That next step will take them from their community college or high school to a four-year educational institution.
Merced College has scheduled two events, Transfer Day and College Night, to give local students an opportunity to meet with representatives from the state’s University of California and California State University systems, as well as independent and private colleges and universities.
“It’s never too early in the process to begin planning for transfer to a university,” said Dr. Angela Tos, Dean of Student Services. “In fact, the earlier a student starts his or her preparation, the smoother the transition will be.”
Transfer Day is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and takes place in the College’s main quad. College Night will be held in the gymnasium from 5:30 to 8 p.m. In each event, representatives from the various colleges and universities will have informational brochures and will provide first-hand information on admission requirements.
A special session on Financial Aid will be held in the Theater from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
“Transfer Day is geared toward our college students,” said transfer counselor Greg Soto. “Students should come so that they can expand their knowledge of their academic choices. It’s not everyday that a local student can meet someone from as far away as San Diego State or CSU Monterey Bay.”
College Night takes a similar route but is geared more toward local high school students, Soto said.
“We want to give our local students every opportunity to explore their options, to have the questions answered and to be encouraged by the range of universities available to them,” he said.
Representing the UC system is UC Merced, UC Davis, UC San Diego, UC Los Angeles, and UC Santa Barbara. From the CSU system are CSU Chico, CSU Fresno, CSU Sacramento, Humboldt State, CSU Monterey Bay, and CSU Stanislaus.
Independent and private colleges include Fresno Pacific, Brandman University, University of the Pacific, Grand Canyon University, and DeVry University.
Soto said he expects about 2,000 students will take part in Transfer Day and College Night.
“It’s really an important event,” he said. “Students can find out information about their major area of study, financial aid, students housing, campus activities and clubs, the local community and anything else they want to know. So, I would encourage everyone who is thinking about attending a four-year college or university to attend.”
For more information, call the Merced College Transfer Center at 384-6239.
