Looking in the Review Mirror: Factors Affecting Transfer for Urban Community College Students

Abstract

It is an unfortunate reality that not all students successfully navigate the path from urban community colleges to four-year institutions. Despite the apparent obstacles and odds, some students are successful. This article is the equivalent of reading a book by starting with the last chapter and then reading the rest of the book to find out why the story ended as it did. It begins with a group of students from a large study who actually transferred and then goes back to their community college transcripts and other files to try to determine why they were successful. The study verified the ultimate importance of academic success while in the community college for those aspiring to transfer. The most predictive factor for transfer was taking courses prescribed in a transfer-focused community college curriculum. Successful transfers enrolled and passed courses in transfer-level English and mathematics as well as other courses. The study highlights the importance of academic focus for those aspiring to transfer.