Virginia Isaad / Roundup
Students seeking a more thorough knowledge of transfer requirements took advantage of Transfer Day, which took place on the Mall Wednesday, Nov. 3.
Forty-five universities set up stands along the Mall for the event, which lasted from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The yearly event featured Application Clinics for the first time, where students had the opportunity to speak with evaluators about transcripts and application requirements, according to Transfer Center Director, Sunday Salter.
The universities present featured all Universities of California (UC) expect for UC Santa Cruz. California State Universities (CSU), private universities.
Tables were laden with catalogs, pamphlets and business cards providing accessible information for students.
“It’s useful info, it’s very helpful to get their perspective. The catalogs help, better than online because there are so many links,” said freshman Venina Ducat.
The radio station, KIIS FM, played duo roles as a source of music for the event as well as giving students insight into life as a radio disc jockey.
“You can work while you’re in school and once you break in the market in LA, you will always have a job in the US,” said DJ Big Chunk.
Meanwhile, a few booths down were the CSUN was one of the universities that had frequent visits from interested students.
The recent passage of Senate Bill 1440 assuaged the fears of some students about entry into a CSU yet some students might not fully understand the implications.
“It’s designed to create a transfer degree major but it’s limited to your local CSU, for example for Pierce students it would be CSUN,” said CSU Fresno Outreach counselor Elmer Aguilar.
The current economic situation is not lost on students who are continually on the losing end of the state budget.
The recent increase in tuition for both CSU’s and UC’s is a key factor for some students still debating on which school best fits their needs.
“I need to focus on what can I financially do,” said freshman psychology major, Arestina Acosta. “I don’t want to dig a deeper hole in debt.”
Students are encouraged to maintain a high grade point average in order to qualify for scholarships and learn more about programs within schools that help alleviate university costs.
Private universities are renowned for their expensive tuition yet they do need depend on state funding.
“We have $382 million in funding and a lot of scholarships are offered based on merit,” said University of Southern California (USC) Assistant Director Rebecca Beiter.
Likewise, Pepperdine’s Graziadio School of Business and Management, located in Encino, offers students with jobs some flexibility.
“We are not effected by the budget so students can get the classes they need,” said pre-admissions adviser, Lindsey A. Hughes. “We offer evening and weekend classes so there’s no income loss.”
While some students may be considering schools in California, out of state universities might also be beneficial though many might not know it.
“Students from the west coast region can transfer and not pay out of state tuition,” said Arizona State University Transfer Specialist, Diane Orellana. “It’s the same cost as attending a CSU and we accept the same requirement.”
The program, Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), offers students a discounted tuition rate for ASU.
“Be open minded and take time to realize that the right choice won’t always be in your backyard,” Orellana said. “[Out of state options] allow them to step away from their comfort zone.”
Regardless of what students eventually decide to do, the Transfer Center, located in the Student Services Building, is there to provide guidance and helpful assistance.
“Students can come to us about applications, transcripts and university transfer requirements,” said Transfer Center graduate intern, Yuko Spachuk. “They can book counselors online or walk in during drop-in hours.”
The event drew in plenty of students who ultimately came away from it a little wiser about the transfer options available to them.
“There’s no need to rush. You have more choices, do the requirements for five or six schools and then see which one fits your requirements,” said Acosta.
STORY NOTES
*All UC’s declined to speak
TRANSFER CENTER FACTS
“Rock your Application” will be Mon.-Thurs. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Nov. 30.
The Calendar provides info on which schools will be visiting throughout the semester.
There will be a UCLA/CSUN event in the spring with different departments from each college.
The Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program offers students with a high GPA and at least 30 units a guaranteed transfer to all UC’s except LA and Berkeley.
Students can apply for TAG during the entire month of September
To learn more, contact the Transfer Center: (818) 710-4126 or visit them online http://www.piercecollege.edu/offices/transfer_center/
LINKS
http://www.piercecollege.edu/
http://207.62.63.167/offices/
http://www.piercecollege.edu/