Transfer center will transport you
The transfer center is a one-stop shop for all students seeking guidance in transferring to a Four-year university.
Serving more than 150 students a day, the transfer center staff provides counseling, workshops, and information on colleges to help students fulfill their educational goals.
“I’ve learned so much from the helpful staff at the transfer center,” said Carrie Hoyt, 20, communications.
Located in Room SSC 139, the transfer center is inside the career center. Many students go through two years at Saddleback without evening knowing of its existence.
“We are the hidden jewel of good information for students,” said Miki Mikolajczak, transfer center coordinator. “Faculty invites us to classes to talk to students about transferring, that’s how we make connections.”
Students that are getting ready to apply to schools can call the transfer center and make an appointment to see a counselor on Friday mornings at 8 a.m. for the following week.
“The students that take the time to come see us make fewer mistakes on applications,” said Barbara Benavides, senior transfer center specialist.
The transfer center’s Web site is updated daily and offers important information on university representative visits, college transfer agreements, transfer fairs, campus tours, as well as workshops to help with personal statements.
“Seeing a counselor every semester is crucial because the colleges are constantly changing their requirements,” said Sara Nieves-Lucas, transfer center counselor.
With the economy and budget crisis, many state colleges have closed enrollment for spring semesters and are now only accepting students for fall. Counselors urge students to reach beyond just the minimum GPA requirements.
“We strive to keep up with the changing transfer landscape when it comes to issues like school’s budget crisis,” Mikolajczak said.
Application filing periods for fall 2010 for CSU campuses is Oct. 1-Nov. 30. For the UC campuses it is Nov. 1-30. However, early application is encouraged.
For students applying to UC campuses, they may have an opportunity for a transfer admission guarantee (TAG). The transfer center offers the TAG program to students who meet specific GPA, admission requirements and have completed major preparation courses.
“Not all UC schools participate in the TAG program,” Mikolajczak said. “For the schools that do, it’s a guaranteed admission to that school.”
The center’s next event will be a transfer fair on Thursday Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Service Center quad.
“We provide pamphlets with important questions for students to ask representatives about the schools during the fair,” Benavides said. “We are trying to get more out-of-state schools at the fairs.”
For more information visit the transfer center at SSC 139 or call (949) 582-4328. www.saddleback.edu/transfer