This step involves strategic planning and investigation to create a blueprint of your transfer journey. You'll need to understand and harmonize the general education (GE) and major-specific requirements for your prospective universities, ensuring you're well-prepared to meet all the necessary academic qualifications for a successful transfer.

Here's how to do it:

Understand the Articulation Agreements:

Articulation agreements are the official contracts that outline the transfer policies between community colleges and four-year institutions. Familiarize yourself with these documents as they provide a roadmap of what credits will transfer, what courses you should take for specific majors, and other transfer requirements.

Investigate Associate Degree Requirements:

If you're planning to graduate with an associate degree before transferring, it's crucial to understand your community college's degree requirements. This will help you to align your course selection with both your community college and your target universities.

Examine General Education Requirements:

GE requirements vary by university, but they usually cover a range of disciplines to provide a well-rounded education. Compare the GE requirements of all your chosen schools and identify common courses. Aim to take those classes that will satisfy the GE requirements at all your prospective universities.

Decode Major-Specific Requirements:

In addition to the GE requirements, you'll need to take certain courses specific to your major. Identify these courses at each university, taking note of any similarities and differences.

Create a Master Course List:

Once you've investigated the course requirements at all three schools, combine this information into one master list. This will serve as your guide, helping you to select courses that will maximize your credit transferability and keep you on track with your degree.

Remember, course requirements might change over time, so keep your master list updated. Visit your prospective universities' websites regularly and check for updates in the articulation agreements or degree requirements. Following this master course list will make your transfer process more efficient and increase your chances of being admitted to your chosen universities.