A Seamless Transition

Story by Delaney Tran

If you’re a recent transfer to Long Beach State, congratulations! Transferring from a community college is no easy feat; it takes a lot of determination and drive. Now that you’re here, though, you’ll have to quickly learn the ropes on a whole new campus. Don’t worry—we’re here to help with a few pointers to make your journey at The Beach a little easier.

Take the GPE ASAP

Your score on the Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement Placement Examination (GPE) determines whether you need to take extra writing courses or just a writing intensive capstone. It’s best to take it the summer before enrollment; if that’s not an option for you, make sure to take it within your first semester. Otherwise, you may be hit with a class registration hold. Want to brush up before you sit down for the exam? The University Writing Center (SSC - 245) holds workshops (dates listed at http://web.csulb.edu/divisions/students/testing/gpe/).

Meet With Your Department Advisers

Your orientation leader will probably recommend that you visit the counselors in your college (students in the College of Liberal Arts, for instance, get advising help from ATLAS). These college-based programs are helpful, but they tend to give you general advice and might not be fully aware of the specific requirements of your major. That’s why it’s a good idea to also meet with the academic advisers in your department. They can help you map out your schedule and keep you on track to graduate.

Always Get Help If You Need It

You’re probably familiar with how college works, but you might find the pace and environment at a major university overwhelming at times. If you’re concerned about your grades or find yourself falling behind in a class, don’t hesitate to attend your professor’s office hours. Most professors are happy to go over class concepts and assignments, and even connect you with opportunities on campus or in your field of study. Get to know them well enough, and you’ll have someone to ask for letters of recommendation when you start applying for jobs or graduate school.

This article was originally published in a Student Survival Guide under Daily 49er publications.