University Transfer Admission and Community College Ranking: A Proven Entry Point to U.S. Undergraduate Education

Leilt Habte Associate Director, Transfer Center, UC Berkeley, United States

Jing Luan Provost Emeritus, San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley, United States

Abstract

This chapter delves into the history of community colleges, highlighting the unique practice of course and student transfer in U.S. higher education. We present a comparative analysis of the 2 primary entry points to enrollment in U.S. undergraduate institutions: University Freshman Admissions (UFA) and University Transfer Admissions (UTA). Drawing from our collective experience spanning over 50 years in the field, we advocate for the distinct benefits of UTA for the majority of applicants. We offer assessment tools and other resources to assist students in navigating their path to earning an undergraduate degree in the U.S. We posit that a genuine commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion necessitates support for a variety of entry points for applicants, equal consideration for transfer and direct admissions, and an open, inclusive approach to all students for U.S. institutions to maintain competitiveness.

Keywords: Community college role, transfer success, university transfer admission, self-assessment of university eligibility, UTA, value of international students, society bias, entry points

How to cite this chapter: Habte, L., & Luan, J. (2024). University transfer admission and community college ranking: A proven entry point to U.S. undergraduate education. In J. Luan, L. Habte, D. L. Di Maria, & K. Bista (Eds.), Entry points to US education: Accessing the next wave of growth (pp. 65-84). Star Scholars Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.32674/4r0sfm57