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Transfer Checklist

0-30 credits:


1. Study!

Admittance to a four-year college/university is based on your Rock Valley College grade point average (GPA).  Although some four-year colleges and universities will admit you with a 2.0 GPA, many of the college programs require up to 3.75 GPA.  Many students are competing for limited seats in popular areas of study. Your GPA can either limit or broaden your career options.

2. Visit the Transfer and University Center to see the resources available to you during your transfer institution search.

The Transfer and University Center, on the top floor of  the Student Center, offers Internet access, college/career search programs, applications, scholarship information, college catalogs, and more.

3. Investigate possible career paths.

Your counselor/advisor in the Career and Transfer Counseling Center can discuss possible career paths with you.  The Career and Placement Center also has labor information and career interest survey that can help you make a good decision.

4. Plan your RVC course selection with transferring in mind

Your RVC counselor/adviser will assist you with planning RVC course selection.  Transfer guides for many four-year colleges/universities are available.  Because transfer requirements change frequently, you should verify all transfer information directly with the four-year institution.

5. Research possible four-year colleges and universities.

  • Academic programs available
  • College/University campus information
  • Entrance requirements
  • Pre-requisite courses
  • Housing options
  • Costs
  • Deadlines
     

6. Visit Campuses synchronously/asynchronously

You will be able to make better choices if you can experience the campus of the colleges/universities you are considering.  Virtual tours are accessible on the Internet.  College/university representatives who visit RVC will give you updated information. Typically, these reps will set up information tables in either the Student Center or the Educational Resource Center. 

7. Decide on a major.

The sooner that you can decide on a specific course of study, the sooner your course selection will be appropriate.

31-64 credits:


1. Study and keep that GPA up!

2. Broaden or Narrow your four-year college/university choices to three choices.

3. Visit college/university campuses

Call the Admissions office and schedule an appointment for your visit. You may want to make appointments with other offices: Financial Aid, Records (bring your transcript with you), coaches, Disability Services, or club advisors.

4. Investigate financial aid options.

Submit your FAFSA annually. Research scholarship possibilities (a high GPA can help, but so can community service, club or athletic participation). Carefully read all of the fine print concerning study loan packages.

5. Prepare admissions paperwork

  • Applications
  • Personal statement
  • Letters of reference
  • Official transcripts
  • Financial Aid
  • Community service
  • Campus activities
     

6. Mark your calendar

Every college/university have unique due dates for application review.  Sometimes these dates change due to the number of applications received by the college.  Keep checking on the Internet for updated calendar information.

7. Keep studying!

Keep studying during your last semester.  The college/university will check your final GPA.  Ask Admissions and Records at RVC to send updated official transcripts.

8. Make a final decision.

Your acceptance letters will be coming in due to your planning, meeting deadlines, and your competitive GPA. Apply for on-campus or off-campus housing. Schedule advisement and registration appointments.  Attend new student orientation.