The Transfer center is embedded in the counseling office, nearly hidden by a wall covered with fliers about schools competing for FCC student’s attention. Counselor Leticia Canales, the Transfer Center Coordinator, helps students “transfer smoothly in a timely manner” by reviewing their goals, providing them with information about the various campuses, the majors those campuses offer, and helping them with designing an academic plan.
Canales stresses the importance of student’s initiative. “Are you patient enough to do the research? You’re only gonna get one shot at your education.”
They have 2 computers available for student use. Students can search through majors, research schools, and learn to use Asssist.org. The website is a database listing the various schools and majors. Students can use it to discover what courses offered at FCC count towards their major at the university level.
Canales stated that “your major is important-you can’t transfer as ‘undecided’.” Once you select your major you need to research the schools offer your major. Different schools have varying emphasis on the same majors meaning course requirements vary from campus to campus.
Her advice is that once you narrow your options to schedule a tour of the campus. Schools post information on their websites to make arrangements. Meet with whoever heads your major’s department and do some research on your major at that school. Also, consider your living arrangements. Will you be living with your family, in an apartment, or the dorms? Take a day to explore the city. Find out what its like. Finally, ask yourself “can I make it here?”
For students interested in staying closer to FCC; Fresno State, UC Merced, and Fresno Pacific send representatives regularly to speak with students about transferring to their respective schools.
Some schools offer Transfer Admission Guarantees (TAG) which purpose is to ease the transition between FCC and the college a student will transfer to. Canales says that “99% of FCC students going to a UC have a TAG.” Though the TAG reserves space for FCC students, securing a TAG for some schools/majors can be competitive. “Its not just academics,” Canales points out. “UCs are looking for ‘well rounded’ applicants. What is your major and how does this reflect who you are? Are you working that field?” She urges students to check out that the volunteer fair every semester for great opportunities to gain experience relevant to their studies.
Students can find more information blackboard site. On the main page, before signing in, simple search under the “My Organizations” heading for “FCC Transfer Center.” Almost all the information a student needs is posted there. For students who want to review the information in person, an appointment is required. Transfer workshops to designed to walk students through the application process are scheduled at various times during the semester.
