Transfer Issues: Switching Colleges

It is that time of year where many a disillusioned college freshman are now faced with one pressing question: What Now? This is on their minds for various reasons. Maybe they hit the party scene a little too hard,, and their grades suffered. Maybe that big four year University just wasn't a good fit for them. It could be a grade issue, a just not being happy issue, or many other reasons. However, the fact remains that they do not want to go (or cannot go) back to their first school of choice. Now they have to figure out what is their next step.

For many of these students, the local community college is the logical next stop. It may just be to pull their grades up so they can return to their four year school. It maybe just so they can stay in classes while they figure out what their next move is. No matter what the reason, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, you need to determine the admissions policies of the community or junior college you want to attend. Make sure you have all of your paperwork ready. Some schools have strict procedures. Others may have an open enrollment policy, but do not let the term "open enrollment" mislead you. There are still steps and rules. With many open enrollment institutions, they will accept applications from anyone who submits them. However, that does not mean they will be eligible to take classes. The potential student still has to prove that they have an ability to benefit from the college's classes. Obvisously, if their skill level is below where the basic skills classes start, they should not be allowed to enroll. This is usually determined by a placement test.