Apply for admission and financial aid, then transfer.

Admission

• Secure applications for admission either through
  • TCC resources,
  • college websites or
  • contact colleges directly to request application materials.
• Don't wait until the deadline to apply!
  • Apply at least one semester prior to the semester you plan to enroll at the college; e.g., apply at the beginning of spring semester to enroll for fall semester.
  • You may need to begin working on applications during the fall for those colleges that require written essays and faculty recommendations.
  • Generally speaking, it is easier to transfer for the fall semester.
• Submit a Transcript Request Form to the TCC Central Records office so that official transcripts may be sent to your selected college's Admissions Office at the end of each semester prior to enrolling at the college or university.
  • There is no charge for official transcripts but students should also request a personal copy of their current transcript as well.
  • The personal copy can be used when meeting with faculty advisors that will help plan your program.
• The acceptance letter you receive from the college or university should outline the steps you need to follow.
  • Some colleges offer special orientation/registration days for transfer students.
  • Others ask students to telephone or e-mail specific college departments for academic advising.
• Request that an official, final TCC transcript be sent from the TCC Central Records Office to the college or university Admissions Office. If you complete an A.A., A.S., or A.A.S. Degree, that should be noted on the final transcript.
• Ascertain that all required documentation has been received by the Financial Aid Office at the college or university.
  • Financial Aid transcripts must be submitted whether you received assistance at TCC or not.

Financial Aid

• Apply early. January is the best time to apply if you plan to attend in the fall semester.
  • Some colleges have deadlines as early as February 15th.
  • Failure to meet this deadline may reduce your financial aid award package.
• Apply for financial aid through The Department of Education website: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.
• Each college may have their own financial aid application.
  • Check the college's website for applications and scholarship information.
  • Contact colleges directly requesting application materials.
  • TCC's website offers online information for financial assistance.
• Go to http://www.finaid.org for financial aid and scholarship information.
  • Watch for notices about transfer scholarships and other scholarships which may relate to your intended major. 
• Virginia Community College Transfer Grant
• Two Year College Transfer Grant Program
  The Two Year College Grant Program was created by the General Assembly in 2007 to provide financial assistance to eligible students who transfer with an associate’s degree to a Virginia four-year institution. [Learn more.] 
  http://www.schev.edu/Students/factsheetTransferGrant.pdf