year institution, there are still a few things you should be aware of, such as deposit deadlines, final transcripts and financial aid. Below are some questions to ask yourself after you receive your acceptance letter: Did all or enough of my credits transfer to the four- year institution? As part of your acceptance packet, you will receive a transfer credit audit that lays out in detail the courses and number of credits that were transferred to the four- year institution. Review this information thoroughly, and compare it to others schools that have accepted you. The amount of credit accepted may determine which institution you decide to attend. Did you receive any financial aid? Is it enough to attend your four- year institution? If you received aid, be sure to look over the award package thoroughly. Take time to differentiate between scholarships, grants and loans and total cost to you the student. You may want to take time to review the given aid with a parent, guardian or other trusted individual. If you do not think your financial aid package is enough to cover your college expenses, you can often appeal your award. Each school has a slightly different appeals process, so contact your school with any questions. Have you been accepted to the School or Program you wanted? Colleges are big places you may have gotten into your top choice institution, but it is possible that you may not have been accepted into the program you wanted. Be sure to read your acceptance letter completely and make note of what you have been accepted into. For example, if you applied for the Nursing, you may be accepted into the College of Health Sciences Program but not directly into the Nursing program. Contact the admissions office if you have questions regarding your acceptance letter. Are there deadlines mentioned? Take careful note of these. The most important will be the deadline for accepting the offer. If you have multiple applications out, the timing can be tricky. You may get an acceptance notice from a college that is not your top choice, and then have to hope for word from your favorite before you hit the first responder s deadline. Are there any important dates that I must remember? Be sure to take note of dates for orientation, campus tours or other events you may want to make. These are good opportunities to get acquainted with the institution so that when you begin taking classes, you have a better idea of where buildings and resources are located. Do I need to submit any forms or more transcripts? Your packet may include paperwork to help you get set up on campus, such as living on campus or completing paperwork for your particular program. You will also need to send another copy of your official transcript with your final grades from Massasoit to the four- year institution that you have been accepted into. The official transcripts need to be sent directly from Massasoit, and you will forfeit credit or worse, not be fully accepted, if these required materials are not sent/received on time. 18