The Realities of the College Transfer

"If you don't like your college, you can always transfer." How many times have you heard that? You must admit, it seems to take the pressure off of finding the right college. You choose a college, and if it doesn't work out, you transfer. Sounds easy enough, right?

But before you make a decision just to end the tiresome college research, let's look at the implications of transferring:

• Time. In college, the academic challenges will likely be greater than high school, and you won't have as many papers and tests that count toward your final grade. The majority of your time will be spent studying; you'll have few opportunities to research, visit, and apply to other colleges.

• Costs. Next, there are the applications costs. (Remember those?) Then, there may be costs to re-take courses at your new school-with new books-because course credits do not always transfer from one school to another. Finally, re-taking courses and meeting new graduation requirements may mean it could take five or six years to earn a degree, adding more to your overall cost of tuition.

• Freshman, again. Remember, when you transfer, you will be starting all over again making new friends. Only now you'll be doing it as a sophomore-alongside sophomores who started their freshmen year together and have "settled in" with their own niche of friends. Bottom line: it could take more effort on your part to make new friends.

Still want to push aside your college research? Consider this statistic: students who transfer after their first year of college, less than 40% stay on track to finish their bachelor's degree. Less than 40%!

College research may be a great stress now, but take your time while you're still in high school and find the colleges that fit all of you: your personality, interests, preferences, learning style, as well as your grades. Time spend now can result in a rewarding college experience, and a degree later.

Is There a Solution to Retraining America?

Perhaps, you've considered the famous viral video; "What Does it All Mean," and the implications of that. If you do not know what I am talking about, then please stop right now, and look up that video on Google Video or YouTube and watch it. Most have already seen it, and it does make you think indeed. Now then, how can we adjust our colleges, trade schools, private universities, community colleges, and for-profit colleges to deal with this challenge ahead, well, actually the challenge is "Now" isn't it?

Not long ago, I spoke with a bay area acquaintance out there in California, and he noted that the community colleges needed an upgrade. How so you ask? Well, he explains it to me like this. "I suggest colleges and universities to add 2 years to complete a degree rather than 4 years program," and yes, he's right isn't he? In fact, he sent this recommendation into California Governator Arnold S. who also agreed that this is a viable idea, and even sent back a thank you note. In my acquaintance on the right track?

My belief is yes; absolutely. The tuition and costs are way too high and make it difficult for a community college student to transfer, and it really does not make all that much sense anyway. What we need to in my opinion is competition, especially for common degrees required for employment, and even some industry degrees that need to be on those resumes. Interestingly enough, I am a big fan of the University of Phoenix, and am perfectly find with opening the flood gates with private free-enterprise solutions too.

We can fix this challenge and solve these issues, and we must do something quick, after all, when we ask; "What does it all mean?" well it could mean disaster if we do not act accordingly. So, please consider all this.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes in education, jobs, and proper retraining.