Middlesex Community College is committed to helping transfer students make a smooth transition to a four-year college or university. The following information has been prepared to answer some of your questions. We encourage you to contact the Career Development & Counseling Center (CDCC) for more information.
To be successful in transfer, it is best to plan ahead. Please use the following guidelines and consult with your advisor or counselor frequently. Always mention your goal of transferring.
At most colleges, students are required to earn credit in three areas: 1. General Education Requirements - liberal arts courses in the areas of English, math, fine arts, science, philosophy, history and social science; 2. Major Field of Study Requirements - Business, Education, Engineering, Nursing, etc.; and 3. Electives - a limited number of self- selected courses.
The college that you transfer to determines which courses they accept. Grades of "C" or better are usually required to transfer. Many four-year colleges advise transfer students to focus on completing courses for their general education requirements. However, some colleges will allow you to transfer a number of courses into a major. Every college has its own set of general education and major requirements. Remember to keep all your course syllabi to facilitate course transfer.
If you know your transfer college and major, call the college, ask for a catalog and go over requirements with your academic advisor or a counselor in the CDCC. Middlesex has specific agreements with a number of area colleges that ensure successful transfer and you should contact our office for details. In addition to our help, most transfer colleges will be happy to assist you with transfer advice.
If you are like many students at Middlesex, and have not decided on a major and/or transfer college, contact the CDCC for assistance. We are available to assist you with career/major decision making as well as selecting a transfer institution. While you are making a decision, consider taking courses such as: English Composition, History, Political Science, Intro to Psychology or Sociology, Philosophy, Oral Communications, Sciences, Economics, Music Appreciation, Art History, Geography, Anthropology, math courses above Math 137, and foreign languages.
Go to our annual fall Transfer Fair and speak with college representatives from New England schools. Read "Transfer News" and take advantage of college recruiters who visit Middlesex. Visit colleges you are considering by attending open houses, transfer days, or making an individual appointment with their admissions staff.
Unlike community colleges, most four-year colleges have strict application deadlines. It is very important that you identify and meet these deadlines to ensure successful transfer. Typically, the following timeline should be followed; however, your college deadline may be sooner:
- Fall admissions: to start at your transfer college in September, apply in January or February.
- Spring admissions: to start at your transfer college in January, apply by mid-October. Most, but not all, colleges have spring admissions dates.
Don't assume that because you were not eligible for financial aid at Middlesex that you won't qualify for aid at the transfer institution. Financial aid deadlines are not the same as application deadlines and many are actually due before the application. (Most documents for financial aid need to be in by March 1st for fall admissions.) Start with the transfer institution's financial aid office, but don't stop there. Use scholarship resources in the CDCC to look for additional funding.
