Transfer Student Experience

The Transfer Student Experience at Chapman University Genesis Hernandez ’23 shares her path to Chapman.

Genesis Hernandez ’23 recalls her first exposure to Chapman like it was yesterday. “The campus was so big and beautiful – it was magical. I would see large groups of students walking together and professors holding meetings with current and past students outside, or at the campus Starbucks. I remember being amazed at the community and thinking, ‘I really want to go there.’”

This exposure occurred when Hernandez was still in high school, working in Chapman’s Student Union. Her time on campus left an impression, but it wasn’t enough to make her apply.

Discover the Chapman Transfer Admission Guarantee for Future Educators

 “It was never my plan to go to a four-year college,” she says. “It felt financially out of reach.”

So she enrolled at Santiago Canyon College (SCC), focusing her studies on education. But when one of her Santiago Canyon professors happened to also be a Chapman graduate student, thoughts of Chapman’s campus and community came flooding back. 

She began talking to her counselors and professors about Chapman, and learned about the Chapman Transfer Admission Guarantee (C-TAG) for Future Educators program, which is specially designed for future elementary and special education teachers from Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College.

Hernandez completed the transfer pathway courses, and after graduating with an associate’s degree from SCC, transferred to Chapman in fall of 2021. 

“The transfer staff was incredibly supportive,” she says. “I didn’t know anyone who had gone to a four-year college. It was new to me, but I knew I had people in my corner. I couldn’t be happier for myself.”

A first-generation college student, Hernandez credits the generous scholarships Chapman offered and her on-campus part-time job with enabling her to enroll at Chapman.

Reflecting on her time in the C-TAG program, Hernandez says that it’s a close-knit, supportive program. 

“We all support each other academically. And hang out in the Cross-Cultural Center between classes. And the professors are amazing at inspiring conversation.”

A Supportive Community for Transfer Students

Chapman welcomes transfer students in the fall and spring semesters.

“This allows transfer students to enter at different times into the university and, in some cases, come in prior to their junior year in college,”  says Director of Admissions Shannon Crogan. “Once at Chapman, we offer one-on-one course advising for new transfer students, an orientation program specific to transfer students, as well as university housing options for those that are interested in having a residential experience.”

As for Hernandez, she begins student teaching next spring and hopes to pursue a master’s in education at – where else? – Chapman. Her long-term goal is to be a professor and teach future educators. 

Her advice for future transfer students is “to ask questions, communicate and connect with others.You would not believe how it will benefit you in your personal life and career path.”

Above all else, she wants to encourage students to “just do it,” if they’re considering applying as a transfer student.

For more information on how you can have a successful transfer experience, visit our Transfer FAQ page, or contact us at transfers@chapman.edu or (714) 997-6711.

Jennifer Winfield

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