You might be thinking, “I just started college. Why do I need to think about transferring already?”
If you are planning to earn a bachelor's degree after Lemoore College, it is worth starting to think about transfer early—even if you do not know which university you want to attend yet. You do not need to have your entire future figured out. Starting early simply gives you more time to understand your options, choose courses that fit your goals, and make changes if your plans change.
You Do Not Have to Know Where You Are Going Yet
Not having a transfer plan is completely normal. You may still be deciding on your
major, exploring different careers, or simply trying to get comfortable with college.
The first step does not have to be choosing a university. Instead, start by thinking about the type of bachelor's degree you may want and what you hope to do after college.
If you are unsure about your major or career direction, you can explore Lemoore College's academic programs before making a decision. You can also connect with Counseling & Advising to talk through your options.
Why Start Planning Early?
Transfer requirements can depend on your major, the university you want to attend,
and the courses you complete at Lemoore College. Some transfer pathways also have
specific requirements or deadlines.
Lemoore College's Transfer Services recommends creating an education plan that connects your major, transfer goal, and semester-by-semester classes. Planning ahead can help you understand which courses you need before you take them and reduce the chance of completing unnecessary classes.Explore Lemoore College Transfer Services to learn more about planning your transfer pathway.
Starting early can also give you time to:
- Explore different universities and majors.
- Complete general education and major-preparation courses.
- Ask questions about transfer requirements.
- Learn about transfer pathways and guarantees.
- Keep track of important application deadlines.
- Adjust your education plan if your goals change.
Start With One Conversation
You do not have to walk into a counseling appointment knowing exactly what you want to do.
A counselor can help you create an educational plan based on your current goals and help you understand how your classes can fit into a future transfer pathway. Lemoore College Counseling & Advising specifically offers transfer planning, academic advising, planning tools, application assistance, and information about pathways such as ADT and Cal-GETC.
Schedule an appointment with Counseling & Advising
When you meet with a counselor, consider asking:
- What classes should I take if I want to transfer?
- What majors could I pursue based on my interests?
- Should I consider an Associate Degree for Transfer?
- Which universities offer the major I am interested in?
- Are there transfer requirements I should know about now?
- What should I be doing this semester to stay on track?
You do not need to have all the answers before you ask these questions. The conversation is part of figuring them out.
You Can Explore Universities Before Choosing One
Once you have a general idea of your academic interests, start exploring universities.
Lemoore College Transfer Services can help you compare California State University, University of California, private, and out-of-state university options. You can also connect with university representatives who visit Lemoore College to learn more about transfer opportunities.
Explore Transfer Services and campus representatives
You can also use transfer-planning tools to see how California community college courses can apply toward specific university majors.
Remember: exploring a university does not mean you are committing to attend. You are simply gathering information.
Look Into Transfer Pathways Early
Starting early is especially helpful if you may qualify for a transfer pathway or
admission guarantee.
For example, Lemoore College offers information about Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT), UC Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG), CSU Transfer Success Pathway (TSP), and Fresno State's Bulldog Bound program. The requirements and eligibility rules vary, so talking with a counselor early can help you understand which options may apply to your situation.
Some programs also require students to take action before they are ready to submit a university application. For that reason, waiting until your final semester to start asking about transfer can limit the time you have to plan.
What Should You Do This Semester?
If transfer has not been on your radar, you do not need to suddenly create a five-year
plan.
Start with these three steps:
1. Meet with a counselor.
Schedule a Counseling & Advising appointment and talk about your academic and transfer goals.
2. Explore your options.
Explore Lemoore College programs and start looking at universities that offer majors you may be interested in.
3. Create or update your Student Education Plan.
Work with your counselor to make sure the courses you take support your degree and
potential transfer goals.
Then, check in regularly. Your transfer plan can change as you learn more about your interests and options.
You Do Not Have to Figure It All Out Today
If you have not thought about transfer yet, that does not mean you are behind. It
simply means now is a good time to start learning what your options are.
You do not need to choose a university today. You do not need to know exactly what career you want. You just need to start asking questions early enough that you have time to make informed decisions.
Your first step can be as simple as talking with a counselor and saying, “I think I might want to transfer someday, but I do not know where to start.”
That is enough to begin.