Transforming the College Transfer Experience

In the Spring of 2006, my mother and I walked into a meeting with a public state university admissions counselor to discuss my rejected application. I was told the main reason for my rejection was my ACT scores; the rest of my application, in their book, was perfect. In my book, the meeting was useless. I left still rejected and dejected. As a consolation prize, the counselor encouraged me to apply as a transfer student in a couple of years because they “tend to do better than students who begin with us in their freshman year.” But honestly, who wants to go through that process again?

Beginning my college career in a two-year college was not part of “my plan.” My mother, hope-dealer that she is, assured me I would still receive a great education even if I started at a two-year institution. She was right. My community college experience empowered me in a way I never thought possible. First, it gave me more financial peace of mind, since my annual tuition was about $17,000 less than I would have paid at a four-year institution. It also allowed me space to think about what kind of institution I wanted to transfer to. Before, that decision was based on which state school was the most popular. Ultimately, my transfer decision was based on where I felt most welcomed as a whole student, somewhere that would nurture my full potential — academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.

Today, for Chicago-area students, the transfer experience is not always as positive as mine. The existing transfer structures do not provide the proper support that students need. The Transfer Innovation Impact Model (TIIM) funding opportunity, offered by The Chicago Community Trust and Bridges to Brighter Futures, looks to improve the process of transferring from two-year to four-year institutions. This funding initiative has been designed to increase impact across the educational and workforce systems as transfer outcomes for Chicago college students are improved. At the Trust, we recognize that a bachelor’s degree remains the strongest pathway to economic mobility, and the transfer pathway can be less debt-riddled. Yet many transfer students are subjected to four-year institutions set up for the “traditional” student – those coming straight from high school and often with family resources and support – not those who are older or took time off to work or deal with personal circumstances.

I can tell you from my own experience that persisting and successfully transferring is not just about making sure credits align with the four-year institution of choice. There is also work that the university needs to do to prepare for the student. TIIM wants to ensure institutions are ready to provide support, resources, and wraparound services that address the whole student.

A bachelor’s degree is an asset that benefits not only the graduate but also their community. It can lead to higher earning potential and economic stability, allowing graduates to be economic contributors to their community. When they thrive, we all succeed and create a Chicago where everyone perseveres.