All aboard Phi Theta Kappans! Now is the time for many of you to embark on a voyage which will take you through uncharted waters to the new surroundings of a four-year institution. As many of you prepare to set sail this year, watch out for rough seas that can steer you off course.

Keep your eye on the horizon, and you will find more than 400 senior institutions in the United States and Canada bearing gifts of transfer scholarships exclusively to Phi Theta Kappa members. The academic excellence that earned you Society membership will likely guarantee your acceptance into these colleges as well as thousands of dollars in scholarships. "I'd be willing to say we've never had a problem getting any student in Phi Theta Kappa admitted, based on the fact that these students typically excel beyond what are considered the 'norms' for admission," says Sonny Lemmons, Coordinator of Community College Recruitment at Mississippi University for Women in Columbus.

Choosing a Transfer Destination

To help with your decision, access Phi Theta Kappa's Scholarship Directory. This site lists over 400 colleges that provide Phi Theta Kappa-designated scholarships. The site also has direct links to many of these schools' web sites where you can take a virtual tour of the campus or complete an application for admission from your own computer.

While a virtual tour and superior academic reputation may whet your appetite for a particular college, don't forget the importance of an actual campus visit. "I also encourage students to visit the campus. Academics is only a part of the college experience. They can measure the social side much better with a visit to campus," recommends Gail Grieger, Transfer Coordinator at Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York.

"Consider all sorts of collegiate options when transferring from your two-year college. Don't be afraid to put colleges on your list just because they are small, expensive, or far away from where you live," advises John Gaines, Director of Admissions at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. "Many colleges in the U.S. are extremely interested in the two-year college graduate as a prospective student - don't be afraid to tout your experience. You may be surprised at the scholarships and financial aid opportunities which are out there."

Bon Voyage

Preparing to transfer should begin long before the student's final semester at the community college. Transfer counselors agree that students should focus on taking courses that will transfer to the institutions they choose. "It is a good idea that students planning to transfer to four-year colleges and universities complete their basic math and English composition requirements at the two-year college," recommends Don Tollman, Assistant Director of Admissions at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

First Things First

Completing an application for admission is your first step in the admissions process. Often, schools require information in addition to the application. "Transfer students applying for admission to four-year colleges and universities are usually required to supply an admission application, official transcripts reflecting all previous college work, and an application processing fee. Some schools also want an essay and letters of recommendation," says Tollman. In addition to these requirements, many schools also require immunization records.

To learn what your chosen transfer institution requires, contact your transfer admissions counselor. It will be to your advantage to become acquainted with the counselor at the senior institution you choose. On your journey, this person will serve as a valuable captain navigating you past icebergs that can sink your ship.

Sailing Toward Success

Once you have chosen a transfer institution, it is important to familiarize yourself with the application deadlines of the college, as each college has different deadlines. Students should remember that the scholarship deadline established by the institution may be different than the deadline for federal financial aid.

"Always adhere to published deadlines! Sometimes missing a deadline will exclude you from consideration for scholarships, need-based aid, or even admission," says Gaines. "If you know you might have difficulty in completing an application by the deadline, be sure to let the admissions officers know why." Most deadlines for fall enrollment are between February and April, so now is the time to complete your applications!

Also, schools do not award scholarships and financial aid to students who have not been admitted to the college. Therefore, if financial assistance is in your future, it is important to complete all admission requirements as early as possible.

Traveling Expenses

Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step for students seeking financial aid. This application requires tax and income information from the previous year. For example, if you are applying for financial aid for the fall term of 1999, the government requires you to use information from tax returns completed after January 1, 1999.

Students may now complete the interactive version of the FAFSA by accessing the government's web site at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Using this method helps eliminate delays caused by erroneous or omitted information. Errors and inconsistencies are pointed out as the student completes the form.

If you choose the low-tech route of pen and paper, you will return the completed FAFSA to the government processing center. Again, an early start is beneficial because processing of the application will take four to six weeks. Students who are still uncertain about their transfer choice, can have their financial aid information sent to as many as six schools. Requesting that the information be sent to several colleges will speed the transfer process once the student chooses a college.

When processing is completed, the center will generate a Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR lists your expected family contribution (EFC) or what your family should be able to contribute to your education. Once the financial aid office receives your SAR and any other documents the school requires, a financial aid counselor determines if you are eligible for financial aid.

It is important to monitor your progress through the financial aid application process to be certain that you provide school officials with all the materials they need to write a financial aid award. In addition to the SAR, most institutions require an institutional financial aid application and financial aid transcripts which outline the history of your financial aid awards from all the schools you have attended. Contact your financial aid office to learn what your chosen institution requires.

Once the financial aid office evaluates your application and all other required forms, the office will construct a financial aid award. Your award will be explained in a letter from the school. This letter provides you an opportunity to accept all, part or none of the financial aid award. To accept any portion of the award, you must sign and return the award letter to the financial aid office before the specified deadline. Take note of the deadline. Failure to return the document by the specified time will result in a loss of benefits. Your financial aid will be awarded to the next needy student waiting for just such an opportunity!

Nearing the Shore

Prior to the beginning of the semester, most schools conduct an orientation program for new students. Some schools even offer special days just for transfer students, so plan to attend. Attending an orientation will help you become familiar with the policies established by the school, which may differ from the policies of your two-year college. According to Tollman, "If at all possible, students should plan to attend orientation programs. This can make the difference between a successful or unsuccessful transition."

Asking for Directions

When you encounter rough waters on your transfer voyage, don't hesitate to ask for assistance. If you are having problems during the transfer process, contact your transfer counselor for assistance. This person has experience navigating the rough seas of the transfer process and can often get answers quicker than you can.

Remember these tips as you set your course for transferring, and prepare for smooth sailing to your transfer destination!