As the transfer application deadline for Spring 2025 approaches, it is time for students to decide if transferring to a four-year university is right for them. Sidney Megeff, one of the advisors who works closely with transfer students, gives more insight into the process and offers advice to students considering transferring.
Any student interested in transferring should start by doing their research. Megeff noted that students who are uncertain about what university they should transfer to should think through “…specific criteria, such as going to a private or public university, if the university has a good program for their academic interests [and other factors].”
To take the next step in this process, students are encouraged to meet with a transfer advisor. Transfer advisors are advisors who specialize in helping students transfer from Parkland to other institutions. Transfer advisors have an abundance of information for potential transfer students, including transfer events at Parkland and helping students come up with a transfer plan. Parkland students can book appointments with a transfer advisor through Advisor Scheduling, under the “General Transfer” option in the “Area of Interest” field.
One of the most important aspects of transferring is choosing the right classes. Each school has its own criteria, but many universities in Illinois have one thing in common: the Generalized Education Core Curriculum (GECC). This is largely due to the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), which was enacted to make transferring schools an easier process. The IAI is an agreement between over 100 four-year and two-year universities on a package of general education (gen-ed) courses that will be accepted at any member universities. However, universities might have specific exceptions, with Megeff noting The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) as a notable case. It is important to keep in close contact with an advisor, ensuring the best schedule possible.
Due to the GECC and other factors, transfers to other Illinois universities are much more common than transferring outside Illinois. Additionally, many of those four-year universities send admission representatives to Parkland to host informational events. Many representatives will also host tables at the transfer fair, hosted at Parkland each Spring. All of these events are listed on Transfer Advising.
To build a strong transfer application, Megeff again emphasizes having students work with an advisor. Megeff notes that most four-year universities are very “transfer-friendly” and have transfer handbooks with specific information about the recommended GPA and prerequisite. In addition, getting involved in clubs and activities here at Parkland can be an excellent way to show colleges your personality beyond academics.
Most community college students transfer after two years. While this may work for many students, Megeff says “…In my opinion, it is better to take your time, set yourself up for success, even if that means being part-time [or] even if it takes a little bit longer than 2 years to transfer.” Some students may elect to transfer early; it all depends on many different factors.
When asked for any closing notes, Megeff wanted to tell students that “…it is totally okay if you don’t know what you want to major in. Starting at Parkland is a great way to explore what you want to do [while saving money]. Don’t feel as if you can not make an advising appointment if you don’t have your future mapped out, [we] are [here] to help you.”
More resources about transferring can be found here: Transfer, Transferology, iTransfer Home | iTransfer
