As a transfer student from a community college, I am truly happy with my decision to attend Point Loma Nazarene University, but there were a few things I wish I had known beforehand to better prepare myself for the transition to a private university. I’ve provided a list of what you should know if PLNU is where you want to transfer to.
1. Application Deadline and Fees
It’s important to know the application deadline so you can be prepared to send in your required documents and information to the school to have a chance to attend. Applying does come with a cost, literally. Be sure to have the money to officially submit your application.
Click here for more information about applying to PLNU.
2. PLNU Transfer Agreement Plan
Look over the PLNU transfer agreement plan, to know what General Ed classes you can take at your community college to save time and money. Beware that you can only transfer in 70 units, so sort out which classes you really want to take at your community college.
Click here to find out which courses will transfer to PLNU.
3. Acceptance to PLNU
Once you’ve been accepted to PLNU, you will be guided by an admissions counselor through your next steps. At this point you’re not officially a PLNU student, but this is your chance to ask any questions you have about the university. You can talk with them about the classes your major requires and how long it may take for you to complete your degree.
4. Summer Courses
Before you even transfer to PLNU, you still have one last semester at your community college where you can take some more classes. Take advantage of the summer session and shorten the list of General Ed classes you need to complete at PLNU.
5. Finances
The expenses for a private school and community college are drastically different, so make sure to save money, and be aware of financial aid and scholarship options. You also have the chance to work over the summer. FAFSA is due by March 2, so don’t forget to apply!
6. Living On or Off Campus
Determine whether you will be living on or off campus. If you want to live on campus, you will have the chance to live in a college dorm. However, housing expenses and dining plans can be expensive. When it comes to living off campus, you will save money, though the downside is having to drive to and from campus.
7. Campus Tours
Take advantage of the campus tours for transfers–they will help you know your way around campus, and know what classes are usually taught in each building. It’s also a great way to meet other transfer students and make friends.
8. NSO
New Student Orientation (NSO) is a required event for new PLNU students, because it’s when you get your student ID card, get to know the campus, meet new people, and move into your dorm if you choose to live on campus. NSO is a three-day event, where you can invite your family or friends to see the campus.
9. First Semester Schedule
For the first semester, your class schedule will be chosen by the university. Unlike community college, where you drop a class and tuition costs go down, at PLNU the tuition stays the same for anywhere between 12-17 units. If you fall below 12 units, you will be considered a part-time student, which affects your financial aid.
10. The Reason You Want to Attend PLNU
The decision to attend PLNU is truly in your hands, so make sure the university has what you’re looking for, and ask for any assistance you may need from the Records Office, Admissions, and Financial Services.
Written by: Toviya Trejo
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