TRANSFER TROUBLES
Long before they start that
freshman year, you and your teen
should be aware of the potential
problems that can come with
transferring colleges.
According to reports from The Chronicle
of Higher Education, about one in three
students transfer from one college to
another. Many students transfer due to
financial reasons, a tough semester or even
homesickness. Regardless of why students
do it, there are a number of complications
that should be carefully considered.
All credits may not transfer.
Before transferring, speak with an advisor
at the prospective school to verify if each
class will count toward your student’s
graduation plan. Also, utilize tools like
STARS or 2-to-4 Transfer if switching
from a community college to a four-year
institution.
It can lead to a delayed
graduation. After confirming which
classes, if any, transfer, throw away the
preconceived notion that says a bachelor’s
degree is automatically achieved after
four years. The number of credit hours a
student earns is the determining factor for
graduation. Students should load up on the
maximum hours they can handle to catch
up on lost credits.
Tuition can be more expensive.
The longer it takes to graduate, the more
money it costs. Plus, first-time freshmen
and returning students usually get first dibs
on scholarships. If you’re going to transfer,
do it at least a month before classes start.
MICHAEL LUX,
FOUNDER AND
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE
STUDENT LOAN SHERPA,
offered some good advice. “Check with
an advisor to see where your credits are
going, what they’re going to count towards
and a realistic path to graduation. Talk to
financial aid counselors about loan limits
and scholarships,” he said. He also encourages students to develop a game plan.
“Know exactly where you stand as far as
graduation before transferring.”
Understanding the stakes up front can
prevent possible disappointments in the
future, and if a transfer is unavoidable,
make it as smooth as it can be.
.edu
SURROUNDED
BY FACES
SURROUNDED
BY FRIENDS
WHERE LEARNING MATTERS MOST
Don’t want to be a face in the crowd
at one of those giant universities?
At Auburn Montgomery you’ll find an easy
campus vibe that promotes friendship and
getting to know one another. And smaller
classes with hands-on learning mean you’ll
get to know your professors better too. So why
compete for attention when you don’t have
to? Call us today and plan your campus visit
to see why AUM is a better choice.
APPLY NOW 334-244-3615
NOW ENROLLING FOR SPRING CLASSES!
www.potentialmagazine.com
7