STORY AND PHOTO BY GABI GARCIA, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Transfer season is in full effect at Cypress College as University of California and California State application deadlines approach.
Cypress students are feeling the anxiety that comes with submitting applications for their desired schools. Application anxiety is one of the many things that hinder a student from properly filling out their applications or realizing they haven’t met certain requirements for transfer.
Cypress College’s Transfer Center is combating the application stress and anxiety with several different options for students to participate in for help and guidance through application season.
These options include, CSU and UC application workshops, three courses, two of which focus on university transition and the other focuses on the writing of the personal statement for UCs. The center also provides general education worksheets, transfer institution selection support, individual appointments with university representatives, individual counseling and in-person campus tours just to name a few of the resources available to students.
Application seasons for all students, not just community college students, are stressful, but some students already went through this process once in high school and having to do it again by making sure every transferable credit is fulfilled is demanding. It is not uncommon for students to feel overwhelmed by the increased anxiety they start to feel as they begin their applications.
Jadyn Zechariah, a political science major and member of the Honors program at Cypress College applying to UCLA said, “I struggle a bit with application anxiety. I overthink my essays because I am trying to impress admissions officers.” Cypress’ Transfer Center offers a 4 week long course that focuses on writing personal statements and essays for applications, most specifically for the UC system.
“The workshops and counselors have been helpful,” Zechariah said, “I feel more confident and less anxious [about applications].” These programs offered by Cypress give students a significant amount of guidance through the chaos. “Some advice I would give is to join the Honors program and talk to counselors who will show you what classes you need to take to transfer.” Zechariah also mentioned using platforms like Assist and Transferology for help with class registration and to reach out to students at prospective schools.
Transfer and application anxiety is not an easy fight but with the right resources and preparation opportunities, students can find ways to ease their stress. Which helps clear the mind and allow for better focus on finishing courses and applying to their dream schools.
The transfer center is located in the Student Center, on the second floor, near parking lot 1. Contact them via telephone at (714) 484-7129, e-mail at tranfercenter@cypresscollege.edu, or visit their offices in-person and remote services on Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Fridays are remote services only which are only available from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.