Transferring Through PVCC

Marlie Soderquist, staff writer

Going to college can be a hard decision for high schoolers to make. Whether it is the cost, the distance, the commitment, or not being able to decide on what to study, there are many factors that go into the decision. Attending a community college for a few years allows students to decide on a perspective major, live close to home, and save some money along the way.

Piedmont offers a guaranteed admissions agreement with most Virginia colleges and universities, including University of Virginia, William and Mary, and George Mason. A complete list of these colleges can be found on Piedmont Virginia Community College’s website under Guaranteed Admissions & Transfer Information. Students must earn a transferable associate degree and maintain and meet other admission requirements, like GPA and course requirements.

Most students who transfer from PVCC attend U.Va, VCU, Old Dominon University, James Madison University, and Liberty University.

Connor McKinnis, who is transferring to JMU next fall, said, “JMU’s drive towards a balance of academic excellence and social construction is a big part of what makes me want to go there. I had a few friends who went there or worked in student organizations, and their stories of fellow students’ supportive and optimistic spirits was great. Also, as a chronically single dude, the 60 percent female population was definitely an upside.”

PVCC has two transfer advisors, Kristen Greer and Kemper Steele. Gabe Farmer, a freshman at PVCC, is transferring to Virginia Tech in the fall. He said, “All my guidance (for transferring) was from Kristen; she’s the best!”

Steele also got kudos from freshman Jacob Deloria, who said, “Kemper Steele is an amazing guy, and everyone that has talked with him can relate. He does an awesome job at what he does.” Both advisors’ offices are in the main building, and appointments can be made for students looking for transfer guidance.

Although students do not have to stay two years at PVCC to transfer, there is no guarantee that the college will accept an applicant. Deloria explained that transferring after one year has been very stressful because he did not know if he was accepted until March.

Transferring to an out-of-state school is similar. Students are not guaranteed admission to out-of-state colleges, and there is also no guarantee that courses will transfer. Different states have different class curriculums. Students can talk to the transfer advisors about which courses are more likely to transfer.

The experiences students receive while attending PVCC can be unforgettable. “Instead of treating the college as a punch in, punch out school, where you just show up for classes and get out ASAP, I got more involved with an organization at school called Cru, and made numerous great friends who I cherish,” said McKinnis.

Farmer enjoyed being a part of a small school and getting to remain friends with people from his high school, he liked being able to create more fun memories with them in college.

Deloria explained his experience at PVCC as “Accomplishing exactly what I desired.” He was able to better himself as a student and finish his classes.

These students experiences shows that PVCC stays true to their motto Opportunity. Access. Excellence.