Transferring from Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC)

Feeling the college tuition pinch? You are not alone.

Many of you will take one or more college classes at your local community college, either before or during your undergraduate degree. This is a great way to cut down those college credit costs.

If your dream school is still out of financial reach, it might be time to consider using Northern Virginia’s Community College Guaranteed Admission Agreements (GAA) to help plan out your path to an otherwise out of reach institution.

You can start your undergraduate education at your local community college then transfer to a university of your choice that has a GAA with them by following the designated track agreed upon by the two institutions.

Let’s take a look at GAAs at the Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC).

Guaranteed Admission Agreements

• GAAs provide a clear documented path for Northern Virginia Community College students to assure their transfer to a participating college.

• Around forty institutions participate in the scheme, including UVA, George Washington, and William & Mary. See the list here.

• The terms of the agreement that a college makes with NOVA are specific to that institution, so, the requirements must be reviewed closely to make sure that you meet them all at the point you initiate the transfer process.

Requirements for Qualifying

• Complete a Transfer Degree (A.A. or A.S.).

• Maintain the minimum GPA specified the college where you would like to transfer.

• Receive a C or better in degree plan courses.

• Complete a minimum number of credits at NOVA.

• Submit a letter of intent if required - (some universities, such as GMU and JMU provide a mandatory letter of intent form with a checklist of requirements to be signed).

• Additional factors required by the individual institution. NOVA has a team of transfer advisers experienced in the process and requirements for GAA transfers who can assist you.

Transfer Counselors

• NOVA provides transfer counselors to advise and help guide students through the process.

• Contact counselors as early as possible to ensure no requirements are overlooked.

GAA’s really do take the guesswork out of the transfer process and can offer an affordable alternative to applying directly to a four-year college.