Transfer Process

Start your academic journey at Elgin Community College and seamlessly transfer to a college or university of your choice. Planning your transfer early is key to a successful transition. The sooner you start preparing for transfer, the smoother the process will be. 

For a successful transfer to a college or university, ECC recommends the following:

Choose a major

  • For assistance in choosing and/or confirming your major, schedule an appointment with a Career Development Specialist.
  • Consider enrolling in GSD 120: Exploring Careers and College Majors, a 1-credit hour course designed to help students who are undecided on a major.
  • Meet regularly with your academic advisor. An academic advisor can assist you with your educational choices and decisions, as well as plan the courses required for your transfer major.
  • Use the Self-Service tool on the accessECC portal to track your progress toward completion.
  • Complete your associate degree. At the beginning of your last semester at ECC, apply for graduation. Apply for your degree even if you do not plan to participate in the graduation ceremony.

Choose a transfer school

  • Explore your options. Meet with college representatives on ECC’s campus at College Night, State Universities of Illinois Transfer Day, Private Illinois Colleges and Universities (PICU) transfer fair, and other transfer events throughout the year.
  • Discuss unique transfer partnerships and opportunities with your academic advisor.
  • Become familiar with transfer institutions’ entrance, graduation, and major requirements.
  • Take a road trip. Visit the campuses of the schools you are considering.
  • Compare information gathered on your transfer school options. Once you have chosen a major and transfer school, contact the admissions department of your transfer school.
  • Maintain contact with your academic advisor at ECC and your transfer school to ensure you are on the right path.
  • Attend orientation at your new school. These orientations help ease the transfer process.

For assistance, please schedule an appointment with an academic advisor at accessECC Student Portal (in the ECC Apps section) or by calling 847-214-7390.

Academic Advising is located in The Student Success Center, Building B, room B120.