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Transfer Timeline

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What Should You Do Right Now?

When applying to a baccalaureate (4-year) institution, you should apply well in advance. The timeline below will help you plan the application process along with a list of steps you can complete. Be aware this is only a guide and some schools may recommend applying sooner. Also, limited enrollment and competitive programs may have an earlier application deadline.

To Start Classes at Transfer School

Apply By

Registration Begins
Fall Semester Nov. - Jan. Early March
Winter Semester April - June Early October
Summer Semester Sept. - Nov. Early February                       


FRESHMAN YEAR (1-23 credits)

  1. Discuss transfer plans with your ACC academic advisor. Meet with your advisor every semester to plan your classes.
  2. Register during ACC’s early registration period to ensure availability of required and elective courses.
  3. Take courses in English, math/science, social sciences and humanities/fine arts that meet General Education (MACRAO), competency, and specific transfer program requirements.
  4. Visit Michigan Transfer Network to determine how your courses transfer to four-year colleges.
  5. Visit www.collegesource.org to find and research colleges, programs, and web sites.
  6. Identify and request materials (i.e. catalogs and college, transfer and program information) from transfer schools that have the major you are considering.
  7. Thoroughly research college admission and transfer requirements (i.e. physical environment, programs, costs, course transferability, financial aid) by visiting the college and its web site and catalog.
  8. Meet with four-year college representatives when they visit the ACC campus.
  9. Meet with an ACC counselor to learn more about the transfer process or to ask specific transfer questions.
  10. Take the SAT or ACT if they are required by your transfer college and you did not take them in high school. See SAT (collegeboard.com) and ACT (act.org ) web sites for test dates and registration information.  

SOPHOMORE YEAR (24 or more credits)

  1. Visit the transfer college and meet with admissions staff, transfer advisors, counselors, and/or department advisers to learn more about the institution, current/future course work and your major area of study.   
  2. Complete and send the application for admission (on-line or paper) with required fee prior to deadlines.
  3. Send official college transcript and other required documents (i.e. high school transcripts, SAT, ACT scores).
  4. Complete scholarship applications (general and program specific).  Many deadlines are January and February  for fall semester but some competitive scholarships might have earlier deadlines.
  5. Complete the financial aid form (FAFSA) by deadlines required for federal & state grants, scholarships, and loans. Be sure to include your transfer school code on the FAFSA.
  6. Submit housing deposit (within deadline), if needed, or arrange for off-campus housing.
  7. Keep accurate records (include who, what, when) of your transfer communications and copies of all transfer-related documents.
  8. Attend the earliest transfer orientation/registration program at the university for better course selection. Take a copy of your unofficial transcript.
  9. Send final transcript upon completion of all courses at ACC.
  10. Submit Application for Graduation to ACC Registrar’s Office (VLH 117) by required deadline.
  11. Request that MACRAO be posted on your college transcript (see ACC Registrar, VLH 117) if you plan to complete ACC General Education courses and do not plan to obtain an ACC degree which includes MACRAO.

Students can transfer with or without a 2 year degree.