Attending PTK Catalyst in Kansas City next month? The PTK Catalyst Transfer Fair in Kansas City, MO, is your golden ticket to connecting with top four-year colleges and universities. With two full days, the Catalyst Transfer Fair—sponsored by Common App—is the largest of its kind. To make the most of it, preparation is key!
1. Research Potential Transfer Destinations in Advance
Before attending, check out the list of participating four-year colleges and start researching. Use PTK Connect to view and favorite college transfer profiles and scholarships —over 800 colleges offer PTK transfer scholarships! Identifying your top schools ahead of time will help you efficiently navigate this large event and make meaningful connections.
2. Use PTK’s Transfer Resources
Take advantage of PTK’s tools to strategize your transfer plan:
- PTK Transfer Planning Guide – Customizable template to identify your must-haves.
- PTK Transfer Edge – A free online course to build your transfer success skills.
- PTK Transfer Honor Roll – Find top transfer-friendly colleges that recognize and support PTK students.
- Transfer Success Questions – A helpful guide on what to ask admissions reps to make informed decisions.
3. Maximize Your Time at Catalyst
- Attend both days – There are two transfer fairs, so plan to visit on both Friday and Saturday to connect with as many colleges as possible. Bring your fully charged phone or tablet to allow college reps to scan your barcode and send additional materials.
- Visit the Opportunity Expo – Some sponsoring colleges will be set up for all three days in a quieter, more personal setting. Stop by as early as Thursday morning for one-on-one conversations with admissions reps!
- Gather info for yourself & your chapter – Not all PTK members can attend Catalyst. Be the transfer champion for your chapter by collecting materials, networking, and sharing what you learn when you return to campus.
4. Pro Tips from Transfer Experts
💡 PTK Member to Member: “The best advice I can give is to talk to as many schools as possible, even those you’ve never heard of. You might be surprised by the incredible opportunities they offer like unique programs, generous scholarships, and pathways you hadn’t considered. Keep an open mind as you never know where the perfect fit might be. ” – Loretta H., Porterville College
📌 PTK Advisor to Advisor: “Please encourage your students to talk to as many reps as possible at the Catalyst Transfer Fair. Even if they think they “know” the school they plan on transferring to, they may be surprised at the scholarships available to them. Approach the Transfer Fair with an open mind and be ready for surprises!” – Dr. Liesl W. H. – Jefferson State Community College
🎓 4-Year Recruiter to Recruiter: “During the transfer fairs at Catalyst, be ready to engage with a large volume of high achieving, determined students on a wide range of topics. Bring water because you’ll be talking a lot, and be adaptable, as students will have a mix of specific and big-picture questions. Catalyst is fast-paced and filled with motivated students, so being prepared and energized will make a big difference in having meaningful conversations!” – Andrew W., Kansas State University
5. Follow Up & Take Action
After the fair, review your notes and reach out to admission reps from your top-choice institutions. Express your interest and appreciation, ask follow-up questions, and inquire about next steps. Think of your transfer admission counselor as your advocate. Build a relationship and convey your level of interest prior to submission of your application.
The PTK Catalyst Transfer Fair is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with institutions that value transfer students, and PTK members in particular—so be prepared, be proactive, and make the most of it! Success starts with YOU!
Connect with Common App at PTK Catalyst
No matter where you are on your college journey, Common App makes transferring to college easier by meeting you right where you are.
During the convention, you can find Common App at booth #516. Be sure to stop by and connect with our team to receive Common App swag, share a testimonial at our video booth, and grab additional resources to support you in your next chapter.
Here are some additional ways you can connect with us throughout the convention:
Connect with Common App for transfer advisors
Thursday, April 3, 11:40am – 12:05pm CT
Flash forum
Common App has transformed the transfer application process to make it faster and simpler for students to connect with multiple colleges. Advisors, join us for an interactive walk-through of Common App for transfer to explore our latest updates and bring your questions for a live Q&A session to ask us anything!
Start your next chapter with Common App for transfer
Thursday, April 3, 3pm – 3:45pm CT
Educational forum
Need help finding the right college? Common App can help you start your next chapter. Join us as we explore our new Transfer Resource Center, which includes tailored resources for online programs, college affordability, and support for parenting and military students. We will also share how Common App continues to support community college students and upcoming opportunities for you to get involved.
PTK College Transfer Fair
- Friday, April 5, 12:00pm – 2:00pm CT
- Saturday, April 6, 12:30pm – 2:30pm CT
Common App is a proud sponsor of the PTK Catalyst Transfer Fair, the largest and only national transfer fair for two-year college students in higher education. Spanning over two days, you will have the opportunity to network and engage with admission representatives from four-year colleges and universities across the country.
