Transfer Programs

Description: College transfer programs are program through 2 year college campus, such as UW Extension campuses, or other college programs in which a student can take their first 2 years of classes and then transfer to a 4 year college/university.

Transfer programs typically do not have as high of acceptance requirements and/ or cost of a 4 year college/university. They are a great option to consider if a student is worried about academic fit or financial fit of a school.

Requirements: Again typically transfer programs are NOT as competitive or difficult to get into, but just like 4 year colleges/ universities the requirements vary from school to school.

Requirements may include...

1. High School Transcripts- University reviews cumulative GPA typically on scale of 4.0 and class rigor. Class rigor is the challenging courses you choose to take, such as honor and advanced placement. MMSD graduation requirements meet MOST college admission requirements. (Ex: 4 years English)

2. Personal Essay/ College Essay- Applications typically include a prompt for a college essay or personal statement. Some schools ask for a main essay and also short answers to additional prompts. LHS Juniors begin to draft their personal essay in their Junior English class and AVID.

3. ACT/ SAT Exam- ACT (American College Testing) or SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) are the two main college admission exams. These standardized tests are geared to analyze a students college readiness. Many schools are NOT requiring these test currently due to COVID and a decrease in testing locations.

4. Interview/ Portfolio/Audition- Based off of school and program of study, some schools may require an interview, portfolio, or audition into the school or specific major.

Helpful Hints:

1. Do your research! Finding the "right" college for you is a process. Keep in mind academic (Does it have the majors I am interested in? Do I meet the requirement criteria?) , financial (In state vs. out of state cost? Financial aid or scholarships offered?), and social/ emotional (Does the school provide activities of interest? What are the demographics? Location?) fit of any school option.

2. Plan for your college goals! Are you taking the "right" courses for your college goals? Do they require 2 years of a language or other specific courses. Make sure you are keeping these things in mind during course selection and when planning with your counselor!

3. Research the program! Many transfer programs align or connect with a certain 4 year college/universities. Taking the time to look into both the 2 year option and it's 4 year connecting schools (could be many options) is an important task to make sure your needs are met at both schools so transfer is seamless!

College Planning Resources:

1. UW 2 year Campus Connections- Click on gray box (select and institute) to see the 2 year schools and their connection to a 4 year UW school.

2. Madison College Liberal Arts Transfer Program- Madison College has a great Liberal Arts transfer program that many students attend before transferring to UW Madison or another 4 year. Check out their program here!

3. Xello- LHS main college and career planning data base utilized 6th-12th grade. Click explore options, schools, add YOUR own criteria into "more filters", find schools that match YOUR criteria! Save schools of interest!(Click heart)

4. MMSD College Planning Page- MMSD main page to support students and families in planning for college success!

5. LHS College and Career Center- Open for all students as a resource to explore, plan, and learn more about post high school options!

6. Class of 2023 Google Classroom- Google classroom for all Sophomores. Resources for college and career planning. Announcements for opportunities and a way to connect with your Counselor or College and Career Coaches! Code: amwegvf

Lancer Experiences: Click on videos linked below to hear from Lancer Alum. They have some great advise to share!