1. Research Your Transfer Institution:
* Articulation Agreements: Community colleges often have articulation agreements with four-year universities. These agreements specify which community college courses will transfer as credit towards a specific degree at the university. This is the MOST IMPORTANT step. Find your target university's website and look for their articulation agreements or transfer guides. They will explicitly list which courses transfer.
* Degree Requirements: Examine the general education requirements (often called "GE," "core curriculum," or similar) of your intended major at the four-year university. Prioritize fulfilling these requirements first. Common GE areas include:
* English Composition: Usually two courses (sometimes more) are required. Take them early to get them out of the way.
* Mathematics: This depends heavily on your major. STEM majors will need calculus; others may need college algebra or statistics.
* Social Sciences: History, psychology, sociology, political science, economics are common choices.
* Humanities: Literature, philosophy, art history, music appreciation are often required.
* Natural Sciences: Biology, chemistry, physics are common, often with labs. Again, major-dependent.
2. Prioritize Based on Difficulty and Prerequisites:
* Start with easier courses: Don't overload yourself with the most challenging classes in your first semester. Get a feel for college-level coursework before tackling more demanding subjects.
* Consider prerequisites: Some courses have prerequisites (e.g., you need college algebra before calculus). Plan your course sequence carefully to avoid roadblocks.
* Full-year courses: If a subject requires a two-semester sequence (like a foreign language), consider starting it early to avoid dragging it out.
3. Consult with a Community College Advisor:
* Academic Advisor: Your community college will have academic advisors who specialize in helping students plan their course of study. They know the articulation agreements and can create a roadmap for you. Meet with them early and often.
* Transfer Center: Many community colleges have specific transfer centers that can assist you with the transfer process.
In short: Don't guess! The information you need is available from your target university and your community college's advisors. Use these resources to plan a course sequence that efficiently fulfills your GE requirements and maximizes your transfer credit.