(left to right) Micol Cavazos and Vanessa Ochoa both took advantage of San Jacinto College transfer plans that allowed them successful admittance to the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Photo credit: Jeannie Peng-Armao, San Jacinto College marketing department

Students say educational counseling vital to successful transfer

Jeannie Peng-Armao -- July 10, 2012

PASADENA, Texas — Vanessa Ochoa and Micol Cavazos took advantage of what is known throughout the college world as the "seamless transfer." In fact, their transfers were so seamless that their San Jacinto College transcripts were reviewed and accepted within 30 minutes during an open house at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL).

“It was very easy," said Ochoa. "We took our paperwork and our transcripts, and they were able to tell us right there if we were accepted. Plus, we didn't have to pay a fee or wait very long at all."

As current UHCL students, the two have returned to San Jacinto College, working part time as assistants in the counseling office to encourage all students to avoid self counseling and to instead use the free educational planning services available to them to ensure successful transfers to universities.

"Any student who plans to transfer should speak to a counselor first to get a transfer plan, then visit their preferred university to make sure all the classes line up," said Ochoa. "We both visited UHCL to verify that our plans matched."

A transfer plan lists which courses at San Jacinto College are likely to transfer as equal to the courses listed on a university degree plan. The College also maintains articulation agreements with more than 20 institutions, including UHCL. An articulation agreement is similar to a transfer plan, yet is an actual legal agreement between San Jacinto College and a university that guarantees courses are equal.

Cavazos, who earned an associate degree in art, is pursuing her bachelor's degree in graphic design. Ochoa completed her associate degree in general studies and transferred into the university's psychology program to earn a bachelor's degree in hopes of one day working full time as a college counselor. During their time at San Jacinto College, the two were a part of the College's shared counselor program’s G-Force Grant, which placed them at their alma mater, Sam Rayburn High School, to assist students with questions regarding college, applications, financial aid, and math and English tutoring. They also worked for the College's first-year experience program and the mandatory new student orientation.

"We want other students to know that college is an investment," said Cavazos. "Educational planning is a service that you already pay for with your tuition. It’s important to use it to make sure all your classes transfer.”

For more information about San Jacinto College’s transfer plans and articulation agreements, please visit www.sanjac.edu/transfers.

About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years. The Achieving the Dream Leader College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career preparation. Students also benefit from the College’s job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of growing industries in the region. San Jacinto College graduates contribute nearly $630 million each year to the Texas workforce. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

For more information about San Jacinto College, please call 281-998-6150, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.