Many students come to Tyler Junior College as an opportunity to get started on their college degrees or because their grades weren’t quite high enough for the four-year they want to transfer to. The reasons vary, such as a cheaper start rather than a university or simply unable to decide where to go. TJC is a two-year college that provides as many classes as you need to transfer or obtain an associates, while also offering you the college experience.
Taylor Stephens came to TJC part of the Athletic program but is transferring as a psychology major at Texas State. Once she gets there, she plans to change it to physical therapy.
“I have always wanted to go there, and it’s closer to home and also, my parents are both alumni there,” said Stephens.
Just like at a university, you have a degree plan and a core curriculum to complete.
“Ideally we want our students to get their associates degree. Which means they should be core complete and have the necessary hours, 60 hours,” said Silvana Vierkant, lead academic advisor for humanities, communication, fine arts and is also the lead advisor of the transfer center and honor program.
TJC credit hours should transfer to the school of your choice, so you will not have to repeat the same classes at your next school.
“All classes transfer, TJC is a credit school,” said Vierkant.
“The process to transfer was easy, only required a few steps like sending my transcript, meningitis shot record, and financial aid. I also had to make sure all my classes transferred and that I had enough hours to transfer,” said Stephens.
Azurell Thomas, an early education major is debating to transfer to University of North Texas in Denton or Texas Womens University, also in Denton.
“The process is easier because I’ve already been through it when I applied to TJC, so I know what to expect and how to take care of things,” said Thomas.
“My options are UNT or TWU because both are in Denton, and my mom is an alumni at TWU and my dad is an alumni at UNT, so both are in the family,” said Thomas. “I looked for a school that had a lot to offer, and it’s a new environment.”
“Your last semester at TJC, students need to apply to their senior or intended school. Go to http://www.applytexas.org or go to your schools website to look at their requirements, it tells you step by step what to do. And submit all official transcripts from all college credits you received,” said Vierkant.
For former TJC student Ani Umana the process to transfer to UT Tyler wasn’t hard either, “The process like the paperwork, which was easy. I just applied through www.applytexas.org and had to send in all my paperwork. The difference between TJC and UT Tyler has been the class work is harder. I feel with more busy work and writing, especially junior and senior level courses. Also, culturally it is very different,” said Umana.
Ani Umani was at TJC for two-years and has been working toward Mass Communication bachelors, focusing on Public Relations with a minor in speech education.
For another former student who transferred to UNT, the process wasn’t very hard either.
“The process has been fun but challenging, however I go to a school that I really enjoy and the school work is not that hard but you do have to pay more attention than at TJC. I chose UNT because it’s a good school and it was cheap. Plus their really good at helping you get jobs after school,” said Chris Plummer.
What most students don’t know is that it’s not about what grade level you’re in, your grade level is based on how many credit hours you have.
Students need a total of 120 hours for your Bachelors. As a freshman you have 0-30 hours, as a sophomore you have 31-60 hours, as a junior you have 61-90 hours and as a senior you have a total of 91-120 hours.
“Students have to make sure their credits will transfer and apply towards a bachelor’s degree,” said Vierkant.
The top schools that TJC students transfered to as of 2011-2012 in the state of Texas are UT Tyler at 32.1 percent, A&M; 7 percent, SFA 5.8 percent, UNT 3 percent, UT Arlington 2.2 percent, UT Austin 2.1 percent.
“What most students don’t know is that TJC is in the process of developing a transfer center, career service center, computer set up and transfer resources,” said Vierkant.
For more information or help with applications, go to the
second floor of Rogers Student Center or to www.applytexas.org.
