Transfer from JCC Timeline

Stay on track with your transfer goals

Making the decision to transfer after your time at JCC is no easy task, and your faculty advisors and counselors are here to help. You can make an appointment with your faculty advisor or a counselor at any point to discuss the timeline and get personalized help.

Part 1. As soon as possible:

1. Discuss Transferring with Your Advisor

Talk with your faculty advisor or counselor about the possibility of transferring. Schedule a transfer appointment in the Success Center for an in-depth conversation about the transfer process and assistance with your transfer college search.

2. Research Transfer Institutions

Research transfer institutions and colleges and have an idea of which ones offer your intended major.

3. Choose Your Transfer Institutions

Choose the institutions and colleges you’d like to transfer to after JCC. Make a list and narrow it down to your top two or three, and discuss with your faculty advisor or counselor.

4. Make a Degree Plan with Your Advisor

Make a degree plan with your faculty advisor or counselor to take appropriate coursework. Be aware of any eligibility requirements for admission to your transfer program, such as GPA or prerequisite coursework.

Use the course equivalency tool to see how JCC courses will count at your transfer institution »

5. Maintain Attendance and a C or Better in All Coursework

Most institutions will not accept transfer credit if you did not earn a C or higher in the course. Maintaining a C or better ensures that you are able to maximize the coursework you completed at JCC and not have to repeat any coursework at your transfer institution.

6. Contact Transfer Institutions & Schedule Visits

Contact transfer institution admissions staff and schedule visits or take virtual tours.

It is important to fully research the institutions you plan to transfer to and review the location, campus life, housing, food, and transportation available to you as a student.

7. Look Up Transfer Application Deadlines

If you are a spring graduate at JCC and plan to transfer to your next institution for fall, your applications may be due anytime from March through July.

If you are a fall graduate at JCC and plan to transfer to your next institution for spring, your applications may be due anytime from August through November.

Part 2. Months before the application deadline:

1. Begin Working on Your Applications

When you go to the admissions page of your transfer institution’s website, they may indicate that you can apply using the Common App.

If it is a SUNY school, you may be able to use the SUNY application.

2. Request Transcripts from Your Previous Schools

In order to be considered for admission at your transfer institution, you will need to send official copies of your high school transcript or GED, JCC transcript, and any other college credit you have earned, such as AP credit through College Board or any credit you may have transferred to JCC.

Request your transcript from JCC »

3. Complete Your FAFSA Application with Your Transfer Institutions

The federal financial aid application opens each year on October 1.

4. Ask for Letters of Recommendation

Ask your current professors, advisors, or counselors for letters of recommendation. It is best to ask individuals who know you well through your academic or extracurricular activities, as they can speak to your character and abilities on a more personal level. Ask early to give them time to compose the letter on your behalf.

5. Apply for Scholarships & Grants

Visit your transfer institution’s financial aid page on their website and contact their financial aid office to learn of any transfer scholarship or grant opportunities. These opportunities will often have deadlines.

Part 3. Weeks before the application deadline:

1. Remind Your Contacts to Submit Their Letters of Recommendation

Remind your professors, advisors, or counselors to complete and submit their letters of recommendation. Write a thank-you note to the individuals who submit a letter on your behalf.

2. Ensure Transcripts Have Been Received by Your Transfer Institutions

You can check that your transcripts have been received by contacting the admissions office of your transfer institutions.

3. Finalize & Submit All Applications

Pay any application fees if necessary, review application materials, and submit your applications.

Part 4. After the application deadline:

1. Compare Acceptance Offers & Make a Final Decision

Once you have admission decisions for your transfer institution options, compare the offers and make your final decision about which institution you plan to attend.

2. Accept Financial Aid Offer

Work with your transfer institution's financial aid office for assistance with this process.

3. Pay Any Necessary Deposits

Some institutions require you to make a deposit to attend after being accepted, so discuss this with their admissions office. You will also want to pay any housing deposits to secure on-campus housing.

4. Complete Housing Applications if Necessary

If you plan to live on campus, complete the housing application and any roommate questionnaires.

5. Let Other Institutions Know You Will Not Attend

Once you have made your final decision, let the other institutions you applied to know so they do not continue to contact you, thinking you plan to attend.

6. Sign Up for Orientation & Advisement at Your New Institution

Many institutions offer a transfer orientation to welcome you as a transfer student. You should also schedule an advising appointment so you can register for classes.