Planning to Transfer in Fall 2010?

If you want to transfer from MC to another school for Fall 2010, the time to apply is NOW (or even, yesterday!). Transfer admissions applications are on the rise at all Maryland public four-year schools. Early applications, sent before published transfer deadlines, are the key to acceptance.

Things you need to do:

1. Find the online transfer application of the school(s) to which you wish to apply. Check the Admissions Page website for online application directions.
   
2. Complete a transcript request form ($5 fee) to send your official MC transcript to school(s). Note that MC sends your transcripts electronically to Maryland State schools, this is the fastest way to do it - DO NOT send a paper transcript to a MD state school, it slows down the process! www.montgomerycollege.edu/admissions/StudentForms/transcript.pdf
   
3. Send your high school record and SAT scores if you have less than 30 credits showing as COMPLETED on your MC transcript. Contact your high school's registrar for the transcript, and request a copy of your SAT scores from the collegeboard.org. Some schools, like Salisbury, require fewer completed credits (24 total) – check with each school’s transfer admissions requirements.
   
4. FINISH that essay - complete the essay if one is required; don’t let this interfere with finishing your application, get it DONE and send it in! Application Essay Tips.
   
5. Letters of recommendation - request them ONLY if they are required. Many schools do NOT want letters of recommendation. Don’t overwhelm your professors with requests if they are not required. Read more about Letters of Recommendation here.
   
6. Make a plan for housing - many schools are short on space for on-campus dorm rooms for transfer students. Contact the On-Campus Housing Office for details; if on-campus housing is not available, most schools have an Off-Campus Housing website to give you ideas about how to find nearby rooms or apartments.
   
7. Investigate scholarships and financial aid – follow the many suggestions here.
   
8. Finally, give yourself a reality check – does your overall grade point average meet the preferred minimums for transfer consideration? At the University of Maryland, College Park, a total GPA of 3.0 is the minimum GPA to be a realistic candidate. Many majors have additional competitive requirements (called LEP Programs). Most other MD state schools prefer a 2.5 overall GPA or higher. You can call a school’s Admissions Office to ask about overall GPA expectations for transfer students.
   

This Just In from the Department of Redundancy Department:

COMPLETE APPLICATIONS BEFORE DEADLINES! If you wait to send in an application by the printed transfer application deadline, you may be too late. Many state schools (Towson, Salisbury) look at applications in the order they are received and admit qualified students until they run out of space.

Questions? Call the Admissions Office of schools that interest you to ask for more information, and be sure to write down the name of the person who gives you answers.