Guide for Transfer Students


Select a major

If you need help selecting a major, please contact ECC Student Service Center to set up an appointment.  You can reach them by calling 636-584-6588.

Meet with your advisor often

Not only can your academic advisor help you keep on track for graduation, but your advisor is also a great source of information for other education questions you may have.

Keep your course syllabi

Keeping the course syllabus for every course you complete will become beneficial when it comes time for you to transfer.  If your transfer school has questions about course content, the answer is often outlined in the syllabus.  This is particularly helpful when transferring out of state.

Graduating from ECC with an Associate of Arts degree

Some benefits to graduating with the AA degree or 42-hour general education block:

  • Some scholarships are dependent on the degree.
  • At all Missouri public colleges, and many private, your lower-division general educations requirements will be met.
  • Some colleges will accept more hours in transfer with a degree or the 42-hour block than without.

Remember, if your plan is to transfer to another institution, the coursework you take here should be dependent on your transfer school requirements.

Research transfer schools

Not every school has every major.  Some things to consider when researching:

  • Transfer admissions policy
  • Size of campus AND classes
  • Cost and financial aid
  • Location
  • Academic programs
  • Accreditation
  • Living arrangements

 Visit your prospective school

Every school has its own “feel”.  The best way to be sure you have picked the right transfer school is to arrange a visit and tour the campus.  You can often meet with department representatives on these tours, so be sure to take along your unofficial transcript.

Find out the admission and curriculum requirements for your program of study

The requirements for admission into a particular field of study may not be the same as admission to the university as a whole.  For example, you may be accepted into a university but still have prerequisite courses to complete, or GPA requirements to establish, before being accepted into a program.

Things you should do:

  • Visit the program website.
  • Call/email an advisor in the department at the transfer school.
  • Schedule a visit to tour the school and meet with the department.
  • Keep in touch with your transfer school. Work with the transfer equivalencies websites so you know how your courses here will transfer.

Apply for admission and financial aid/scholarships

Make sure you complete their admissions application, all financial aid forms, and send official transcripts from every school attended.  Some admissions offices may require letters of recommendation or essays.  There are also financial aid deadlines for scholarships, so apply early!

Things to do in your final semester at ECC

  • Request an official transcript be sent at the completion of the semester.  (you should already have sent one transcript as a part of the admissions process)
  • Apply for ECC graduation
  • Attend a transfer orientation, if offered
  • Arrange to enroll as early as possible
  • Finalize your housing arrangements
  • Figure out your finances (grants, loans, scholarships)

Things to do after transfer

It isn’t always easy to integrate into a new school, so, get involved!   Join a departmental club or student government.  Find a study group.  Participate in research opportunities or internships, if available.  By getting involved you will not only develop relationships with other students, but you will also gather resume-building experience and networking opportunities for life after college.