Attending community college for one or two years before transferring to a larger institution can be a great strategy for saving money on tuition while getting core coursework out of the way. However, even the best grades on your lower-level coursework may not be enough to get you into the four-year school of your dreams. Here are three ways to beef up your college resume to catch the attention of admission officials and make your application stand out above the rest.
Clubs and Organizations
Look around your current campus for what kinds of clubs and organizations they offer students. There will inevitably be clubs centered around sports, common hobbies, Greek life, service, and more.
- Look for clubs that are an extension of ones you participated in during high school, such as Circle K International. This long tenure in a club speaks to your loyalty, commitment, and tenacity. Furthermore, your prior experience can put you ahead of the pack in attaining a leadership role in the group.
- If you already have your transfer school picked out, consider joining clubs that have a presence on that campus as well, such as certain Greek fraternities and sororities, Amnesty International, etc.
- If you are athletic, now may be the time to join a sports team – again, so that you can offer those skills and experiences to your next school.
Although it may be difficult to gain a leadership role in a club or organization as an underclassman, make the attempt. Many clubs have leadership roles that are difficult to fill. These can include club secretary, club treasurer, or club liaison to the student government. You don’t have to be club president your sophomore year in order to prove your leadership capabilities – you simply have to be on the officers list.
Volunteering and Internships
Community service and internships are another way of making your college resume stand apart. Showing a commitment to service and learning that goes beyond the minimal requirements of your school shows admissions officials that you have the kind of character they’re looking for in a student.
- Volunteering. Whether it’s through a school organization, a local club, or on your own at another organization, find a cause to commit to. You can help out with Meals-On-Wheels, volunteer at an animal shelter, help maintain the local park, or read to children. The possibilities are endless, so find a cause that you enjoy and are passionate about, and go for it.
- If you can, tailor your volunteer efforts to coincide with your major. For example, if you are working towards a kinesiology degree, volunteering as a sports coach or instructor can be a good way of applying your skills in practice.
- Internships. Although similar to volunteering in their (usually) unpaid work aspect, internships tend to be more structured, focused on your major or career objectives, and often come with class credit. You can participate in internships during the school year or over the summer. By completing one or more internships, you gain maturity, potential recommendation letters, and valuable real-world experience that will pay off both in your transfer efforts and your work future.
Goal-Oriented Classwork
- When you first start at college, it can be very difficult to pick out classes – especially you’re still unsure what major to choose. You may find yourself enrolling in classes at random, and that can reflect poorly on your transfer application.
- Concentrate on taking core classes that can easily be transferred to a new academic institution to fulfill their class requirements. Nearly all schools require you to have a basic competency in a variety of subjects, not just your major.
- Typical core subjects include: science, math, English, foreign language, social studies, fine arts, and non-Western topics. Getting started on these as soon as you begin your community college studies can set you up for success in your new school.
- On a similar note, if you have already decided upon a major, take extra care in choosing those courses – and be sure to ace them.
Successfully transferring from a community college to a four-year institution may require extra effort and preparation on your part. You need to show admissions officials that you are ready for upper-level coursework in a more intense setting. They need to believe that you will succeed at their school. Prove it to them by attaining a leadership role in a club, participating in volunteerism and internships, and strategically choosing your classes.
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Bio: Tina Hamilton is a blogger, world traveler, and social media enthusiast with a degree from Kings College, London. You can follow her on Twitter and Google+.
