Start Here. Transfer Anywhere.

Transferring from one college to another is a big deal. Our team is here to help you each step of the way. Just like applying to NMC, there are a few steps that you will need to take and a lot of questions that are very personal to you. This makes it all the more important to start planning today.

You probably fall into one of these categories when you think about what's coming next after NMC:

1. I know which school I want to attend and which major I plan to pursue.
2. I know which school I want to attend, but I am unsure of my major/career direction.
3. I know what I want to study, but I am unsure of where I want to transfer.
4. I have a general direction for my next degree, but I could really use some guidance.

No matter the category you fall into the Academic & Career Advising Center is here to help you. It is also very helpful to work with both an academic advisor at NMC and also and an advisor or admissions counselor at your transfer institution. When everyone on your team is involved in the process, you are less likely to end up with any surprises.

• Understand & Explore

  • Let's start at the very beginning. The first steps to a successful transfer begin with starting early. Even if it is your first semester at NMC and you are here for "the basics," having an idea of your area of study will be very beneficial. Here's how to get started with your exploration.
    1. Pick your pathway
       • Knowing your pathway is essential to choosing courses each semester. Take a look at these pathways to help guide your class selections. Do these courses line up with the things that you want to learn for your career? Do the classes in these pathways match your My Academic Plan and current NMC major? If not, please connect with an academic advisor.
       • You can also work with your advisor or use some of our career decision-making resources
    2. Investigate possible transfer institutions
       • There are a myriad of questions that you need to ask yourself, and your transfer institution before making your final decision. Factors such as: cost, location, size, student services and availability of distance learning are all very important considerations. Take a look at this article for a few more questions you should ask of yourself and your transfer school to determine what are the most important criteria to you.
       • Once you identify the most critical factors for your transfer, visit Big Future College Search to create a list of schools that meet those criteria and you are interested in learning more about. You can use this document to organize your options and priorities. Gather information about each of these schools by visiting their websites, contacting the admissions team and requesting program and cost of attendance information. You can also ask about those specific criteria that are most important to you.
       • Visit the universities before you apply. This is a good time to find out information about the institution and make sure that it feels like a great fit for your learning style. Talking with an admissions counselor and/or a program advisor can help you to be sure that your school and program are aligned with your overall career goals and plans for your future. Ask questions of campus tour guides, students and staff members that you meet along the way. Are they warm & welcoming? Do you feel at home on your new campus?
    3. Work with your NMC advisor to create an academic plan for transfer
       • Once you are at this stage in your transfer process, it is important to talk with an academic advisor at NMC. Our team wants to help you register for courses with your transfer in mind.
       • Select courses that transfer easily and directly into your next program.
       • Pay attention to course sequencing and prerequisites for courses that you would like to transfer.
       • Review admissions requirements including GPA, required courses & application deadlines.
       • Select courses to complete your NMC degree requirements AND fulfill bachelor's degree requirements.
       • We will also very likely recommend you get in touch with an advisor at your possible transfer school.
  • Talking with your NMC advisor can help you to narrow your list of transfer school choices. Talking with your faculty members, parents, mentors and others working in your desired career field will also be very helpful in the decision making process.

• Narrow choices & Apply

  • Select your transfer institution
  • Once you have decided which school(s) you plan to transfer to, it is time to take action and familiarize yourself with your new program. At this point, it is important to follow the degree requirements of NMC as well as the rules of your transfer institution.
    • Review admissions requirements for the college as well as the specific program that you plan to transfer into. Some programs have secondary admissions processes, or application deadlines so you need to be aware and plan ahead.
    • Confirm your exact major at your transfer institution and request a model schedule for that program.
    • Students typically apply to several possible transfer institutions.
    • Work with your NMC advisor to register for classes that will both fulfill your new program's requirements as well as meet NMC degree requirements. You can also use the Michigan Transfer Network tool to check that your complete classes will transfer as well.
    • There is often a lack of very clear information about transfer requirements, how your previously earned credits will be applied, and which classes you will need to take to earn your degree. Meeting with an NMC advisor and an admissions counselor from your transfer institution can help to make this transition easier.
    • Use this general application checklist & timeline to chart your next steps.
    • Application cycles vary but you can start applying the Fall before you plan to start at another college. Mid-year transfer is also possible, so check each school's application deadlines. 
    • Once you have been accepted into your desired transfer schools, revisit your transfer school questions list to double check that the program/school meets all of your expectations. This includes things like cost, location & reputation.
    • Review all scholarship & financial aid award letters carefully. You can always contact the school's financial aid office or your school's admissions counselor for clarification.

• Decide & Accept

  • Congratulations! You are a very desirable student with some awesome credits to transfer from NMC into your new institution. Feelings of pride, relief and confidence are common, but anxiety, confusion and uncertainty are common as well. Know that you aren't alone in your feelings. There is a lot of uncertainty when transferring, so talking with your classmates, your instructors and advisors can help you to feel more confident and excited about your decision.
  • Now is the time to compete these steps, so that your university has all of the information that it needs to help you start out on the right foot.
    • Send in final NMC transcripts. This should be done after you finish your final NMC classes and your grades (or degree) are listed on your official transcript.
    • Send in any other college, AP, or CLEP/DSST credits as well.
    • Ensure your FAFSA is complete for the upcoming school year and apply for transfer student scholarships.
    • Set up your new university email address and check this regularly for welcome week information, transfer orientation dates and setting up a meeting with your university advisor.
    • This is another great time to meet with your NMC advisor and/or your university advisor or admissions counselor to make sure that all steps are completed. You can ask any follow up questions about how your classes will transfer into your new program and ensure that there will be no surprises.

• Commit & transition

  • Each university has slightly different requirements once you have decided and committed to attending. Common tasks at transfer institutions are:
    • Send in final required documents and pay confirmation/orientation fees
    • Attend transfer orientation and register for courses
    • Finalize housing plans
    • Apply for scholarships
    • Buy some university merchandise and proudly display your new school colors!

Advisors are available to meet with you to assist in developing transfer goals and plans.

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