College Search & Transfer Timeline

When choosing a major, consider both your personal interests and the major you plan to pursue at your four-year transfer school. UCNJ Academic Advisors are here to help you understand degree requirements and make informed choices that support your goals.

NJ Transfer is a valuable tool that can help you identify course and program equivalencies between UCNJ and New Jersey four-year institutions.

Transfer (Articulated) Agreements:
UCNJ has Transfer (Articulated) Agreements with many other regional schools.  These agreements are formal transfer plans that help map your credits from a UCNJ program to a specific program at that four-year institution.  To learn more, ask a Transfer Advisor.

Factors to Consider When Developing Your List:

• Programs: Does the school offer your program of interest and how will your degree/credits transfer?
• Location: Will you commute or live on-campus?  If you plan to live on campus, is housing available and what are the costs associated with traveling home?  Do you prefer and urban or rural setting?
• Tuition and Fees: What is the sticker price for the school and what additional fees must be paid? Public universities often have lower tuition rates for in-state residents, while private institutions typically charge a flat rate for all students.
• Financial Aid: What school specific, degree specific, and/or merit-based scholarships are available?
• Class Size: Class sizes can range from 20 students to 100+ students.  This can impact your “access” to the professor. How do you learn best?
• Employment Rate: What percentage of students land a job in their chosen field within six months of graduation?  Are there internships available that can lead to job placement?

Free Resources to Help Filter Your Search:

• NJTransfer.org
• Peterson’s College Search Engine
• College Board’s College Quiz
• Campus Tours

The Transfer Transition Center offers seminars and workshops to support students in the transfer process.  A list of events can be found on our Important Dates and Events webpage.  Types of events include the following.

• Student Panels/Seminars: Hear from UCNJ graduates about their transfer experience.  Gain insights into helpful tips and tricks and have an opportunity to ask questions to students who have been in your shoes.
• Workshops: Workshops include sessions on FAFSA, Financial Aid, the Common App, Essay Writing, and presentations from four-year partners.

Other Events:

• Admissions Representatives in Cranford, Elizabeth, and Plainfield: Representatives from four-year institutions have tables in the Cranford Commons on a weekly basis.  Check the schedule for Elizabeth and Plainfield, too. Stop by and learn more!
• Transfer Fair: Meet representatives from several four-year schools and get your transfer questions answered.
• Instant Decision Days: Schedule an appointment to meet with a representative from participating institutions and learn on the spot if you are accepted!
• Four-Year Institution Events: Four-year schools offer events annually including transfer admissions tours, open houses, and information sessions.

The sooner you meet with a Transfer Advisor, the better!  If you haven’t already connected with one by the beginning of your second semester, now is the time to do so.  Whether you know exactly where you want to transfer or still need help narrowing it down, it’s important to start early. Meeting with a Transfer Advisor can help you make the most of transferable credits, scholarship opportunities, and application deadlines.

Our Transfer Advisor is located in the One Stop on the Cranford campus. Contact them directly using the information below.

Transfer Fairs in Cranford and Elizabeth:
The Transfer Fair is a great way to meet with representatives from multiple schools all in one day.  Ask questions, learn about program offerings, and get contact information from some of the regional schools on your list.

Learn more about the dates for the Transfer Fair on the Transfer Services webpage.

Plan Ahead:
Take a look at your list and contact the admissions office for your schools of interest to learn about when campus tours are offered.  Many schools have specific tours dedicated to addressing information relevant to transfer students, but you are not limited to only attending those sessions.

Campus visits often require that students take time off work, find childcare, or obtain coverage for other personal obligations.  For this reason, when possible, it can be beneficial to plan multiple visits/tours in one day.

Can’t Make it in Person?
Many institutions offer virtual options if you cannot physically make it to campus for whatever reason.  Check out the institution’s website or contact the admissions office to find out more!

Campus Tours can be a great back up option in situations where institutions do not have virtual admissions events.

What Colleges Will You Apply To?
Think about your academic and personal goals and what schools align with those the best.  Consider your GPA and whether you meet the published minimum.  When transferring to a four-year school, it is generally advised to apply to 4+ institutions to give yourself options and to increase your odds of acceptance.

Narrowing down your list will allow you to determine what materials are required and to make a plan to gather those materials.

It is important to check in regularly with a Transfer Advisor to come up with a more detailed plan and make sure you’re on track for a smooth transfer.  Whether you’ve already applied or are just getting started, a quick follow-up can help you avoid surprises and feel confident in your next steps. 

Here are a few topics you might discuss during your appointment:

• Coursework: Ensure your coursework aligns with your intended major and transfer school.
• Timeline: Create or update a personalized transfer timeline, keeping in mind application deadlines and required materials.
• Questions: Get answers to any new questions that have come up as you move through the transfer process.

Our Transfer Advisor is located in the One Stop on the Cranford campus. Contact them directly using the information below.

Cynthia Roman

Office Phone: 908-709-7103

Campus Email: roman@ucc.edu

Cranford Campus

Personal Essay(s):
Essays can be overwhelming.  Give yourself time and consider the following recommendations.

• Self-Reflect: Think about what experiences have shaped you, what challenges you have faced, and what you are passionate about.
• Be Authentic: Be honest about your growth, even if it stemmed from failure.  Show vulnerability when relevant—do not just write what you think the admissions officers want to hear.
• Answer the Prompt: Make sure you address all parts of the question.  Whenever possible, be specific—mention programs, clubs, etc. that are relevant to the prompt.
• Revise, Revise, Revise: Your first draft is only the beginning.  Make sure to get feedback from someone you trust.  Read it out loud—this helps catch errors.
• Avoid Common Pitfalls: Do not make it a resume rehash.  Avoid clichés such as, “I want to make the world a better place.” Do not have AI write it for you—you risk sounding generic or inauthentic.

Letter(s) of Recommendation:
There are three main types of letters of recommendation—personal, professional, and academic.  Most institutions are looking for a professional and/or academic recommendation.  Even in instances where a letter is not required, having one can add depth to your application and can help you stand out.

Professional Recommendations:

• Do you currently have a job?  A supervisor can be a great person to write you a letter.
• Do you hold a position in a club/organization?  Consider asking the club advisor.
• Are you on a sports team?  A coach can often speak to professional qualities such as leadership and work ethic.

Academic Recommendations:

• Ask a UCNJ professor that you got to know well during one of your classes and that you think can speak to your academic performance.
• Did you do any research while at UCNJ?  The faculty that you did your research with are often willing to help write a letter.

Request Your UCNJ Transcript:
Order your official UCNJ transcript here: https://www.ucc.edu/transcript/.

If you run into any challenges, please email: transcriptrequest@ucc.edu. 

FAFSA:
Completing the FAFSA early maximizes your changes of receiving the best possible financial aid package.  Be careful to research federal, state, and school specific deadlines.

Gather the necessary materials including your Social Security number, driver’s license (if applicable), and tax information.
Access the application: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

Scholarships:
Begin applications for external scholarships (those that are not school-specific).  Scholarship awards are a numbers game—each application increases your odds.  November-April is the peak scholarship season, so pay attention to deadlines!

Utilize free resources to find and apply for scholarships:

• Fastweb
• College Board’s Scholarship Search

Pay attention to deadlines (priority and regular) and submit applications in time.  Keep in mind that some institutions will share admission decisions on a rolling basis while others release all decisions on a particular date.

Common transfer application deadlines for a fall start date are in March and April.  If you’re starting in the spring, typical deadlines are October or November.  Many schools will continue to accept applications after the deadline if they still have space.  Reach out to the corresponding Admissions Office to inquire.

As you begin to receive decision letters (digitally or physical mail), read and review them thoroughly.  Admissions letters can contain important details such as:

• Full vs. Conditional Admissions: Are you fully admitted or is it contingent on other documentation?
• Program Admission: Were you admitted to your first-choice major?
• Transfer Credit Evaluation: How many of your previous credits were accepted?
• Financial Aid Award Letter: Look for the cost of attendance and any scholarships, grants, or loans you have been awarded.
• Deposit Deadlines: When must you confirm your decision and pay your deposit?

Once you have made your decisions and deposited, pay close attention to your email and online portal so that you do not miss any important information or next steps.

Now that you know what school you are attending, start looking for internal scholarships.  Colleges and universities function differently in terms of how they manage financial aid.  Some institutions have a very streamlined process, while others require that you check a few different places.

Look at the Financial Aid website as well as the academic program website (e.g. – School of Business) for institution and program/major specific scholarships.  Understanding deadlines, criteria, and required materials can help you prioritize your applications.