• It is recommended that you finalize this step no later than completing 30 transferable credits.


• Begin to think about what is important to you about a four-year school. Ask yourself: "What am I looking for in a college?"



Location:	Close to home? Far away? In-state? Out-of-state? Urban? Rural? Suburban? Are there state residency requirements which affect tuition or eligibility for state aid?
Size:	How many students? What is the average class size?
Population:	Male? Female? Co-ed? Diverse? Denominational?
Atmosphere:	Is this an environment where I could see myself? Will I feel a sense of belonging? Is it a commuter school? How's the dorm life?
Majors:	What degrees are offered? Is the program accredited? Is it competitive?
Requirements:	What courses does the school require of transfers for acceptance into my major? What are GPA requirements for acceptance to the college, and to my major?
Cost:	How much is tuition? Room and board? Books?
Financial Aid:	How many students receive financial aid? What are the requirements? What are the application deadlines? Is work- study available?
Scholarships:	What transfer scholarships are available? What criteria are used for selection?
Services:	Is there tutoring? Counseling? Testing? Career Development and Placement? Support for students with disabilities?
Activities:	What clubs, Greek organizations, events, athletics, etc., are available?



• Identify a few schools to which you may want to transfer. Use these resources in Advisement and Career Services to research potential schools:


• Peterson's college selection computer software
• Peterson's and other college guidebooks
• Rugg's Recommendations on the Colleges
• College catalogs of four and two-year colleges/universities
• Transfer articulation agreement information
• On-campus visits by representatives of four-year colleges/universities
• Internet information on schools and scholarships


• Participate in transfer fairs to make contact with transfer admissions counselors from the colleges/universities in which you are interested. Ask about admission, advisement, transfer credit, and financial aid.


• Visit potential colleges, if possible. Take advantage of open houses for prospective students.


• List the four-year schools you are considering:
  
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	Identify the career and course of study you wish to pursue.		Gather information on potential schools & narrow choices to a "short list."		Choose 3-4 schools that are right for you & will help you meet your goals.		Complete and mail applications to your chosen schools.		Complete your CSM graduation requirements& complete the transfer process.

Resource:
Muriel M. Shishkoff. Transferring Made Easy. 1991 Peterson's Guides: Princeton, NJ.