Transfer in 4-Steps

University Transfer: A Guide

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ECC will help guide you through the transfer process in four easy steps.

Step 1

Am I a Transfer Student?

The goal for a transfer student is to continue their education after completing their studies at ECC in the continued pursuit of a BA/BS level degree (and/or beyond).

• Typically, a transfer student will pursue an AA, AS, or AES degree at ECC. The Associate degree is designed to complete all (or the majority) of the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) courses, allowing a transfer student to transfer in Junior-level status at their transfer school.
• The AAS is designed to teach students direct work skills and often does not include the GECC courses of the AA/AS degrees. ECC does partner with individual schools allowing the transfer of the AAS degrees, please discuss which degree is appropriate for you with your academic advisor.

Step 2

My Major and Career Goals

If you can articulate your career and college major goals and are sure about your path, move to Step 3.

• If you have questions about your career path or what you can do with a specific major, arrange an appointment to meet with a Career Development Specialist to discuss your options.
• Experiential Learning - Look into arranging informational interviews or job shadowing options with Career Development Services and learn about internship opportunities.

Step 3

Strategic Planning: Map Your Path

All goals need direction, and your education and career goals are no different. Meet early and often with your Visit your academic advisor to develop and update your transfer plan by creating an education plan. Your education plan will allow you to complete the same GECC and prerequisite courses needed for your specific transfer school.

• Develop a time frame:
  • Will you be attending ECC full- or part-time?
  • What are my realistic graduation and transfer timeline?
  • Discuss your options with you.
• Explore transfer options:
  • Does the transfer school you are considering offer your preferred major?
  • What other schools might have programs worth researching?
  • What are the program GPA and acceptance requirements?

Step 4

Plan for Transfer: Applications and More

Different schools have different transfer application deadlines, and your preferred major program’s application deadline may differ from the school’s general application deadline.

• Official transcript request
• Plan for essays, letters of recommendation, and scholarship research. 
• Does your preferred major at your transfer school accept students each semester? Once a year?