The landscape of higher education can be difficult to navigate, especially for first-generation and non-traditional college students. When it comes to transferring to a four-year college, the waters become even more muddied.
PTK recognized this and responded with Transfer Edge, a free online course designed to prepare students of all backgrounds to successfully transfer. More than 1,000 students have enrolled in the self-paced interactive course so far, and some have already finished it.
“As a first-generation college student, the program was such an eye-opener and was very detailed,” said Romana Vargas, Vice President of Scholarship and Recording Officer for the Omega Sigma Chapter at Houston Community College in Texas. “I feel more confident about applying to the university of my choice and more proud to be a PTK member.”
One challenge with transfer education is that there are many variables to consider, including the differences among each student’s journey. Transfer Edge walks students through common themes and best practices that will give them the very best shot at successfully transferring to a university that meets their academic and career needs.
In The Talent Blind Spot, the Aspen Institute found that, each year, more than 50,000 high-achieving, low- and moderate-income community college students do not transfer to a four-year institution. Approximately 15,000 of these students have at least a 3.7 GPA, suggesting they could succeed at even the most competitive schools.
“Many students often lack the supportive resources and point people to guide them through transfer,” said Benjamin Fresquez, program associate with the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program, who attended a National Summit for Excellence in Community College Transfer Success at PTK Headquarters in June.
Transfer Edge seeks to put resources directly in the hands of college students. You’ll find videos, readings, web resources, and quick quizzes that test your knowledge as you go along. Transfer Pro videos feature experts in transfer success, and we also share transfer advice from successful alumni who have gone through the process. There are also discussion forums to get answers from and share ideas with other transfer students.
Transfer Edge features five sections:
1. Seek Funding: Complete the FAFSA
- Learn the purpose of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Determine your status as a Dependent or Independent Student
- Explore sources based on your demographics
- Successfully complete the FAFSA
2. Search: Research Your Transfer Options
- Identify best practices for starting the transfer search
- Create a personal transfer timeline
- Demonstrate mastery of selective college admissions
- Explore self-advocacy as a key transfer tool
3. Select: Choose Schools that Match Your Goals
- Evaluate the transfer credit process
- Demonstrate understanding of major selection as it relates to transfer
- Explore best practices for comparing universities
- Examine strategies for making university visits productive
4. Secure: Submit Winning Transfer and Scholarship Applications
- Identify best practices for writing transfer essays
- Evaluate the process of applying for scholarships
- Demonstrate mastery of scholarship resume building
- Understand the elements of a strong transfer admission application
5. Succeed: Ensure a Successful Transition to University
- Demonstrate mastery of transfer transition best practices
- Explore the resources available to transfer students
- Identify first steps to take upon arriving at university
- Examine the elements of a strong resume
Enroll in Transfer Edge today at getanedge.ptk.org.
