UMCP - Transfer Applicants with Non-US Academic Records

• If original transcripts are not in English, you must provide an official English translation.
• A transcript is considered official when it is in a sealed envelope and bears an original signature of the registrar or other designated school official and/or it has an original impression of the university's seal.

If admitted to UMCP, you will need to submit detailed course outlines or syllabi.

1. include the required textbooks and other reading material, number of contact hours or weight of each course and the method of grading for each class.
2. information must be in English or accompanied by a literal English translation.
3. provide web sites or other references, if available.

Maryland's faculty and Transfer Credit Center are the final authority regarding the number of credits awarded and the equivalency granted. For more information, please contact the Transfer Credit Center at tccinfo@umd.edu.

Update: Spring 2010 Transfer Admission to UMCP Smith

Transfer applicants applying to the University of Maryland for the Spring 2010 semester with an interest in Business will be:

1. reviewed for consideration into the major during the first week of January.
2. informed via email of their admission to the Smith School in the second week of January.

** It is imperative that your complete academic records are in by the competitive review dates. DO NOT FORGET TO submit an updated transcript with fall semester grades as soon as the semester is over and grades are posted.

University of Maryland Pre-Transfer Advising Services Update

Due to changes in staffing, the University of Maryland Pre-Transfer Advising Services have changed. They will not be visiting MC campuses to meet with students.

Students can schedule 30 minute in person appointments to meet with an advisor from the website (www.transferadvising.umd/edu/) or come to walk in hours which are also posted on the website. Telephone and AOL Instant Messaging appointments can be scheduled as well.

Students looking to receive an unofficial audit should should fax(301.314.9896) or email (transferadvising@umd.edu) their unofficial transcript or send a completed pre-advising worksheet (http://www.transferadvising.umd.edu/) at least two business days prior to their visit.

Student emails and voicemail messages will be responded to within 3 to 5 business days. Students are encouraged to send questions via email in order to receive a more timely response.

Living at Your Next School – On-Campus Dorm or Off-Campus Apartment?

If you hope to get on-campus housing, you need to submit an application to do so. Note that the University of Maryland, College Park, typically does not offer on-campus housing to transfer students. Check with each school to ask about the availability of housing (dormitories & dining halls) for transfer students. Follow up on your application for housing – persistence is the key to getting a space.

Applying BEFORE Deadlines Makes a Difference in the Race for Transfer Space

Although the deadline for transfer applications is usually later than the deadline for high school seniors seeking freshman admission, as competition for transfer spaces increases, MC transfer counselors suggest working on applications now (November-December) if you want to transfer to another school next Fall 2010. The steps to apply depend on how many credits you have on your college transcript.


If you have 0-29 credits completed, then:

1. Work on your transfer application now (November 2009) and submit it at the end of this month or in December. Use the electronic application at the school’s website rather than a paper application as this allows you to track the progress of your application.
2. Contact your high school to have your official high school transcript sent.
3. Contact the College Board to have your SAT scores sent
4. Complete the essay, even if it’s optional, and indicate that you are a freshman at Montgomery College.
5. Send copies of your MC transcript in this sequence: 1 at the end of this Fall 2009 semester, and another at the end of the Spring 2010 semester.
6. Check to see whether recommendations are required or suggested. If NOT, do not send recommendations – your application is usually judged on the basis of your Montgomery College performance – the grades you’ve earned in your classes.

If you have more than 30 credits completed:

1. Begin working on your transfer application now (November) and submit it at the end of this month or in December. Using an electronic application at the school’s website rather than a paper application allows you to track the progress of your application.
2. Check to see whether high school transcripts and SAT scores are needed. Many schools do not require this information if you have 30 or more credits completed on your MC transcript.
3. Complete the essay, even if it’s optional.
4. Send copies of your MC transcript in this sequence: 1 immediately, to go along with your application, then 1 at the end of this Fall 2009 semester, and another at the end of the Spring 2010 semester. Note that midterm grades do not appear on your official transcript. MC sends electronic copies of transcripts to Maryland state schools – this is a better way to go over paper copies.
5. Check to see whether recommendations are required or suggested. If NOT, do not send recommendations – your application is judged on the basis of your Montgomery College performance – the grades you’ve earned in your classes.

Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship

The Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship application process has started. The process is very detailed and extensive. The JKC Foundation will award approximately 50 scholarships to outstanding transfer students who will be attending four year institutions in the Fall of 2010. The maximum award available per student is $30,000 per year.

Scholars may use the award to attend any accredited college or university in the US or abroad in pursuit of a baccalaureate degree. The award is renewed annually provided the Scholar has maintained high academic performance, exhibited good conduct, made significant progress toward a degree, and complied with the Foundation's administrative requirements and request.

The minimum eligibility criteria is:

1. Be a current student at an accredited US community college with sophomore status by December 31, 2009 or be a recent graduate,
2. Have a cumulative grade point average of a 3.50 or better,
3. Plan to transfer to a four year college/university in the Fall, 2010
4. Be nominated by his/her two year institution, and
5. Have not previously been nominated for the JKCooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship.

Please contact one of the following Transfer Scholarship Coordinators on your campus for information by November 10th:

Germantown: Audrey.Hill@montgomerycollege.edu or Tamesha.Robinson@montgomerycollege.edu

Rockville: Gustavus.Griffin@montgomerycollege.edu or Karen.King@montgomerycollege.edu

Takoma Park/Silver Spring: Tonya.Mason@montgomerycollege.edu or Evelyn.Gonzalez-Mills@montgomerycollege.edu

UMCP - Biological Sciences: Math Requirement

If you plan to transfer to UMCP in the Biological Sciences Degree Program, the math requirement has changed. Starting Fall 2009, they will will no longer accept Applied Calculus sequence -- MA160/MA161 (MATH220/221 at UMCP). Instead, students are advised to take MA 181/182 (MATH 140/141 at UMCP).

New Chemical and Life Sciences Limited Enrollment Program at UMCP

Effective Fall 2010, the College of Chemical and Life Sciences (CLFS) at the University of Maryland will become a Limited Enrollment Program (LEP). To be eligible for admission, transfer students must meet the gateway criteria outlined in the CLFS LEP sheet available at www.lep.umd.edu/. A minimum grade point average of 2.7 in all courses taken at the University of Maryland and all other institutions is required for both internal and external transfer students.

Admission questions regarding limited enrollment programs should be directed to Michael Robinson at 301-314-0352. The contact within the College of Chemical and Life Sciences is Ms. Eden Garosi. In addition, the Pre-Transfer Advisors are available to assist students with any questions they have about academic requirements at Maryland. Visit www.transferadvising.umd.edu/ for their hours and contact information.
________________________________________

MTAP and F-1 Students

Please be advised that F-1 students must take a full time course load of 12 credits here at MC to maintain their F-1 status. Since Montgomery College is issuing the I-20 for the F-1 students fsaATLAS monitors their compliance through Montgomery College. MTAP F-1 students are elibible to take a course at the University of Maryland at the 25% reduced rate but this must be in addition to at least 12 credits taken at Montgomery College. If students have any questions regarding their I-20 or status please have them contact Montgomery College’s International Student Coordinators via e-mail at the campus they wish to attend:

Mr. Vallejo-Valencia (Rockville)
Email: Marlon.Vallejo@montgomerycollege.edu

Phone: 240-567-5315 240-567-5315
Fax: 240-567-5037

Ms. Heidi Russell-Kalkofen (Rockville - except Wednesday)
Heidi.Russell-Kalkofen@montgomerycollege.edu

Phone: 240-567-7962 240-567-7962 (R)
Fax: 240-567-5037(R)

(Germantown - Wednesday Only)

Phone: 240-567-1803 240-567-1803 (G)
Fax: 240-567-1923(G)

Ms. Vida Bonsu(Takoma Park/Silver Spring)
Email: Vida.Bonsu@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1639 240-567-1639
Fax: 240-567-1497

University of Baltimore (UB) Continues to Grow and May Have Scholarship Money for You!

UB continues to grow and expand. The University has had a double digit growth in enrollment over the last three years; mainly in the undergraduate population, with new transfer enrollment up 11% in fall 2009. UB will also begin offering academic minors, in select disciplines, beginning this fall. For a list of minors, visit http://www.ubalt.edu/minors.

UB offers merit-based scholarships to all transfer students with a minimum 24 credits and a cumulative g.p.a. of 2.5 or higher. Both full-time and part-time students are eligible. Awards range from $350 - $2,500 per year, and are renewable for the length of time a student is enrolled at UB.

For more information, visit http://www.ubalt.edu/transferscholarships. You can find out if you are eligible and how much you might receive by speaking to an admission representative, attending a campus event, or visiting http://www.ubalt.edu/pre-award.

UMCP - Limited Enrollment Programs & Gateway Requirements

UMCP defines Limited Enrollment Programs (LEPs) as "competitive majors that control enrollment numbers to maintain program quality." Students beyond their first semester and those off campus wishing to transfer are required to meet the gateway criteria prior to applying to the major. Currently, the University of Maryland has ten Limited Enrollment Programs. For more information, see: http://www.lep.umd.edu/

NEW LEPs -

• Criminal Justice (starting fall 2009) - http://www.lep.umd.edu/criminologycriminaljustice.pdf
  
• Chemical & Life Sciences (starting fall 2010) - http://www.lep.umd.edu/chemlife.pdf

For admissions questions, call Michael Robinson at 301-314-0352.

Rockville Campus University of Maryland Pre Transfer Advising Session

Erin Thiel, Pre-Transfer Advisor at the University of Maryland (College Park only) will be visiting MC Rockville Friday September 25 from 1-4pm in the Counseling Building, Room 215, the Career Transfer Center. These will be walk-in appointments and it will be first come, first serve. Appointments will be no longer than 20 minutes each. Evaluations of student coursework can only be done ahead of time to accommodate for the most number of students. *Students wishing to receive an unofficial audit/evaluation of MC courses at their visit, MUST send Ms Erin Thiel a copy of their transcript ahead of time at ethiel@umd.edu.** *Students must indicate in their e-mail that they will be coming to walk-in hours. Students unable to attend on September 25, are welcome to schedule an appointment at www.transferadvising.umd.edu.

USG Pre-Admissions Transfer Advising Visits for Fall 2009

This semester advisors from the Universities at Shady Grove will be available to meet with students for pre-transfer advising appointments. These visits will take place in CB 215. The advisors will use the back cubicle to meet with students. These advisors will be able to assist students with questions regarding all USG programs. The dates and time for the USG Pre-Admissions Rockville Transfer visits for Fall 2009are listed below.

Thursday, October 8th, 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m CB 215
Thursday, October 22nd 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m CB 215
Thursday, November 5th 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m CB 215
Thursday, November 19th 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m CB 215
Thursday, December 3, 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m CB 215

University of Maryland Pre Transfer Advising Walk In Hours at UMCP

The University of Maryland Pre-Transfer Advising program provides support to prospective transfer students by assessing their readiness to transfer to the University of Maryland and estimating their time to degree completion.

The Univerity of Maryland Pre-Transfer Advising office walk-in hours will be on Mondays and Thursdays from 1:30pm-4pm. This is a great opportunity for students with *quick and simple questions* to receive immediate assistance. Students with more detailed questions (transferability of credits, remaining major requirements, academic planning) are encouraged to schedule a regular 30-minute appointment. Visit http://www.transferadvising.umd.edu for more information.

University of Maryland College Park Transfer Admission Deadline Update

Transfer admission to the University of Maryland has become increasingly competitive. They have received over 7000 applications for a transfer class of 1900 for Fall 2009. The Admissions Committee considers each application for transfer admission individually, reviewing the student's academic record, grades received in all college-level courses, and the rigor of the student's academic program. Completion of Fundamental Studies English and mathematics is critical for all transfer applicants.

The application deadline for Spring 2010 tranfer admission is November 15, 2009. Because admission has become so competitive and space is limited you students are encouraged to apply BEFORE the deadline. The Admissions office has already begun reviewing applications for the Spring 2010 semester and plan to release their first batch of transfer admission decisions by the third week of September.

The international student deadline and students holding F-1 or J-1 Visa needed to apply by August 1st.

UMCP's Engineering Programs Now Accepts More Arts Distribution Courses!

The University of Maryland's Clark School of Engineering now accepts all Arts courses on the MC General Education list, not just those which are theory-based.

Previously, transfer students were restricted to taking theory-based (lecture) rather than studio arts courses (example: AR 101 Drawing I) to fulfill UMCP's HA - Arts requirement.

The one EXCEPTION within MC's Gen Ed Arts for ALL UMCP-bound students is MC's CG 120, Computer Arts and Illustration. CG 120 is not accepted as an Arts (HA) course at UM for any major; instead, it is accepted as an HO course, Humanities Other.

MC-UMUC Recommended Transfer Programs

Take a look at this new website -- http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/Departments/studev/UMUC/alliance.htm

On each page, you can see how MC degrees will transfer to UMUC in specific majors, with recommended course choices.

-- > View additional information on transferring from MC to UMUC.

NEW UMUC Scholarship for MC Students

The new Bata Student Success/Scholarship program is being offered through UMUC specifically for Montgomery College students.

Dr. Evelyn Bata Scholarship Program for Student Success

The Dr. Evelyn Bata Scholarship Program for Student Success will provide scholarships and additional student support services to students who transfer from Montgomery College to the University of Maryland University College. Scholarship recipients must pursue a bachelor’s degree on a part-time basis at UMUC. The recipient must not receive employer tuition. Preference will be given to high demand professional degree programs.

View/Download Application

For futher information, contact:

Jennifer O'BrienCoordinator
Office of Community Relations
University of Maryland University College
9636 Gudelsky Drive
Rockville, MD 20850
301-738-6151
Fax 301-738-6340
Cell-301-821-7525
jobrien@umuc.edu

Fall 2009 - University of Maryland College Park: Transfer Admission Update

University of Maryland College Park is no longer accepting applications for transfer admission for the Fall 2009 semester. Because of limited space availability, it is unlikely that UMCP will be able to review applications submitted after the June 1 deadline this year. Applications received after the June 1 deadline that are not reviewed for Fall 2009 may be considered for admission in Spring 2010.

The Spring 2010 application for admission will be available online beginning July 20, 2009.

Do "D" Grades Transfer to Maryland Public Schools?

The answer is usually "no". Keep in mind that majors with competitive requirements (e.g., nursing, business, etc.) may have a "minimum B" or "min. C" requirement for specific courses. Also, grades of 'D' pull down your overall GPA.

However, under some circumstances the 'D' will be accepted. Here is the response from the Maryland Higher Education Commission Student Guide to Transfer

"'D' grades will be accepted in transfer if the Maryland public college to which you are applying also accepts a 'D' for native students. A 'D' grade earned in a general education course that meets a general education requirement at a sending institution, which has designated that course as meeting a general education requirement, will transfer and meet a general education requirement at the receiving institution."

Is a degree program you'd like to pursue not available in Maryland? Check out the Academic Common Market!

When Maryland Students Want to Major in Ocean Engineering, Commercial Music, or Fabric Design......they look into the Academic Common Market!

Study in a specialized field at an out-of-state college, while paying in-state tuition rates. Residents of 15 states may participate in the Southern Regional Education Board's Academic Common Market, an agreement that enables students to pursue unique majors offered at public institutions in the other SREB states while paying in-state tuition.

Savings to both states and students are significant. The state saves because the Common Market provides costly, specialized programs that otherwise would have to be duplicated. If the public institutions in Maryland do not offer degree programs in a student's field of study, it may be possible to arrange a waiver of out-of-state tuition to attend a cooperating public institution of higher education in another participating state.

Through a pilot arrangement with the Electronic Campus of the Southern Regional Education Board, some degree programs are being offered electronically at in-state tuition rates. For more information about these programs, click here. The number of programs offered is revised annually as states tailor their participation in the Academic Common Market as part of their planning for higher education.

Peruse, if you will, this impressive array of majors and institutions available to Maryland residents! Go to: http://www.sreb.org/programs/acm/acmindex.aspx

Transfer Deadlines are Becoming Critically Important!

Many students discovered the hard way this semester that admission for transfer students at Maryland public institutions is BOOMING.

The MHEC Transfer Policy says that any student with 56 credits or an AA degree “will not be denied admission to a MD public institution.” You can be assured that a MD school will take you, but not necessarily the one you want to attend.

The key is to apply EARLY for transfer, well before the published deadline. An application is considered late if the supporting materials are not in on time, so it’s especially important that transcripts are submitted by the deadline as well. Except for competitive majors (like Business at UMCP), most schools admit qualified students in the order that they applied, usually making decisions beginning in October for the Spring semester and March 1 for the Fall semester.

This chart shows TYPICAL TRANSFER APPLICATION DEADLINES at MD public schools. Be sure to to verify the admission requirements and deadlines on the school’s web site.

School	Transfer Application Deadline Spring 2010	Transfer Application Deadline Fall 2010	No. of Completed Credits to be considered a Transfer Student
Bowie State University	November 1	April 1	25 credits
Coppin State University	Not stated	Not stated	25 credits
Frostburg State University	December 1	June 1	24 credits
Morgan State University	January 15	Priority Feb. 15; Final deadline June 15	24 credits
Salisbury University	December 1	June 5	24 credits
Towson University	November 1	February 15	30 credits
University of Baltimore	Rolling	Rolling	24 credits
U. of Maryland, Baltimore County	Priority Nov. 1: Final deadline: Dec. 15	Priority March 15; Final deadline May 31	30 credits
U. of Maryland, College Park	November 15; earlier application recommended	Priority March 1; Final deadline June 1	30 credits
U. of Maryland Eastern Shore	December 1	July 15	27 credits
U. of Maryland University College	Rolling	Rolling	Apply while enrolled at MC through the Alliance Program

Considering a Career in Pharmacy?

Students who want to apply to a Pharmacy School may complete most of the prerequisite courses at Montgomery College. Students may apply to most Pharmacy Schools after the completion of 68 credits. Pharmacy schools require that students submit scores from the Pharmacy College Admission Test ( PCAT ).

The State of Maryland has one pharmacy school, the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Pharmacy (UMB) UMB has two locations, the main campus in downtown Baltimore and a new satellite campus at the Universities at Shady Grove. UMB School of Pharmacy at Shady Grove courses will be taught mainly by streaming video with some lab requirements in Baltimore. Admission requirements are the same for both campuses of UMB. Both the Main Campus and Shady Grove programs are FALL Entrance only. Attend the upcoming Open House for more information. Other nearly Pharmacy schools are Howard University and Shenandoah University.

To learn more about Careers in Pharmacy and , a list of Pharmacy Schools by state, check out the American Association of Colleges in Pharmacy (AACP)'s Student Center at: http://www.aacp.org/RESOURCES/STUDENT/Pages/default.aspx

Have a "quick" or "simple" transfer question for UMCP?

UM Pre-Transfer Advising office will be starting walk-in hours on Monday June 8. This is a great opportunity to receive immediate assistance for "quick & simple" questions.

Walk-in Hours: Mondays and Thursdays from 1:30pm-4pm.

Schedule a regular 30-minute appointment if you have more detailed questions (transferability of credits, remaining major requirements, academic planning) at http://www.transferadvising.umd.edu/.

The Pre-Admission Transfer Advising office is located in 0104 Reckord Armory between Turner Hall and the Mitchell Building. Our office is located near the front of the Reckord Armory on the lower level next to the vending machines. Parking is available next to Turner Hall (Dairy/Visitor Center). An interactive map of the campus is available.

Transferring to USG? Fill out the General Scholarship Application by 6/22/09!

Universities at Shady Grove (USG) provides an array of scholarship programs, intended to help meet the needs of those seeking to complete a baccalaureate degree.

All undergraduate students enrolled in degree seeking programs at the Universities at Shady Grove may complete this application to be considered for available scholarship programs. These programs vary in terms of qualifying criteria, award amounts and other terms. As each scholarship program has differing criteria, applicants will only be considered for those scholarships for which they qualify. All undergraduate students in need of financial assistance are encouraged to apply.

View application: http://www.shadygrove.umd.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/documents/2009-2010USGScholarshipApplication.pdf

New Degree Allowed By State Will Help Engineering Students Transfer

Existing engineering transfer programs in Maryland are guided by course-by-course evaluation and transfer of credit. The ASE--by providing a clear transfer pathway to multiple schools--will help offer students more choice in transfer.

The first two fields for which ASE outcomes have been developed are electrical engineering and computer engineering, which are both areas of high workforce demand. ASE students must meet all admission requirements of engineering programs to which they apply to be eligible for admission and the block transfer.

More information on the ASE can be found at http://www.mhec.state.md.us/ASE/index.asp.

UMUC Special Advising Days in June 2009

UMUC will be holding Special Advising Days specifically for Montgomery College students who are interested in transferring to UMUC.

Advising sessions will be held at the Shady Grove Center on the following dates and times:

June 10th, 11am and 4pm
June 11th, 2pm and 6pm
June 16th, 2pm and 6pm
June 25th, 10am, 2pm, 6pm

During these sessions, students will have their admission fee waived, have their evaluation of transfer credits completed, ability to apply for Shady Grove scholarships, talk with an advisor, find out about financial aid and more.

Feel free to contact Jennifer O'Brien with questions.

Jennifer O'Brien
Coordinator
Office of Community Relations
University of Maryland University College
9636 Gudelsky Drive
Rockville, MD 20850
301-738-6151 - Fax 301-738-6340
Cell-301-821-7525
jobrien@umuc.edu

Wondering how many credits will transfer to UMCP?

Maryland's Transfer Credit Center helps you evaluate transfer credits.

Just follow the links for Transfer Course Look-Up to access more than 210,000 course equivalencies in the Credit Center's database.

• For faster connection, use "Complete Search." (Remember that the database provides only limited credit equivalencies for coursework completed outside of the United States.)
• Remember you'll need to submit official Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) examination scores. These credits may affect placements in subject-related courses. For more information about AP and IB credit awards, click here.

Transfer Admission to the Robert H. Smith School of Business

Transfer applicants interested in majoring in business will receive notification of their admission to the UMCP on a rolling basis. Once admitted to Maryland, applications will be reviewed for admission to the Robert H. Smith School of Business.

Stay tuned during the second weeks of June and August; at these times students will receive decisions concerning their Smith School applications via email. Remember to submit updated transcripts with spring semester grades as soon as those records become available. Students' complete academic records must be received by the June 1st review date.

UMCP Transfer Application Deadline for Fall is June 1st

The transfer application deadline for fall is June 1st. Applications received after that date will be considered only on space-available basis. Admission decisions will be released as soon as possible, generally three to four weeks after receiving completed applications. To learn more about other deadlines, click here.

Headed to UMCP in Biology? Changes to Math Requirement

The Biological Science Degree Program at the University of Maryland College Park will have a change in its Mathematics curriculum effective for those students who matriculate as freshmen at any college or university in fall 2009 or later.

The faculty at UM have designed a Calculus for Life Sciences sequence for Biological Sciences majors. At UM this course sequence will have the course numbers MATH130 & MATH131.

Montgomery College does not offer equivalent courses to this sequence. However UM will accept our MA 181 and 182 in lieu of this sequence. They will no longer accept our MA 160 and 161 for students matriculating fall 2009 and beyound.

Get Technical with Capitol College

Capitol College, located in Laurel, MD, offers many technical programs for MC transfer students. Capitol also has a partnership with NASA, which provides internships and jobs opportunities for its students.

Their programs include:

• Astonautical Engineering
• Computer Engineering Technology
• Computer Science
• Software Engineering
• Electronics Engineering Technology
• Electrical Engineering and Network Security.

Learn more at: http://www.capitol-college.edu/

Every Business Major Needs to Know...

Business is a booming major at the Robert H. Smith School, University of Maryland College Park - both Main and Shady Grove campuses - so much so that early advising is critical to admissions success.

What does it take to get into Smith?

Besides a terrific grade point average, each student's application is examined for evidence of leadership activities, work experience and a willingness to take challenging courses. This is information that incoming freshmen at MC must know. Involvement in activities should begin early on. The Smith Advising Page states this clearly. Students should also have a Plan B ready. Many students are attracted to Smith because it's nearby, it's reasonably priced as a state school, and because of its growing reputation. But Smith is not the only way to succeed in business.

• Consider alternate majors at UMCP
• Choose another school -- check out the MANY other public and private schools in DC and MD - see the full list of "Schools within a 50-Mile Driving Radius of Rockville" for links: www.montgomerycollege.edu/Departments/studev/business50mile.htm

Stump the Transfer Advisor!

Dear Transfer Advisor,

I love Montgomery College and to be honest, I really don't want to leave. I've heard a rumor that MC is going to offer four-year degrees, is this true?

Maria Montgomery

___________________________

Dear Maria,

If we had a nickel for every time counselors have heard this question... well, you may have seen the pile of nickels on my desk. MC will not be offering four-year, bachelor's degrees in the known future. HOWEVER, the good news is that you CAN earn a four-year degree while staying in Montgomery County through the Universities at Shady Grove. http://www.shadygrove.umd.edu/programs/undergraduate/

Nine different universities offer the programs below at the Shady Grove Campus, located at the intersection of Shady Grove Road and Route 28, just past Shady Grove Hospital. If you enroll in one of these programs, your diploma will read, "Towson University" or whichever school offers the program, not "Universities at Shady Grove." There are many exciting majors offered, check them out!

New Programs at USG:

B.S. in Early Childhood Education (Towson University)
B.A. in History (UMBC)
B.S. in Public Health (UMCP)
B.S. in Respiratory Therapy (Salisbury University)

Do I have to have an AA to transfer?

It’s not always necessary to complete an AA before you go, although completion of an Associates degree can be helpful if:

1. Your overall GPA is less than a 2.5 – MOST Maryland public schools will accept students who have completed either an AA or 56 credits if their overall GPA is a 2.0 or higher.
   
   See the Maryland HigherEducation Commission’s Guide to Transfer or ask a counselor. Of course, your chances of surviving at the next school are better with a higher GPA, aim high. Here is the Maryland State Transfer Policy.
   
2. Your native language is not English – UMCP requests that students whose native language is not English either submit TOEFL scores or complete an AA degree to demonstrate their proficiency of English.
   
3. You want to transfer with junior status – it’s economical to earn as many credits as you can before you go, as long as the courses you’re taking fit your major at your four-year destination. Why not wrap those 60 credits into an AA degree along the way? Remember that the key to course transferability is getting advised each semester for help in choosing courses. Just presenting a completed AA degree does NOT mean that all courses taken will transfer to a four-year school. Check to see how close you are to earning an AA degree here.

Do I stand a better chance of getting in to a competitive major if I apply as “Undecided’?

Probably not, especially if the University of Maryland, College Park is your destination. See an MC counselor to discuss this.

TRANSCRIPTS - What are they and why should I care?

1. What is a transcript?
   
   A transcript is an official copy of a student's academic record. It records all courses successfully and unsuccessfully completed and all courses attempted ("withdrawals"). Midterm grades do not appear, only final grades. Transcripts show your official grade point average (GPA) and the number of credits you have earned.
   
2. How do I request a copy of my transcript?
   
   This link will take you to the three methods: web, mailed in request, or walk-in request. A fee of $5 is charged for each official transcript requested. www.montgomerycollege.edu/admissions/Records/TranscriptRequests.htm
   
3. What are electronic transcripts?
   
   Montgomery College sends copies of transcripts electronically to most Maryland public schools. This system is very efficient - the information is sent somewhat like a fax, eliminating paper copies, and transcript information is downloaded right into a student's application file. You don't have to request an electronic transcript - if you ask MC to send a transcript to a Maryland public school, it will automatically go as an electronic, not a paper, copy.
   
4. Is it better to include a copy of my paper transcript with my application package, or have MC send it for me?
   
   Some programs will specifically instruct you to include an official copy of your transcript with your paper application (especially scholarship programs). If you don't see this specific request, then having MC send it for you is the best way to go.
   
5. What if I my transcript arrives before my application gets there?
   
   This is not a problem for either paper or electronic transcripts. Transfer institutions usually recognize that a student's application will soon follow - they typically hold onto transcripts for 6 months to wait for the rest to arrive.
   
6. What's the difference between an official and an unofficial transcript?
   
   An official transcript, in paper form, has been imprinted with MC's official stamp and it is sealed in an envelope. Opening the envelope means that it is no longer official. Electronic transcripts sent from MC to the transfer school are official. Get an unofficial transcript from your MyMC account - this is a printout of your courses and grades by semester. Even if you have sent an official transcript to your transfer school, it's always a good idea to print out your unofficial transcript from MyMC and bring it to any information sessions or orientation/advising sessions at other schools.
   
7. Aren't schools more impressed if I hand-carry a copy of my transcript to their admissions offices?
   
   Can you picture an overflowing "In Box" at a popular university? Paper copies take time for someone to open it up and enter the data in the system. Electronic is the way to go for a MD state school.
   
8. If I send an official copy of my transcript when I apply to a university, will MC also send my final transcript?
   
   MC doesn't have a way of knowing which school you will decide to attend - you must request a second copy of your final transcript at the end of a semester. For example, if you want to become a Frostburg Bobcat next Fall 2009 and you've sent one transcript in February of 2009, you'll need to request another copy at the end of the Spring semester so that those earned grades and credits can be reviewed and transferred to FSU.
   

University of Maryland University College (UMUC) Alliance Program

For students just starting at MC: work toward both an associate's degree and a bachelor's degree seamlessly.

http://www.umuc.edu/prog/community_college/alliances/alliances_md.shtml

• One application enrolls students at both campuses, and UMUC's $50 admission fee is waived.
  
• Provides access to UMUC's library, tutoring, writing assistance, career counseling, computer labs and more.
  
• Students may transfer up to 70 credits earned at MC to UMUC.
  
• Apply for scholarships at UMUC up to $3,300 for full-time students and $1,650 for part-time students per year when transferring with an AA degree, 3.0 GPA minimum.
  

Questions, contact:

Jennifer O'Brien
Community Relations Coordinator
University of Maryland University College
301-821-7525
jobrien@umuc.edu

UMBC Transfer Student Alliance: A partnership between the University of Maryland, Baltimore Countyand Montgomery College

UMBC is known for attracting highly motivated students - eager learners who get involved in their education. A top research university with a national reputation, UMBC is a place where undergraduates have easy access to professors working on the cutting edge of their disciplines. Every student has access to exceptional resources, stimulating teachers and individual attention.Students who begin their college education at Montgomery College (MC) with plans to transfer to UMBC to complete a 4-year degree may be eligible to participate in the Transfer Student Alliance (TSA) Program.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TSA PROGRAM, PLEASE CONTACT:

Kelly Reese, Transfer Coordinator, UMBC, 410-455-1320, kreese1@umbc.edu

Visit one of these TSA Webpages for an Application Form: UMBC: www.umbc.edu/tsa

UMCP-Bound? Apply for Guaranteed Transfer Admission

The Maryland Transfer Advantage Program (MTAP) guarantees transfer admission to Montgomery College students who complete 30 or more credits and who have a 3.0 grade point average (for all majors except Limited Enrollment Programs). MTAP students are also invited to participate in advising information sessions for all majors while enrolled at MC, and they have opportunities to take courses at UM while enrolled as students at MC.

MTAP is FREE - for further details regarding the requirements & benefits of this program, go to the MTAP Website.

Top 100 Associates Degree Granting U.S. Institutions

Where does Montgomery College rank?

The results may surprise you. Remember, though, that many students come to MC for the sole purpose of transferring, and in doing so, they may not complete a degree before they transfer.

http://www.ccweek.com/news/templates/template.aspx?articleid=483&zoneid=5

UMBC Transfer deadlines for Fall 2009

March 15 (priority) and May 31 (final)

New: UMBC Admissions Counselors Blog http://umbcadmissionsblog.wordpress.com/umbc-undergraduate-admissions/

UMBC Open House Program for Transfer Students UMBC offers an open house program just for prospective transfer students in the fall and spring. Prospective transfer students have the opportunity to learn about admissions, financial aid, scholarships and program offerings and to meet faculty, staff and students.

The Transfer Open House will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2009. Click here to register.

RIGHT NOW - It's Time to Explore Experiential Learning

What distinguishes one college graduate from another? Real-world experience gained while still in college.

Find out more about internships and volunteering:

Montgomery College Opportunities

New! Internships in the White House. Montgomery College students have an opportunity to apply for internships in the White House. Summer 2009 White House internship applications are due by Sunday, March 22. To download the application or for more information, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/02/26/apply-for-an-internship.

Internships Advertised on E-Jobs - this service, open to all MC students, lists not only jobs but also internship opportunities for students.

Montgomery College Collegewide Cooperative Education and Internship Program

Montgomery College Smithsonian Internships - An internship at the Smithsonian Institution through Montgomery College is an experience like no other! It is a prearranged, structured learning opportunity within a defined time frame. MC students in any discipline may apply for an internship.

Montgomery College Library of Congress Students with an interest in history and/or languages may find interesting opportunities in this program.

The Macklin Business Institute, Montgomery College, Rockville Campus. The Macklin Business Institute offers an honors and mentoring program to business students. The college-wide program includes participation in business honors courses, a seminar each week, and mentoring by both a faculty member and a corporate executive. A business internship and scholarship support may be available to students accepted into the Institute.

Internships that earn college credit within specific subject area at Montgomery College - ask about these courses in the Counseling Center or check a current schedule of classes for coordinator contact information. Most of these for-credit internship courses have a prerequisite of completion of one or more courses in the subject field.

Q: Where Do They Go From Here? A: Everywhere!

MONTGOMERY COLLEGE TRANSFER DESTINATIONS 2008
5,081 students who earned 12 or more credits at M.C. in 2007 enrolled at these four-year institutions in 2008.

[Print out The Destinations 2008 List in PDF]


Source: National Student Loan Clearinghouse, Student Enrollment Data (Note: not all institutions participate in the NSLC program) and Montgomery College Office of Institutional Research & Analysis 3/4/09