Written By: Lexi O’Neil

Spring semester is the busiest one of all, and what’s more important than Spring finals?

Transfer applications

Campus is buzzing as students prepare the final inquiries on their transfer applications. Transfer applications are typically done through The Common App whereas some institutions may require that you go directly through their site, and their forms requesting admittance to the school as you transition out of your current school. Typically, these are students who have already attended some years of college. About 24-29% of SMCC students transfer for that final Bachelor’s or Master’s diploma. The process of transferring can be tedious work, but hopefully work that pays off by March 1st. It’s at this point that most universities will have closed their Transfer Applications for Fall enrollment. In the meantime there are many questions running through student’s minds these days: what should I expect?  What do I need to know to navigate the process successfully? How long will it take before I receive a decision?

This reporter spoke with Jason Saucier, Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, to get some answers. He urged students to start by  reviewing the “Transfer Agreements” tab on the MySMCC portal. This section encourages students to review requirements and agreements between SMCC and contracted four-year institutions on what’s required for transfer. With the advent of free community college, “There’s been more and more conversations with our four year institution partners”, which has reflected “a rapid increase in the amount of those articulations being updated, renewed, and more added” according to Saucier. The agreements between desired institutions will keep students on track with transferable courses specific to their degree and the transfer institution, while also guiding them towards their ultimate goals. This can also help students save money and time by avoiding unnecessary courses. UMaine has been so accommodating considering the changes and just recently extended their deadlines to aid in the FAFSA conflicts. Lastly, Saucier encouraged students to ask as many questions as they can while they work on transfer applications, and to reach out to their desired institutions if they’re struggling with their applications or what supporting documents are required for submission. Communication is the ideal in these situations and can make the process less overwhelming and tedious when one is set up for success.