Academic Milestones

Remember when you were a kid and every year on your birthday you stood against a wall or a door to mark your height? Those marks represented milestones on your journey to adulthood. Well, college is the same way.

Completion of 15, 30, and 45 college credits are considered “milestones” in your academic career. For each of these milestones we have identified specific steps you should be taking toward meeting your educational goals.

Check out your milestones to see how you measure up!

• 15 Credits Completed
• 30 Credits Completed
• 45 Credits Completed

If you have completed 15 credits… Ask yourself these questions!

• How am I doing? If you’re doing okay, good for you! If you felt overwhelmed with work, consider taking fewer credits next semester. If you weren’t successful in a course, consider repeating it.
• Have I completed my Developmental English and/or Math requirements? If not, make them your first priority!
• Have I started my math and science requirements? Don’t put them off, as often they are sequenced and you won’t be able to “cram” them all in before you graduate.
• Am I sure I am taking the right classes? Check your Degree Progress Report to see what classes you need for your degree program. We encourage you to meet with an advisor to help plan your classes!
• Have I picked a major? If you need help choosing a major, check out the Career Center website, or stop by the Career and Transfer Center in KC-100 to talk with a Career Counselor. If you have decided to change your major since you first applied, remember to fill out a Change of Curriculum form to submit to the Welcome and Registration Center in A-102.
• Am I planning to transfer to another school? Some careers require more than an Associate Degree. Start your transfer planning early! Transfer Guides for individual schools, indicating which FCC courses should be taken to meet their requirements, are available in the Counseling & Advising Office in A-106 and the Career and Transfer Center in KC-100.

Here’s your TO DO list to get to the next milestone:

• Learn the specific requirements for your major using the Academic Catalog or your Degree Progress Report to make sure you are taking classes you need to earn your degree. If you’re not sure of any requirement, talk to an Advisor!
• Visit the Career Center website, or the Career and Transfer Center in KC-100, to learn about your intended career field, take career assessments and gather career information, to make sure you are in the right major for your intended career goals.
• Visit the Transfer Center website, or the Career and Transfer Center in KC100, to get an idea of which transfer schools offer degrees in your major. Students are encouraged to identify their transfer major and possible transfer schools by the end of 30 credits!

 

If you have completed 30 credits… Ask yourself these questions!

• Do I know what is required of my major? If not, check your Degree Progress Report or the Academic Catalog. If you are unsure of any requirement, talk to an Advisor!
• If I plan to transfer, have I learned about the schools I am interested in? Research is the key! Check out the Transfer Center website to do research online, or stop by the Career and Transfer Center, located in KC-100, to pick up brochures, applications and other materials. Talk to Admissions Reps from different colleges each week in the Recruiter’s Corner in the B/C Knuckle. Make plans to attend Transfer Day each semester, and sign up for one of the FREE “Friday Field Trips” to regional schools like University of Maryland, Towson, Salisbury, and more! If you still need help, make an appointment to see the Transfer Counselor at 301-846-2594.

Here’s your TO DO list to get to the next milestone:

• Ask your Advisor whether there are requirements for graduation other than completing the classes for your major. For example, Education majors, must take and pass the Praxis I exam in order to earn their degree.
• If you’re considering changing your major, make an appointment at 301-846-2594 to meet with a Career Counselor to learn about career options. Complete a Change of Curriculum form to submit to the Welcome & Registration Center in A-102. Follow up with an Advisor to learn how classes you have already taken will apply to your new major.
• Researching transfer options takes time, so don’t put off this important step! Students who identify their transfer school early can be assured that the classes they are taking transfer to their intended school and apply to their intended major!! Now’s the time to visit the Transfer Center website or the Career and Transfer Center in KC100!

If you have completed 45 credits… Ask yourself these questions!

• Have I applied for graduation? Graduation Applications are available online and in the Welcome and Registration Center in A-102. You should apply to graduate even if you do not plan to attend graduation ceremonies!
  

• If I intend to transfer, have I made specific plans to do so? Determine admission criteria and application deadlines for your chosen transfer school. Plan a CAMPUS VISIT or attend an OPEN HOUSE. Check out transfer scholarships. Apply and have official transcripts sent. Make an appointment with the Transfer Counselor at 301-846-2594 if you need help.
• If I will be entering the workforce after graduation, do I have a plan? If you have a job lined up, good for you! If not, the Career and Transfer Center can help! Visit the Career Center website, or the Career and Transfer Center in KC-100, for help with resume writing and job search assistance. Check the Recruiter’s Corner schedule for employers recruiting on campus. Call 301.846.2594 to make an appointment with a Career Counselor who can help review your career options and prepare you for the job market.

Here’s your TO DO list to get to the next milestone – Graduation!

• Meet with your Advisor to make sure you will have all your credits and other requirements completed to earn your degree. Check your Degree Progress Report to prepare for your appointment.