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One of the most important—and perhaps misunderstood—pathways to a four-year degree? Transferring from a community college.
“I loved my community college time. Not just because it was close to home, but because the scholarships made it a no-brainer,” said Maddie Saenz, an Alton High School graduate. She attended Lewis & Clark Community College in Illinois, about 30 miles north of St. Louis.
“I was told the transfer would be seamless, and it was.”
Saenz’s experience spotlights the truth behind some lingering misconceptions about transfers. She’ll graduate with a degree in systems engineering and design from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC).
Since 2022, students transferring from community colleges in Illinois have had guaranteed admission to University of Illinois System universities in Urbana, Chicago, and Springfield if they meet requirements. A law effective Jan. 1 makes this a requirement at public universities statewide. Learn more about the U of I System Transfer Guarantee and how to prepare to transfer.
Supporting students
Keri Niehans, UIUC senior associate director of admissions operations, said the transfer process—course planning, choosing a major, applying—is less daunting than some imagine.
“We want students and parents, as well as community colleges, to know they can reach out to us with questions,” she said. “They don’t have to figure this out alone. We’re here to help.”
Admissions experts across the U of I System work closely with many of the state’s community colleges. And they’re forming relationships with others.
Recent U.S. Department of Education findings show such partnerships lead to greater successes for students. Illinois is among the top three states in the nation in this area. The U of I System worked closely with the Illinois Board of Higher Education to develop MyCreditsTransfer, which provides Transferology, a free transfer advising tool for students and advisors. Early transfer advising is widely recognized as a key to transfer success.
Engineering Pathways helped ensure Saenz’s smooth transition.
“Maddie received personalized academic advising from Grainger College of Engineering staff,” Niehans said. “She also participated in an eight-week bridge program before starting as a junior at UIUC.”
In the program, students live on campus, which helps them connect with their new peers. They also complete coursework for their major and take part in professional development activities.
“I came to campus the summer before I transferred. We got to feel the rigor of the university before we jumped in in the fall,” she said. “I didn’t feel like I was behind at all when I started at UIUC.”
Success and grace
“I’ve wanted to be an engineer since I was in fourth grade. My dad and I always talked about school, about what my future would look like. He’s my biggest supporter,” said Saenz, who plans to work in the medical devices industry.
After their junior year at UIUC, Saenz and her Pathways classmates went back to Lewis & Clark to visit physics professor Chris Reese.
“We needed to thank him for all he did for us,” she said. “Learning from him shot us ahead. We wanted him to know we were doing well because of him.”
Reese worked with UIUC on science, technology, engineering, and math course development to align with transfer requirements.
And he’s a Saenz fan.
“Maddie’s aptitude for science and engineering is only eclipsed by a fierce dedication to achieve the goals she sets,” Reese said. “Maddie and her UIUC Pathways cohort exemplified student camaraderie and teamwork through mutual support, cooperation, and friendship.”
Saenz offers future transfer students this advice.
“That first semester at a four-year university is a huge transition with different classes and different people,” she said. “If it’s challenging, give yourself grace.
“You will meet a ton of people. You will fit in, and you will be fine.”
The University of Illinois System widening the doors of opportunity is just part of what makes us Altogether Extraordinary. To share your story idea, please message lmabry@uillinois.edu.
