How do I identify my career interests?

• • Ask yourself: Where do I want to end up, and how do I get there? Think about your interests and your skills, and how those can lead to career paths. Visit Career Services to explore careers paths using online assessment tools.
  • Discuss academic majors with an Advisor in Academic Advising.

• Use online search engines to help narrow down your choices
  • SUNY, CUNY, or Private schools
  • Think about what is important to you: majors offered, GPA requirements, geographic location, size, cost, selectivity, housing, religious affiliations, athletics, and setting (rural, urban, or suburban).
• Look to see if your current school is hosting a Transfer Fair or Transfer Days
• Visit the campus (take a tour); visit virtually or use social media.
  • Schedule an appointment with Admissions and/or the academic department that interests you.
  • Ask about
    • Transferability of credits
    • College cost
    • Financial Aid (learn about availability of grants, scholarships and loans: applications and deadlines)
    • Worksheet with other related transfer questions (PDF)

• College Board
• College Confidential
• College Navigator
• Peterson's
• The Princeton Review
• Campus Tours: Virtual College Tours, Webcams, and more

• High School transcripts and, if also requested: SAT or ACT and AP scores.
• College transcripts from current college (if attending) and all other colleges previoulsy attended.
• Educational gap statement/essay (if you have taken time off from school, you may be asked to write an essay outlining what you have accomplished).
• Mid-Semester Report Form:  Some colleges may require a report of mid-semester grades from current semester coursework. This form would be filled out by each of your individual course instructors to identify what your letter grade is at the mid-point of the semester.  The form would then be sent to prospective schools you intend to apply to.  (PDF)
• For international students:
  • Documentation of English proficiency
  • Immigration and Visa documents
• Letter(s) of Recommendation.

• Submit your application 
  • SUNY Application
  • CUNY Application
  • Common Application 
• Submit your FAFSA.
• Apply for scholarships, grants, other aid.

• Concentrate on the pre-requisites you will need to be admitted into your chosen major. Note that many colleges have very specific criteria for transfer of major courses.
• Take a look at course equivalencies often found on the four-year institution's website

• Check the college's website for application procedures
• Some academic programs (e.g. nursing, teacher education, social work) require separate applications in addition to the general application.
• Many colleges/universities prefer that you apply online. Applications are often found on the school's Admissions page in a link such as 'Apply Now.'
• WATCH THE APPLICATION DEADLINES!!!

• Call the college or go online to check the status of your application
• Keep in contact with the Admissions staff at the colleges you are applying to. Ensure that your contact information is current (telephone number, email address, and mailing address).