Your situation is unique, which is why it’s important to begin planning your educational path early to meet the requirements of your intended major. This guide is a suggested two-year timeline at Sandburg. While 12 credit hours per semester is considered full-time for Financial Aid, to graduate in two years, you’ll need to take 15-plus credits per semester (excludes summer courses and developmental courses).
First semester at Sandburg
Four semesters before transferring
- Familiarize yourself with transfer degrees & partnerships.
- Think about your choice of major and/or career. Make a one-on-one appointment with a Sandburg advisor, check out Career Coach.
- Attend our college night in October to meet other college and university admissions reps.
- Meet with your academic advisor.
Second semester at Sandburg
Three semesters before transferring
- Research college and universities that interest you, thinking about location, size, degree programs, cost, academic and social environment and job/internship opportunities.
- Develop a list of four or five schools that best match your goals, career interest and academic record.
- Visit your intended transfer institution. Talk with both a transfer admission representative and an advisor for your program of study. Get a feel for the campus, and make sure it fits your style.
- Each major has different course requirements; check with your transfer institution to see what specific requirements are needed.
- Refine your educational plan to make sure it’s specific to your major at your transfer institution.
- Consider taking summer courses. If you’re not taking 15 credits per semester, this will keep you on track to transfer in two years.
Third semester at Sandburg
Three semesters before transferring
- Apply for admission to your chosen four-year college(s). When applying, send an initial transcript so the colleges can complete your application. Then, follow up with your final transcript after graduation. Transcripts are free at Sandburg!
- Both college admission and specific major admission can be competitive; so, have a back-up plan.
- Start thinking about essay topics and request recommendations at least a month before you need them.
- Check into housing. Many schools have waiting lists or advance deadlines to apply for housing.
- File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). It typically opens Oct. 1; however, this past year, it wasn’t available until December.
- Look into scholarships and other grants to help with finances. Check with Financial Aid to learn how to apply for grants, scholarships and loans. Many schools also offer transfer scholarships.
- Apply for graduation at Sandburg when you register for your final semester.
Fourth semester at Sandburg
One semester before transferring
- Analyze your transfer credit evaluation, and review your financial aid package. Compare the bottom line for each college before making your final decision.
- Consult with your Sandburg academic advisor before making a final decision to get help answering any questions or clarifying details that might affect your choice.
- Make your decision, weighing all the options, and make the choice that best meets your needs.
- Be aware of deposit deadlines for housing; housing can fill up quickly!
- Take advantage of orientation programs. Meeting other students and getting acquainted with campus life will help ease your transition.
This information is a tool to assist your transfer process; it doesn’t replace advising information provided by your Sandburg advisor. Timelines will vary student to student.
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