Transfer tips: How to pick your college

By Catherine Engstrom-Hadley
Staff Writer

For some students, the idea of transferring to a four-year University can be daunting. With more than 77 undergraduate universities in Michigan alone, choosing ones you want to apply to can be overwhelming.

We talked with Sandro Tuccinardi, the WCC business and computer technologies divisional adviser, about how he helps students find the right college for them.

“More important than the school you are looking to transfer to is which area you plan to study—that’s the key component,” said Tuccinardi.

While the name recognition of a big school might help you get a foot in the door after graduating, focusing on the department you plan on transferring into is important.

For example, Adrian College is known for its kinesiology department, and Eastern Michigan University’s educational college is considered one of the best in the country.

“Do you want to go to a big school, or would you rather have a smaller college experience?” asked Tuccinardi.

The average class size at Eastern Michigan University is 22 students, comparable to our campus average of 23 students. However, the University of Michigan average class size is 50 students, more than double the class size at WCC.

“Do you want to stay home for college or go away for college?” said Tuccinardi.

Some students might think transferring out of state is off limits, but that is not true.

“Reach out to advisors, look on the school website and see what information they offer there,” Tuccinardi said.

Wherever piques your interest is somewhere to consider going for a visit.

“Go to the campus and walk around. Go directly to the department you are interested in,” said Tuccinardi.

“Something that students should do is go to the school and ask to talk to a senior,” Tuccinardi said. “Buy them coffee; a senior would be more than happy to share their story with you.”

Students can ask college seniors questions like: “do they have a job, what are the job prospects, what do they think of what they have done while in the program, faculty to take, faculty to avoid, internship advice and recommendations,” said Tuccinardi. “I think you would find out so much more than any of the literature and articles.”

Articulation agreements are a big thing to check.

“Both Eastern Michigan University and Wayne State have strong articulation agreements,” said Tuccinardi.

Articulation agreements are pathways to the four-year universities, allowing students to earn credits at community colleges that transfer into the ongoing degree the student is working towards.

“At Eastern Michigan University you can transfer up to 80 credits and it only takes 120 to earn a bachelor’s degree,” said Tuccinardi. “It’s never too early to start talking to a counselor about transferring.”

Two years might seem like a long time, but it goes fast. Transfer Tips will be an ongoing feature in the Washtenaw Voice. If you have a question you want answered about transferring, please email us at thewashtenawvoice@gmail.com

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