With the stress of budget cuts hanging overhead and the California State University system’s needing to drastically reduce its enrollment numbers, students just can’t catch a break when it comes to transferring.
Applying early for fall 2010 admission was advised and approximately 25,563 applications were received during the priority registration time.
This record number was twice as many applicants as last year.
According to the Cal State Web site, CSUs are expecting an increase in applicants because of the state’s rising unemployment rate.
Workers who have been fired from their jobs can find comfort in the opportunity to return to school.
It’s great that they have this option; however, it is causing some difficulties for transfer students and incoming freshman students as well.
It seems that blaming these difficulties on our state’s budget is pretty appropriate.
Following the budget cuts, many of the standard procedures for applying to CSUs have changed.
What used to be the timeline for priority registration is now the application period for freshmen and those transferring from community colleges, which started Oct. 1 and will continue until Monday.
Last year, students were allowed to submit applications through March.
Students must get their transcripts in on time and no late applications will be accepted.
In addition, the CSUs will not be accepting applications from students who do not know their majors.
“You can no longer apply as undeclared,” said Joanna Zimring Towne, a Pierce College counselor and Career Center coordinator. “You have to have a major.”
Still, students who know their majors aren’t necessarily in the clear.
According to Zimring Towne, getting accepted to CSUs — even with a declared major — will still be more competitive than before.
Student GPAs will be more scrutinized, but students with good GPAs who are local to the CSU they are applying to still have a pretty good chance of being accepted.
Students who are thinking about waiting until next year to apply should know the outcome looks bleak.
Zimring Towne predicts that applying next year will not be any better.
“What happens this year will be duplicated next year, if not worse,” she said.
Students who are stressed out, need help or are confused about the application process should visit the Transfer Center or speak to a counselor.
“We’d like to get the word out that they’d be less stressed if they see us,” Zimring Towne said.
Students who wish to submit a CSU application before the Monday due date can apply at www.csumentor.edu.