Some students think that transferring to a university would be too hard or that they may not be able to afford it, but it can be done. In fact, many students and faculty at Palo Alto have traveled that very road.

Interested in transferring? Here's what you need to know: look into the transfer process one year before you decide to transfer. You must check deadlines for

financial aid, scholarships and applications for admissions. Also, you need to develop self-discipline and time management skills.

In the Fall of 1998, 22.5 percent of Palo Alto's students transferred to universities. The top ten transfer universities are: the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), Southwest Texas State University, Texas A&M University -College Station, University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University -Kingsville, University of Texas Health Science Center, Angelo State University, Tarelton State University in Stevenville, Sam Houston State University in Huntsville and University of North Texas in Denton.

“A good time to transfer is when the student has completed the course curriculum based on the 2+2 degree plan,” said Mary Apolinar, Counselor and Coordinator of the Transfer Center. “Once a student has completed one full year at Palo Alto, they should start preparing for the transition.”

Samantha Arnold, a Communications major at UTSA and a former Palo Alto student, said: “Take advantage of what you can at Palo Alto. Go to every class and make sure your professor knows who you are. Use them as resources, especially the classes in your field. It will help you when you need reference letters for scholarships.”

Sharon Carson, Instructor of Office Systems Technology, transferred from San Antonio College (SAC) to Our Lady of the Lake University.

“Remember, you're going to higher level classes that require more time on study, and your professors are not going to baby you,” said Carson. “It's make it or break it when you get to junior-level in college.”

Managing your time and prioritizing your classes will help you at a university.

“I learned the hard way,” said Steve Ochoa, Math Skills Specialist. “My first semester at North Texas State University, I was put on academic probation because my grades were too low. You don't have time to study if you are always partying. My second semester, I stopped partying, and I scheduled all my classes early, and it worked. My grades improved. You have to have discipline, and you have to maintain academic maturity.”

Rebecca Reyes, a Communication Arts graduate from the University of the Incarnate Word and former Palo Alto student said, “Do your research on scholarships. Look at those that require letters of recommendation. Most people won't apply because it takes too much time, so there is less competition.”

Mary Halfmann, a Palo Alto Computer Technician, said her transition from SAC to UTSA was a “rude awakening.” She skipped classes and crammed for exams while attending SAC.

“While at UTSA, I quickly learned that grades were competitive and it was sink or swim time,” said Halfmann. “I never skipped class and I studied continuously throughout the whole semester. I graduated with a 3.3 GPA, while holding a full-time job. I greatly value my education.”

Roland Carrillo, the Director of the Financial Aid Office at University of Northern Iowa (UNI), is offering a scholarship to Hispanic students who have completed two years at Palo Alto. They must have an Associates Degree and a minimum 2.2 GPA. In April, UNI will take a group of students and one parent to that university for a visit. If the student is accepted, the UNI will pay for their tuition, fees, books, and room and board for two to three years.

One student, who has been accepted, is sophomore Matt Torres, a Kinesiology major. “The opportunity was there for me to go to an out-of-state university, and I thought I'd try it out,” Torres said. “I love to travel, and I thought, well, why not get an education and do a little traveling at the same time?”

Matt filled out the applications for admission and retrieved his high school and college transcripts within two weeks. “For me, it wasn't hard. It was just common sense,” said Torres.

“Education is not a destination. It's a journey,” said Daniel Rodriguez, Assistant Professor/Counselor Chair of the Counseling Department. “Palo Alto is an opportunity that can change your life if you are willing to accept that challenge.”

Former Transfer Students

Sharon Carson, Office Systems Technologies Instructor, AS 125

Brad Chandler, Sciences Instructor, AS 119

Camille Fiorillo, Instructor and Librarian, OZU 102

Joyce Flaugher, Adjunct Psychology Instructor

Colby Glass, Associate Professor, LRC 201B

Mary Halfmann, Computer Technician, OZU 114

John Hernandez, Philosophy Instructor, GE 237

Robert Hines, History Instructor, SS 116

Helen Kirk, Assistant Professor of Math, EL 120

Steve Ochoa, Math Skills Specialist, EL 106

Fermin Ortiz, Assistant Professor of Math, EL 115

Anthony Pierulla, Assistant Professor of Counseling, ADM 153

Daniel Rodriguez, Counselor GE 206

Tom Smith,Environmental Technologies Instructor, AS 116

Dorothy Ulcak, Counselor, ADM 126