Take the necessary steps to transfer

We know that plenty of students at Mt. Hood are ready to celebrate their graduation this spring. But, hold on now: If you’re getting a transfer degree, with plans to enter a four-year university, you still have plenty of work to do.

Transferring to a college is not a fast or easy process. There are many things you need to consider that may have slipped your mind. It’s easy to gloss over these details and be left drifting in a sea of frustration. We at The Advocate have had our own transfer issues, so we don’t want others to experience the same headaches.

First, it’s a good idea to make sure that you are actually on track to getting your degree. Some of us miscalculated our credits and requirements, which set us back a few pegs. There are all kinds of mistakes and misconceptions that people make while planning for a degree. If you have even the slightest hesitation about some type of requirement, ask somebody; don’t twiddle your thumbs and pray that you’ve been doing everything right. We have an awesome set of advisers at the college who can be vital assets.

Mt. Hood also has many local university representatives frequently dropping in to answer questions. They usually arrive in groups, so this can be a great way to get personal interactions with various colleges in one sitting. Take, for example, the PSU adviser available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Wednesday, in the Jazz Cafe.

If you haven’t already been using DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System), get on that! It’s a great program that details what you need for a certain degree, and traces your progress along the way. There can still be errors and confusions with the program, so it’s good to work with MHCC advisers to fill in the blanks. Also, check out some of the College Success classes we have at Mt. Hood. They are smaller, easy-credit courses that can help you plan for the academic future.

While you may have met the required classes for your MHCC degree, there could be some further classes that a university demands from its incoming transfer students. You might have to complete eight credits of economics, such as the University of Oregon, to earn that final diploma. Look at a college’s requirements, along with your degree, and plan accordingly. It’s also important to check GPA requirements and hold your grades accountable.

Decide where you want to transfer as early as possible, and work with an adviser at that institution every step of the way. The earlier, the better – trust us.

Some of the classes available at Mt. Hood can cut out work you would have to do (and pay dearly for) at a university. One example is the film classes offered at Mt. Hood, the same as those required over at Portland State. Taking them here allows you to be one step ahead of the curve, wherever you are going. Check transfer articulations found on most universities’ websites for specific courses.

If there is a specific program you want to enter, apply early and triple-check the requirements. Just because you made it into the college doesn’t necessarily mean you are home free. Deadlines for a college and its programs can differ.

Let’s not forget all the other little details.

For example, what’s your living situation going to be? Are you going to find a dorm or get an apartment? If you go the apartment route, good luck paying for that on your own. You’re probably going to need a roommate, or three.

There are finanical advisers here at Mt.Hood that can help you figure what living option is best for you.

Also, beware of over-borrowing: Always apply for scholarships and grants before accepting loans (if you have to take out loans, aim for the subsidized options). Regardless of what you choose, it won’t be cheap.

You’re probably going to need a job. Most universities have plenty of jobs or programs on, or around, campus that can keep your wallet from being totally baren.

There’s also getting your documents or transcripts sent to a university (which is provided free in MHCC’s Student Services department), getting accepted on time, and getting accepted in the first place.

If you hope to graduate next year, now could not be a better time to start planning the groundwork. Deadlines for transferring can be as early as January for Fall Term at a four-year school. It’s good to get started now, to prepare for any potential issues down the road.