Caption: Student conversating on college campus Photo by Armin Rimoldi
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By Joseph W.
Maybe you weren’t accepted, or your parents felt that a smaller classroom setting would best fit your needs, or even the fact that you weren’t financially capable of affording a university tuition directly out of high school. Whatever your situation maybe it is important now that you focus on what’s next! In this article I have outlined “5” proven steps in a successful strategy to transferring from a state college to a top 5 public university.
- Meet regularly with your transfer counselor
Typically, there is a relationship between the state college you attend and universities within the same state. This is usually a result of 2-year degree programs that produce well rounded and highly motivated students, eager to continue their education at a next level institution. With this relationship university department recruiters will visit your campus to advertise their programs and define paths that students can take to transfer into their program. For example, at my undergrad institution Santa Fe State College there was a bridge program with the University of Florida which established a consistent schedule for department advisors to meet with prospective students and provide counsel on the course requirements necessary to increase the likelihood of entering the program.
- Know your course timeline
Studying your course timeline creates an internal sense of urgency and realization of checkpoints along your academic journey. Since any degree you aspire to obtain will take time it is important to understand where you are along your individual path to accomplishing your goals. Knowing your coursework also provides the opportunity to explore professors teaching that subject, which may be helpful in identifying instructors that suit your learning style. And in a world of comparisons knowing what you must do and when, can give a sense of calmness and pace. Which allows you to chase your dream with joy and gazelle intensity.
- Develop a routine
Maybe it’s true, maybe it’s not but from my experience developing a pattern of professionalism builds a character of excellence. I am referring to three specific attributes: punctuality or a respect of others time by being at least 5-7 minutes early to any engagement; perseverance, establishing a muscle memory of tasks will allow you to push beyond difficult times which are sure to come; hard-work, at points along your journey it will be convenient to do the necessary work with bare minimum effort, but you shouldn’t become complacent because you have yet to reach your goals.
- Build connections
As the 50 Billion Dollar man would yell: “Show me your network and I’ll show you your net worth!”. I cannot stress enough the importance of developing genuine relationships with
Transferring From a State College to a Top 5 Public University Joseph Washington
the recruiters and student affairs representatives you engage with. In many cases they can act as sponsors advocating on your behalf regarding your acceptance into programs or even providing exclusive pearls that other candidates are not privy to. Looking forward building connections affords opportunities and experiences you will not be able to obtain with your education alone.
- Focus on the task at hand
Again, comparison is the thief of joy. And if you’re focused on accomplishing the individual goals you have set for your own future you won’t have time to divert your energy on what your peers are doing. Remember, there are many routes of the mountain of success, but you will not experience the fulfillment of your passion aligning with your purpose using someone else’s map. So tackle each course and each relationship with a dedicated focus that showcases your commitment to transforming you dreams into reality.
