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Warning: Objectives in New School Harder Than They May Appear

by Sarah Smith

Utica College

The giant leap from a community college or any other two-year school to a four-year school is like jumping out of plane: you're scared and hesitant at first, then once you do it you start out just dangling and feel like you're falling down fast, but will be fine if you have a parachute to reach stable ground.  The parachute being the academics and skills you will need to endure the struggle to succeed in a new setting with new professors and new students.  Although tough, many go on to do exceptionally well at their new college, just some little tidbits need to be considered.

The first obstacle is getting in.  You're still up against numerous applicants just like at your prior school, but the numbers and intellect rise also.  You're now dealing with kids coming right out of high school, as well as transfers from all over the country with the same goal as yourself.  You want to make sure that you prepare yourself academically and emotionally for the next step, and start day one while at your two-year school.  Make yourself the most presentable as possible so it's not even an option that they'll overlook you or your talents.  “When considering a transfer student, a college or university, looks for a good solid liberal arts foundation, a respectable GPA, and consistency with college level work,” says Kristen Bowers, Utica College's coordinator of transfer admissions.  “We also like to see that you've taken some major-related courses.”

Once accepted into your new school, try to make your transformation the easiest as possible by doing research into your major, the department, and the classes that are offered.  When you come from a liberal arts program, you've done most of your core classes, it's now time to specialize.  You now take classes that are directly related to your area of study.  It's a good idea to get some sample syllabi if possible, there's nothing that could prepare you better than seeing what texts are read and what kind of work is assigned so you're not flipping out when you go to the first day of class.  Getting a head start on the reading would also be in your favor as well.

The level of difficulty at four-year schools should come with a warning label, because they're not as easy as your previous school was.  You're now entering an arena that consists of 300 and 400 level courses, ones that will test not only what you know, but will mandate you utilize those skills and apply them in the class.  The intro classes are now behind you, unless you take some electives.  “You should expect academics to come at a higher level and understand that the bar is raised,” says Bowers.  “There is no freshmen transition when you're a transfer student, you're already expected to know the college life and be ready to take on the challenge.”

Time management has never been more crucial than when you're at this level.  The time it takes to study and do the work for the courses are quite extended, we're talking hours.  You won't be able to get away with waiting for the last minute to do everything anymore because research is a gigantic factor now in the equation.  Studying is something that you will need to master because you'll be doing a lot of it.  The other element of time you might want to consider is your employment.  Most of us have to work, but cutting down on your hours might be needed so you can achieve what you're really capable of.  Working full time wouldn't be the best idea at this pivotal time in your college career.  Finding a workplace that will be flexible with the hours you're available may be difficult, but there are more work study student jobs available at the four-year schools that will be accommodating to your needs as a student.

Making the rite of passage into a college or university may sound like a huge hurdle, but it's nothing that can't be done if you truly apply yourself.  Take the jump, just make sure you have the parachute ready, and you'll land on two sturdy feet.