Chicago City Wire

City Colleges of Chicago issued the following announcement on Jan. 26

For many students, City Colleges serves as a key entry point to earning their bachelor’s degrees. By starting here, they’re able to save thousands on their first two years of college, improve their GPAs, gain leadership experience, access a wide range of resources and support, qualify for exclusive transfer scholarships, and more.

With so many opportunities available, sometimes the hardest part for aspiring transfer students can be figuring out where to begin—and Natalia Zuniga, Transfer Center Director at Malcolm X College, is determined to make the process as seamless as possible.

We asked Director Zuniga to answer our top ten transfer questions, from what type of support the Transfer Center provides to common transfer destinations. Read her responses below for expert advice about the transfer process.

Ask the Expert: 10 Questions With Natalia Zuniga, Transfer Center Director at Malcolm X College

1. First, what kind of support does the Transfer Center provide?

NZ: All sorts! In addition to advising services, we help students apply to four-year colleges and universities, learn about scholarship programs, get a glimpse into the university experience, and more.

2. What’s the most common question you hear from students (and can you answer it for us)?

NZ: One question I hear often is: What classes are required for my transfer college and/or my major? Students can start by taking a look the course equivalencies and transfer guides for our university partners on our website here.

3. When should students start thinking about where they want to transfer?

NZ: Our advice to students is to start thinking about their transfer options as soon as they enroll at City Colleges. That way we can help ensure they’re taking the right classes so their credits transfer.

However, for students who already have a few semesters under their belts, it’s not too late! We’re here to help at every stage of the college journey.

4. Are scholarships available to students who want to transfer from CCC to a four-year college or university? How can students find them?

NZ: Great question—yes, scholarships are available, and they’re a key benefit of starting at City Colleges. Students can check out many of the transfer scholarships here.

5. Can you name a few schools where Malcolm X students transfer?

NZ: Our students transfer all over, but some of our top transfer schools are right here in the city, including the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU).

6. What do they study?

NZ: Our students go on to earn their bachelor’s degrees in a wide range of areas, including biology, engineering, and psychology, just to name a few.

7. What’s the closest college a MXC student has transferred to?

NZ: Rush University, which is just down the street from our main campus!

8. And the furthest?

NZ: Smith College in Massachusetts, which is more than 900 miles away (over 1,000 times further than Rush, our closest transfer destination).

9. What’s the best piece of advice you have for students who are thinking about transferring?

NZ: Identify your major early on, and explore it outside the classroom. This will help you solidify your transfer destinations, saving time and money! The transfer and career teams at your college are ready to help, so stop by to visit us in person or virtually through Virtual Student Services.

10. Can you think of a question we should have asked you (and then answer it for us)?

NZ: The question: Are extra-curricular activities important? And the answer: Absolutely!

Getting involved in activities outside of class can give students who are in pursuit of selective transfer admission programs or big-money scholarships like the Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship (worth $55,000!) an edge. It also lays the foundation for students to obtain exceptional letters of recommendation to use in their transfer applications.

To learn more about City Colleges Transfer Centers, visit www.ccc.edu/transfer.

Original source can be found here.