UMBC-Shady Grove Pre-Transfer Advising
Pre-transfer advising is a crucial step to ensure you’re on track to join us at UMBC-Shady Grove.
Fill out our form below to access your options for pre-transfer advising. You will be asked to submit unofficial transcripts to secure your appointment.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Our goal is to empower you on your transfer pathway. During your one-on-one appointment with a pre-transfer advisor, you will:
- Evaluate your coursework history and discuss additional courses that are required or recommended prior to transfer
- Discuss transfer policies and expectations, such as the number of transferable credits and credits required to complete your degree
- Learn about financial aid and scholarship opportunities
- Go over the UMBC application process
- Discover highlights about the program(s) you’re interested in
- Review how UMBC-Shady Grove connects with the larger UMBC community
Pre-Transfer Advising FAQs
Why schedule an appointment?
UMBC-Shady Grove offers upper-level (300- and 400-level) coursework in our undergraduate programs. To be eligible for these courses, certain prerequisites must be completed prior to transfer. There are also recommended courses that we strongly recommend students complete prior to transfer in order to meet general education requirements. Attending pre-transfer advising will help you to ensure a seamless transfer to UMBC-Shady Grove.
What type of appointment should I make?
We recommend that students who are within two semesters of transfer meet virtually or in-person with a pre-transfer advisor. Students who are further out and pursuing a non-COEIT degree (History, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, or TLST) may consider starting out with an emailed pre-transfer packet.
What can I expect from my emailed pre-transfer packet?
Pre-transfer advising packets will include a review of your coursework history and recommendations for additional coursework required prior to transfer. We will also share guidance and resources for your next steps depending on where you are in your college journey.
You can expect your pre-transfer advising packet to be emailed to you within 5-7 business days.
Can I plan my transfer on my own?
There are great online resources that you can use to help you plan your transfer such as ARTSYS and Transfer Central, however the only way you can be sure that you’re receiving the most comprehensive and up-to-date guidance is by meeting one-on-one with one of our pre-transfer advisors. Don’t be intimidated! We’ll meet you where you are and will empower you to choose the path that works best for you. Our only goal is to help you meet yours.
Can I start taking courses at UMBC-Shady Grove before I finish my prerequisites?
No, prerequisites are required prior to transfer because you will not be able to enroll in upper-level (300- and 400-level) courses before they are completed.
What are the prererequisites and recommended courses for the program I’m interested in?
Visit our programs page to learn more about the undergraduate program you hope to join, including information about prerequisites and recommended courses for transfer.
Do I need to complete my associate degree before transferring to UMBC-Shady Grove?
No, earning your associate degree is highly recommended, but not required for transfer. You’ll discuss the benefits of earning an associate degree during your pre-transfer advising appointment. Your community college advisor can help you determine the associate degree requirements for your institution.
What is the difference between UMBC-Shady Grove in Rockville, MD, and UMBC in Catonsville, MD?
UMBC-Shady Grove is unique because we only offer upper-level (300- and 400-level) coursework. Students are expected to complete the vast majority (45 to 70 credits) of their lower-level (100- and 200-level) courses prior to transfer. It is important to note that you are earning the same UMBC degree whether you are attending UMBC in Catonsville or at our Shady Grove location.
Can I sign up for an appointment if I’m planning to attend UMBC in Catonsville?
If you’re planning on attending UMBC in Catonsville, MD, not at The Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, MD, please refer to the Office for Academic and Pre-Professional Advising to make an appointment with the appropriate representative.
