Meet with an academic counselor during your first semester at your first school to plan your course schedule. A counselor will be able to advise you on which course credits are more likely to transfer to 4-year colleges.
Keep in contact with your academic counselor during subsequent semesters to make sure you're staying on track with your course selections and for further advice on transfer school selection.
Choose a 4-year college where most of your credits will transfer. Many states have transfer modules in place to make the process smoother between public institutions by creating common class requirements. However, private colleges do not have to adhere to these statewide models and therefore they may not accept all of the transfer credits that a public university would.
Apply 9-12 months before you will enroll at your desired 4-year college. Contact the college to find out how to apply.
Apply for federal, state, and school financial aid by the appropriate deadlines. Every type of financial aid program is different, but many use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Be sure to get your FAFSA in on time.
Contact the advising department of the 4-year college to which you're transferring and set up a meeting with an academic counselor there. Many colleges have transfer counselors whose primary function is to aid incoming students through the transfer process.
Request copies of your official transcripts through your current school's records & registration department. These documents will be necessary when speaking with the counselor at your desired 4-year college. Transcripts are used to determine the courses for which you will receive credit at your transfer school.