Q: How can I appeal if my credits don’t transfer?

A:All problems relating to transfer/articulation issues should be brought first to the individual responsible for the decision, usually at the four-year college. Be prepared for this visit with a course catalog and course syllabus.

Q: What questions should I ask when visiting with a four year college?

A:Check out the "Questions to Ask" sheet, print it off, and take it with you when you visit with a rep for the colleges that you are interested in. Remember to take good notes!

Q: What are articulation agreements?

A:Articulation agreements are formal agreements between IWCC and other colleges and universities. These ensure that, if you follow a prescribed program successfully, you will be able to transfer at junior status. Some agreements detail exact course equivalencies while other are more general.

Q: If my goal is to obtain a bachelor's degree, why would I want to start at Iowa Western?

A:Attending Iowa Western is an affordable way to complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. In addition, IWCC offers small class sizes, so students interact one-on-one with the instructors. In addition, our faculty members’ job is to teach. This may seem obvious, but at many large universities, faculty members’ primary job is to complete research or publish articles. The personal attention you receive here is invaluable. Furthermore, IWCC has activities and student life that is unique to community colleges and rivals any four-year institution.

Q: Will the credits I earn at Iowa Western transfer?

A:

The bottom line is that most college level classes you take at Iowa Western will transfer. But there is so much more to this question, beginning with how the credits will transfer. As a student who wants to transfer, it is important that you work with your four-year institution from the beginning and to know how your credits will transfer; you do not want to take classes that you will have to repeat later, even though credit will be awarded.

Q: Will I be prepared to make the academic and social transitions involved in transferring to another college?

A:Many students find that the toughest semester at Iowa Western is their first semester because of the many social and academic adjustments they need to make; however, they often find the first semester to be the most exciting as well. This is also the case when you move on to the four year institution – the class sizes might be larger, but by the time you graduate from IWCC you will have the skills to be successful both inside and outside the classroom.

Q: Are all of Iowa Western’s degree programs designed for transfer?

A:The Associate of Arts (AA) and the Associate of Science (AS) are specifically designed to transfer. In fact, Iowa Western has agreements with many regional colleges and universities that guarantee the acceptance of IWCC degrees and credit. Historically, the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree has not always transferred seamlessly; however, the number of institutions that accept AAS degrees and credits toward a bachelor’s degree is steadily increasing. Some of these degrees are referred to as Bachelor of Liberal Studies, Bachelor of General Studies, or Bachelor of Technology. The Associate of General Studies (AGS) is another degree that IWCC offers that is not designed to transfer.

Q: When should I start to plan for transfer to a four-year institution?

A:Students should begin transfer planning beginning with their first semester at IWCC. Starting early will save you time and money. In addition, starting early will ensure you select the right classes and are aware of deadlines. Students need to apply to their four-year institutions during their third semester or the semester before their final semester at IWCC.

Q: What kind of degree is most likely to transfer?

A:Your goals, your major, and your transfer institution dictate which degree is the best option for you. Typically, you will want an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree because they are specifically designed to transfer.

Q: What resources are available to students who need assistance with the transfer process?

A:There are many resources available to students who need assistance with the transfer process, including this website, your academic advisor, the transfer fair, and campus visits by representatives from various four-year institutions. In addition, four-year institutions also have resources that assist students with the transfer process, including admissions advisors, program advisors, and their website. Most institution's websites are very helpful to students who wish to transfer, so don’t underestimate the value of spending time on their site.

Q: When should I transfer?

A:We strongly encourage you to obtain your degree before transferring to a four-year institution. Not only will you take advantage of maximizing your dollar (IWCC classes are most often less expensive) but also will better ensure the transfer of your credits.

Q: What GPA do I need to transfer to a four-year college?

A:Generally, the minimum transfer GPA is a 2.0. However, this can vary depending on how many credits you have completed and where you plan to transfer. Again, many universities have  a 2.0 minimum GPA for acceptance to the College of Liberal Arts, but they require a higher GPA for admission to other colleges or majors.

Q: Should I visit colleges?

A:If at all possible you should visit colleges you are interested in. Visits are very important because they can provide you with more information than talking with people or looking at a website. Try to devote a day to visit a campus on an official tour. Talk to students, sit in on a class, look at the housing options, and check out the student center. Also, check out the town bordering the campus for services. Be sure to take a copy of your IWCC transcript with you.

Q: Where do most students transfer?

A:Iowa Western students transfer to a variety of schools but they have one thing in common – they all transfer to an institution that suits them. The school you choose will depend on such factors as your major, personal preferences, GPA, and distance from home. The schools to which most of our students transfer are: University of Nebraska at Omaha, Bellevue University, Iowa State University, Northwest Missouri State University, and Buena Vista University.

Q: Is it possible to take too many credits?

A:Yes, generally speaking, only half of your bachelor’s degree can come from a community college. So this roughly translates to about 64-65 credits. Be sure to touch base with your transfer institution to be sure your credits will transfer. If you take more credits than will be accepted, most institutions will pick and choose the best credits for your specific degree.