Non-MassTransfer Walk Through

Applying to colleges can be a complex process, but Cape Cod Community College (4Cs) offers a helpful guide for non-MassTransfer students. Key steps include visiting colleges, focusing on interest rather than cost, applying online, and checking each college’s admissions and financial aid webpages for specific requirements and deadlines. Students should also prepare essays, request transcripts, and provide necessary test scores and recommendations. It’s essential to follow up on submitted applications and be mindful of deadlines. Lastly, securing admissions and housing deposits, with the possibility of using financial aid, ensures a spot at your chosen college. For assistance, contact the 4Cs Advising Team.

Visit Colleges and Universities

• Visit in Person: If possible, visit the colleges or universities you are interested in. If you can't visit in person, look for virtual tours on their admissions websites.

Application Process

• Focus on Interest: When applying, don't worry about the cost initially. Focus on your interest in the college and see if they will accept you and how much financial aid you might be awarded before deciding.
• Online Applications: Most colleges require online applications. You can use a college's own application, the Common Application, or the Universal College Application. The latter two can be submitted to multiple colleges. Check the college’s admissions website for the required application.
• Application Fee Waivers: The Common Application allows you to request an Application Fee Waiver. Students on financial aid should check with the financial aid office for eligibility and submit the waiver letter to the college.

Deadlines and Requirements

• Admissions Webpage: Review each college's admissions webpage for deadlines and required information. Use this as your guide and checklist.
• Financial Aid Forms: Check the college financial aid webpage for deadlines and required forms. The FAFSA is accepted by all colleges, and the CSS/Profile is required by some private colleges.

Essays and Transcripts

• Essay Requirements: Check if essays are required. Revise essays written in classes and have someone proofread them for spelling and grammar.
• Request Transcripts: Request your transcripts at the beginning and end of your final semester. Also, request transcripts from any other colleges you attended and send them directly to the college.
• High School Transcripts: If required, contact your high school or GED/HiSET source to send transcripts.

Test Scores and Credits

• SAT/ACT Scores: Determine if official SAT or ACT scores are needed. If not, check if they are on your high school transcript.
• AP/IB/CLEP Credits: Verify if the college requires official AP, IB, or CLEP transcripts.

Mid-term Grades and Recommendations

• Mid-term Grades: Some colleges require mid-term grades. If using the Common Application, print the Mid-term Grade Form and have instructors fill it out.
• Letters of Recommendation: Give recommenders at least a couple of weeks' notice. For the Common Application, assign recommenders through the application. If not using the Common Application, provide stamped, addressed envelopes for each recommendation letter.

Transfer College Report

• Transfer College Report: The Dean of Student Retention and Completion completes this form. Contact the office to arrange for the form to be completed and make copies for multiple institutions.

Follow-up and Deadlines

• Confirm Receipt: A few weeks after sending applications, confirm with the colleges that they have received all your materials. Ensure all pieces arrive by the deadline.
• Be Patient: Wait for acceptance letters, financial aid packages, and credit transfer evaluations before making a decision.
• Check Deadlines: Deadlines are important but not always firm. If you miss a deadline, check if the college is still accepting applications.

Deposits and Financial Aid

• Admissions and Housing Deposits: Most colleges require these deposits to secure your spot. If you can't afford them, check if financial aid can cover these costs.