How to Transfer to a University

Here you will find the steps needed to transfer to a University through ACC’s University Transfer Program.

Beginning the Academic Journey:

  • If undecided on a program of study, now is the time to explore.  Please contact Career Services to explore possible careers. 
  • Research career and educational goals.
  • Enroll in ACA 122 during the first semester to explore career fields and understand the transfer process.
  • Meet with an advisor to plan your schedule.  Please see Self-Service or Aviso to find your advisor’s name and contact information.
  • Advisors can assist in course planning and discussing educational goals.

On the Academic Journey- decide on a program of study:

  • Explore four-year universities through college fairs, campus visits, and online resources.
  • Research what course prerequisites and requirements are needed for admission to your program of study at a university.
  • Make sure the 4-year institution you want to transfer to has your program of study.
  • Use Baccalaureate Degree Plans (BDPs) to ensure you are taking the correct prerequisites for your program of study at a university.   
  • Meet with your advisor at least once a semester.
  • Make sure you are meeting the requirements to graduate from your program of study at ACC.

Before the Final Semester:

  • Research Universities: Make sure the University you want to attend has the program of study you want to major in, and understand the requirements for the institution.
  • Research Program Requirements: Make sure you understand program requirements such as GPA requirements, prerequisite courses for the program, and the enrollment date for new students.
  • Research application deadlines and application requirements.
  • Contact a transfer representative for the university you are applying to.  Find out the following:
    • What it takes to be a competitive candidate
    • Transfer deadlines
    • Scholarship information
    • Financial Aid information
    • Deadlines for housing, if planning to live on campus
  • Always have a ‘Plan B.’  Make sure to apply to more than one university, especially if you are applying to a competitive program

During the Final Semester

  • Begin applying to colleges/universities. Make sure you understand when the transfer application deadline is for each school, as deadlines may vary.
  • Students will need to submit an official ACC transcript for the application process.  Make sure to submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, if applicable.
  • Work with your advisor and University Transfer Coordinator to complete a graduation audit.

Submitting Transcripts  

  • After you complete the final semester, please submit an official transcript to the university noting the final semester grades; if graduating, the degree will note the date the degree was awarded. Make sure to request a transcript after final grades are submitted and all degrees are conferred.  
  • Visit this page to order an ACC transcript.

Transferring FAQ

Completion of an associate degree does not guarantee admission to a UNC System institution.  Each university has unique entrance requirements, standards, and program requirements, so students should aware of these requirements.  Students should also pursue apply to multiple programs and universities, in case they do not get into their first choice.

Transferring Without a Degree: When can I transfer?

You can transfer whenever a school accepts you. This will vary depending on the program you wish to enter, the school of your choice, the courses you have selected, and the grades you have earned at Alamance. Ideally, you should complete your degree. There are more benefits for students who complete a degree at ACC.  If you transfer hours without a degree, the receiving institution will analyze the transferability of courses item by item. The courses included as Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) are guaranteed to transfer individually as General Education credit. Private universities will generally evaluate your transcript on a course-by-course basis and do not necessarily require a completed degree prior to transferring. If a student does not complete an associate’s degree, they should consider the Reverse Transfer Program.

The Reverse Transfer Program is an initiative that supports partnerships between North Carolina community colleges and universities that scale-up approaches to awarding associate’s degrees to students who transfer from community colleges to universities prior to receiving the degree.  Reverse transfer involves the transfer of courses completed at the university, which are needed to complete a degree, back to the community college, thus making the student eligible to receive the associate’s degree from the community college.