Transfer Center

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Transferring From NCTC

to a university

It’s never too early to begin planning for your transfer. So how do you start here, so you can go there?

PLAN for transfer by reviewing NCTC’s majors and pathways and our FAQ’s
PREPARE with our semester-by-semester transfer timeline
Be TRANSFER-ready with questions to ask our most common transfer schools

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Frequently asked

TRANSFER

QUESTIONS

Featured

Can I transfer before completing my degree with NCTC?

Yes, you can transfer to another school before completing your degree at NCTC. Check with your next intended school to see how many and what classes need to be completed before you can be admitted as a transfer student there, OR if they recommend completing a degree at NCTC as well as additional hours before transferring. Some universities accept from 60-90 hours in certain majors, which means you can reduce the amount of time (and expenses) by completing more credit hours at a community college before transferring.

What is reverse transfer?

If you transfer to a university before completing an Associate degree at NCTC, you can transfer your new college’s courses back to NCTC to determine if you qualify for a degree! Contact our Graduation Coordinator if you have questions about how to have your university credits evaluated and applied to complete your NCTC degree requirements after transfer.

How do I know if a class will transfer to another university?

If transferring to another public school in the state of Texas, you can refer to the Texas Common Course Numbering System website. This site allows you to compare two institutions and find the equivalent course numbers for transferable classes. You can also search on a college’s website for their Transfer Guide, such as the ones linked below in our university partners’ section.

If you want to attend an out of state school you can contact their Admissions or Transfer Office for more information on transferable classes.

Ultimately, it is the intended transfer university that will verify which credits and courses will transfer, so make sure to contact an Advisor in your intended major at the school(s) you want to attend next.

How do I get information on the degree I am interested in When Transferring?

You can contact the Admissions office for the school you want to attend for more information.

You can also search the undergraduate catalog and/or Transfer Guide for the major and academic year (ex. 2023-2024) that you are wanting to attend.

Be sure to contact the Advising Office for the program you are interested in pursuing as well.

MORE FAQ

TRANSFER

TIMELINE

- Discuss your interests, ability, and career goals with your NCTC Advisor/Success Coach, since they understand transfer information and know how to help you navigate the process.
- Begin research about the colleges and universities you might like to attend by visiting their web sites and making sure they offer the programs/majors in which you are interested. Be sure to explore admission requirements, location, size, cost, scholarship and internship opportunities, academic and social environment, and job placement rates for their graduates.
- Learn more about general education requirements at four-year institutions and the courses needed to enter your desired major. Be sure you understand the differences in admissions' requirements if you transfer with an associate degree or certificate versus transferring before you graduate from NCTC. Attend any transfer fairs/events coordinated by the Transfer Team at NCTC.
- Focus on your schoolwork and grades, as well as grade replacement policies for transfer schools if you are needing to do some GPA repair (because life happens). Some admission requirements for transfer students include 15 transferable hours and a 2.0 cumulative GPA, however other programs/majors have much higher admission requirements, particularly in the areas of math, science, engineering, or healthcare. Remember a strong GPA can help secure additional funding to pursue your bachelor's degree!
- Check out scholarships specifically for transfer students, since some of those applications may open up a year in advance of your intended transfer date.

- Continue meeting with your NCTC Advisor/Success Coach regularly to keep them up-to-date on your progress for narrowing down where you'd like to transfer.
- While doing research, develop a "short list" of four or five schools that match your academic and career goals, as well as personal priorities.
- Identify important deadlines at both NCTC and your transfer institution, such as the dates to apply for financial aid, scholarships, admission, semester start and end dates, and graduation.
- Confirm with advisors at your intended university, and in your major, which freshman and sophomore core and elective classes will transfer and take as many of those as possible at NCTC. Having this transfer class list in writing (such as an email from the university advisor), is always best!
- Compose a list of questions (or use our handy question list below!) to ask university representatives at transfer events or campus visits.
- Because nothing gives a better sense of what a campus is like than a personal visit, be sure to take advantage of "preview" and "discovery" days. These allow prospective transfer students to learn more about the college atmosphere, courses, and student activities. Some universities will offer application fee waivers if students attend a recruiting event!
- Create timeline based on scholarship due dates at your intended transfer school(s), and start searching for other sources of financial aid. There are many types of grants, scholarships, tuition discount programs, and/or loans that you can stack together to maximize your total aid package.

- Review your advising worksheet and academic transcript with your NCTC Advisor/Success Coach. Make sure the information is accurate and complete, and lookout for any dual credit, transfer, CLEP, or AP credit that might not be documented.
- Schedule an interview at any schools you haven't already visited. If you can't visit in person, make a phone or virtual appointment. Consult with the transfer advisors at your intended school(s) before you make a final decision.
- Locate online applications for each school you hope to attend and determine if there are additional application requirements beyond submitting the app, transcripts, immunization records, and any associated fees.
- File your FAFSA as soon as it is available for the next academic year at your intended school(s), since you are able to add multiple school codes to your financial aid application!

- Complete required course work in your NCTC program of study and apply for graduation. Even if you don't plan to attend the NCTC graduation ceremony, this application is how your transcript gets reviewed and your diploma issued!
- Double-check deadlines for deposits, registration forms, and other materials to make sure you get everything in on time for admission, payment, and class registration at your transfer school.
- Take advantage of orientation programs and other opportunities for transfer students at your new school. Meeting other transfer students and getting acquainted with campus life will help ease the transition.
- Celebrate all that you accomplished at NCTC, and be excited for all the things you will achieve and experience next. YOU GOT THIS!

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Questions to ask a

Transfer Representative

- What is the GPA required for acceptance into my major? Would it be better to apply as an “undeclared major” if my GPA is lower than what is needed?
- Once I apply, how long will it be before I hear about acceptance and am told how many of my credits will transfer into my major?
- What factors other than academics/GPA are considered in transferring, such as community service, work experience, etc. – is this important? How about involvement in clubs or leadership in student organizations?
- How can I schedule a visit to your campus? Are there specific open house dates for transfer students, and do you offer an application fee waiver for attendees?
- Ask about personal things of interest to you such as clubs/student organizations, religious services, student wellness/healthcare services, etc. that will make you feel safe and connected on campus.
- Does the college offer internships and/or job placement services for my major?
- What percentage of your graduates who apply for further education are accepted at graduate (or medical, law, etc.) school? Or, if relevant, what percent of your students pass their professional licensing exam (ex. to be a certified teacher, public accountant, etc.)
- What is the possibility of transfer students living in college housing? Do you have family housing and/or on-campus childcare for students with children?
- Does your college accept the full Associate degree (AA, AS, AAS, or AAT) in place of your general education core requirements?
- What is the maximum amount of credit hours I can transfer into my major that will be accepted by your university?
- Will your college give me an "unofficial" evaluation of my transferable credits before sending in my application? Who actually does the transcript evaluation? (specific name).
- Do you give course credit for work/life experience, i.e. experiential learning? And are there any classes where I can earn credit by exam?
- What is the name and phone number of the Transfer Advisor for my major with whom I can speak directly?
- Will my Advisor assist me in mapping out my course schedule and degree requirements?
- Are there opportunities to create your own major? (combining other majors to create your own specialized degree)
- Are transfer students eligible for your scholarships? If so, how would I need to apply?
- What jobs/opportunities are offered for students to work on campus?
- If there are still classes I can take at the community college level after admitted to your university, will my enrollment at both colleges be factored into my financial aid award?