Transfer day at Saddleback
Representatives from multiple Universities visited the Saddleback campus to provide information to students planning on transferring and showcased a new transfer center program.
Students bustled around the quad outside of the SSC building last Tuesday as representatives sat behind their desks eager to answer student’s questions regarding transferring.
The UCI representatives seemed to be the busiest with the largest amount of students lined up behind their table waiting to receive advice.
“My biggest advice is that they have information for their major and are working towards a major prerequisite,” said Emily Ticatch, admissions counselor and international specialist at UCI. “Some students think they can take courses after they transfer. They need to get it done, for any student planning on transferring.”
In addition to having four year university representatives, the college fair shed light on a new program at Saddleback, PACT, meant to help students with intentions of pursuing a career in teaching.
PACT helps students market themselves and the counseling provided is centered on a teaching career. The program also includes TPP, Teacher Preparation Pipeline.
Through TPP, students can earn $10 an hour and work as a teaching assistant in a classroom, without having to wait until transferring to a four-year university do to so.
“For such a big campus, I’m amazed at the personal attentions students are given,” said Carol Lerman, a first year counselor. “It’s a nice place to be.”
The college fair that took place was only one of many events hosted by the transfer center throughout the year.
“We do many events,” Lerman said. “Representatives come to colleges to meet with students individually.”
There are many workshops provided for students. Many are centered around writing a personal statement, financial aid and transferring to Cal State Universities or UC Schools. The transfer center also frequently plans trips to university campuses where students can go on guided tours and talk to counselors at the university.
According to counselor, Sarah Kobata, the transfer center tries to update Mysite with transfer information as frequently as possible and encourages students to continue checking on a regular basis. She points out that with budget cuts, universities are constantly changing transfer requirements, which is another reason to check the website.
“I wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to see this many colleges,” said Samantha Crocker, 19, nursing sciences. “I got more information and a clear view on things I need to do to pursue the education that I want.”