My options after FCCJ
Leah Arnold
Issue date: 2/24/09 Section: Opinion
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The easy transfer of credit is just one of the benefits you get when studying in-state. "Students' AA degrees are fully accepted at a state university," said Amy Perkins, a counselor at the Downtown Campus. "There is no question that you have met the freshman and sophomore requirements for a four-year degree."
I graduate in May, and have applied to schools both in Florida and out-of-state. All of my credits are counted at the Florida schools, but several of my core courses did not transfer to the out-of-state universities that accepted me. That means that if I choose to leave Florida, I have to be willing to re-take some general education classes.
Deciding where to complete your education can be a tough decision. But if you take the proper steps and prepare ahead of time, you'll enjoy a smooth and successful transfer process.
"The biggest challenge in transferring is whether or not you have all your prerequisites for your major," Perkins said. "Students sometimes will graduate with their AA degree, or have their 60 credits, and assume that means they're ready to be a junior at a university. That does not guarantee junior-level status."
Many majors at Florida universities are limited-access, meaning that they can only accommodate a certain number of students. Admission to these programs is more selective, so completing all the requirements is especially important.
"Some admissions requirements are peculiar to the institution, and it's up to the student to find out what changes are happening each semester and which of those apply to them," said Perkins.