Completing your college freshman and sophomore years at PCC: A Simple Guide
Almost 5,000 PCC students transfer to a university every year. The best way to save time and money on your bachelor’s degree is to plan ahead, meet with a PCC advisor, register for courses that transfer, and communicate with the universities you’re most interested in. The process can be broken down into three basic steps: Explore, Plan, and Act. These steps are explained below. You can also download and print our Transfer Checklist!
EXPLORE
For your first term at PCC:
Make a list of majors and careers you’re interested in. If you aren’t sure about your major or career plans, consider:
Taking a course such as: CG 130 Today’s Careers (2 credits) to learn about the wide range of occupations and skills required for each; or CG 140A Career and Life Planning (3 credits) to access tools and career research information to help you narrow down a field of study and reach your goals.
Register for introductory classes as recommended by your placement tests in math, writing and/or reading. It’s also a great time to take a basic course in your major or pathway. Considering business? Take BA 101Z Introduction to Business. Thinking about psychology? Take PSY 201AZ Introduction to Psychology. A PCC advisor can help you choose the right classes.
Once you’ve earned 15-24 credits, complete these tasks:
Select a bachelor’s degree program/major that aligns with your future career goals. If you need in-depth help, consider taking CG 225 Transfer to a Four Year College (2 credits).
Research colleges/universities that offer your program/major. Make a list of your top 3 colleges.
At your top colleges, is your major offered as a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), or another type of bachelor’s degree? Talk to a PCC advisor about the differences and how it impacts what classes you should take. Discuss dual enrollment to see if it will save you time and money on your bachelor’s degree.
Attend an Oregon Transfer Days event, transfer fair, and/or talk with recruiters/representatives from the transfer institution(s) you’re interested in. See events and school visits.
If you are unable to complete the above, speak with a PCC Advisor as soon as possible. Connecting your PCC credits with your future institution is an important step in understanding how to effectively transfer.
PLAN
You’ve completed 25-25 credit hours. To stay on track, complete these tasks:
Research admissions information on the university’s website(s).
Does the major you want to declare have a special admission process? For example, some colleges require a portfolio to enter junior-year art courses, or an application to enter junior-year business courses.
Find your top 3 universities’ application, FAFSA, and scholarship deadlines. Write them down and add them to your calendar.
Determine what documents (college/high school transcripts, ACT scores, AP exam scores) you’ll need.
Meet with an advisor to make sure your classes and transfer plans are aligning.
ACT
You’ve completed 45-70 credit hours. Here are your next steps:
Before the deadline(s), complete all paperwork or online forms (application, financial aid, scholarships, etc.) for your top universities, and pay any required application fees.
Request all necessary documents (transcripts, ACT, AP, etc.) be sent to your university.
Check that everything was received and that you are on track. Check your application status frequently.
After you receive acceptance letters, financial aid and/or scholarship offers, make the final decision where you will attend, and accept your offer.
Register for PCC classes specific to your future major.
Graduate from PCC! Yay! Send all final transcripts to your new university after your final grades are posted.
Attend any orientations and complete ALL necessary enrollment requirements for your new university.
CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve successfully earned a PCC degree and transferred to a university.
