30 Days to Transfer

Happiness Reflection WorksheetTake a moment to reflect on what truly makes you happy. Use this worksheet to connect your sourcesof happiness to your studies, career path, and life direction.List the top 5–10 things that make you happy:__________________________________________How many of these are people or activities? How many are 'things'?__________________________________________Which of these do you want to prioritize in your daily life?__________________________________________How can your college major or career path align with these sources ofhappiness?__________________________________________Think about different seasons of life: what might change, and what will stay thesame?__________________________________________What new 'seeds' (dreams or passions) are waiting to bloom in your life?__________________________________________Action step: Write one way you can nurture your happiness this week.__________________________________________Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

In this episode, we discuss the things to look for in deciding where to go. Bottom line- you need to have a lot of conversations and quiet time to reflect on what is best for you! Here are some things to consider and there are more in the PDF available at Transferman.org Condensed Transfer College Checklist• 1. Review your financial aid package with an advisor and aim to keep debt under $10,000.• 2. Confirm you were admitted into the major you want.• 3. Visit the campus – check weekend life and overall feel.• 4. Compare in-state vs. out-of-state costs and opportunities.• 5. Evaluate extracurriculars, transfer support services, and clubs.• 6. Consider personal growth – will this school push you outside your comfort zone?• 7. Check location for career opportunities in your field (e.g., LA for film, Silicon Valley for tech).• 8. Talk with family and advisors – but remember this is *your* decision.• 9. Take time for reflection or prayer – trust your gut feeling.• 10. Confirm your SIR by the deadline (May 1 or June 1) and opt in to waitlists if desired.Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

In this episode we look at the timeline for the transfer year ( For Fall admissions) and the PDF available at trnasferman.org is super helpful to visualize what you need to do. Stay close to your transfer center this spring as deadlines are nothing to sleep on. Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

Get the full checklist at Transferman.org!Final Mental ChecklistLet’s recap before you submit:✅ Counselor has reviewed everything.✅ All grades and transcripts entered accurately.✅ Residency and income sections match FAFSA.✅ Correct major and modality selected.✅ PIQs proofread and polished.✅ Email, SSN, Date of Birth, and name confirmed.✅ Alternate major chosen.✅ UCSD colleges ranked, if applicable. ✅ Fee waiver confirmed, or payment method ready.Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

There are so many benefits to volunteering- In this episode we look at some of the positives like:Volunteering strengthens your application.It reduces stress by taking your focus off yourself.It builds connections that can last a lifetime.And it gives you the chance to inspire others.Journal and all pdf's available when you sign up at Transferman.org Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

In this episode we discuss the importance of taking care of your physical health through the transfer process and beyond. Arnold Transferegger joins Transfer Man in discussing easy, practical ways to build movement into your day and how the CCC is the best place to take a Kinesiology class- it part of your financial aid and you have a professional instructor- you cannot beat it. We also discuss the idea of FLOW (Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi) and mention the great documentary Happy. Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

Episode Summary:Feeling like the “new zebra” on campus? You’re not alone. Just like zebras survive by blending into the herd, transfer students thrive when they find their community.In this episode of 30 Days to Transfer, Scott Cooper, your Transfer Man, shares why building connections is critical to your success—especially if you’re first-generation and navigating college for the first time in your family.You’ll learn where to find your “herd” through programs like EOP, TRIO, MESA, transfer centers, foster youth and Dreamer resources, Black Student Success Centers, Pride Centers, student ambassador programs, religious groups, and club sports.🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why community is the #1 factor in transfer student successHow zebras use stripes to survive—and what that means for youPractical ways to get involved right now at your CCCWhy first-generation students need extra connection and supportHow to build relationships now that will carry over to your university🎁 Bonus Resource:Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals Download a free Campus Connection Checklist to help you find the right programs and groups. Sign up for the newsletter at TransferMan.org to get your copy.Find your herd, find your stripes, and thrive in your transfer journey.

We all get the same 24 hours—so why do some people seem to get so much done? In this episode of 30 Days to Transfer, Scott Cooper, your Transfer Man, shares the “Jar of Rocks” parable and shows students how to focus on what truly matters: family, education, health, and personal goals.Learn how to track your time, identify your big priorities, and make small, intentional changes that lead to big results. Plus, Scott shares his personal story of finally finding time for creativity later in life.Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals 🎁 Bonus: Download the companion PDF to track your time and reflect on your “rocks, pebbles, and sand.” Sign up for the newsletter at TransferMan.org to get your copy.Take control of your day, align your time with your goals, and start living intentionally.

In this episode we explore something very, very close to you...your personality. You should always fit the job/major to you, rather than the other way around. But to do that, you need to know WHO you are. These tools can help. Your career center likely can give you inventories for free like the Meyers Briggs, Strong Interest Inventory, Work Values inventories and learning styles assessments. Your community college probably has a Career and Life Planning course you can take as a student that is also CSU/UC transferable and fulfills the CSU Life Long Learning Category ( if you've been following the CSU GEN ED pattern prior to CALGETC). Discuss transferability with you transfer counselor. At no other point in your life do you have a semester to really figure out yourself and what you are called to do. This is your chance. Take it. Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

In this episode we dive into good debt vs bad debt, I reveal money saving student discounts, a great place to get your textbooks and we set up a savings plan and take a look at a UC Financial aid package for a student with an SAI of -1500. Phew! That's a lot. The journal and To DO list is available at Transferman.org Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

In this episode we discuss how to answer the top 5 questions that you will find in job, scholarship, and college interviews. My counterpart from England " Transfer Bloke" joins me on the call to help answer some of the questions. You can find more notes in the pdf Journal available on my website. No, go rock that interview like a BOSS!Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

Join TransferMan in this episode as he explains how to build your scholarship portfolio, the difference between merit based and need-based scholarships, how to add your financial need to your scholarship essay and tips on searching. Grab the complete TO DO list in the PDF at Transferman.org. To-Do List for TodayGather your resume, letters of recommendation, FAFSA SAR, and a copy of your personal statement.Create a scholarship-specific version of your essay that includes financial need.Sign up for one scholarship search engine and fully complete your profile.Visit your college career center or transfer center to ask about local scholarships.Start saving—a little at a time adds up fast.Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

In this episode we discuss the importance of a portfolio, both digital and physical plus your LinkedIn account and social media. Getting the professional looks will help you with scholarships, internships colleges and most importantly, viewing yourself as the upper division success you are. At this point, transfer is mostly about organization, so join Transfer Man on an organizational journey complete with Dad jokes Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

In this episode we discuss strategy to have a balanced application portfolio of dream schools and schools that have a higher probability of acceptance. We discuss in-state private and out of state options as well for impacted majors or majors that are best served in a particular geographic location. With over 5,000 colleges and universities out there, your perfect fit awaits. Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

In this episode we discuss how to polish your writing with very practical checklist you can get by registering for the TransferMan newsletter at Transferman.org Your essays should be your voice and sound conversational not like you are writing a textbook. I'll give you some great insights into how some of our best writers like Fitzgerald used the editing process to produce works like The Great Gatsby. Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

In this episode we explore two ways to make your PIQ's more original and showcase your VOICE. The accompanying journal contains exercises that go along with this lesson and helps organize your metaphor search. Remember, the #1 goal of all college essays is to answer the question, but after that, we can do it with style and panache. Let's go!Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

Finding your voice in writing the PIQ's and mastering Show Not Tell plus some practical advice on the writing process and how the PIQ's are scored. Watch the video and follow along with the worksheet.https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/applying-as-a-transfer/personal-insight-questions.htmlhtmlhttps://www.commonapp.org/blog/announcing-2025-2026-common-app-essay-promptsBuy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

IN this episode we discuss STEM transfer and the importance of major preparation- your STEM counselor and support programs like MESA are critical to your transfer. Spoiler alert! You don't need to stay at the CC for a billion units! "Get to the Transfer Choppa as soon as possible!"- Arnold Transferegger Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

In this episode we explore Academic Renewal as a tool prior to transfer. This is an amazing way to not only increase your transferable GPA but for you to look at yourself like the student you really are- Always see your counselor for your campus specific policies as this moves through the CA state level discussions. But definitely us this tool to pt your best foot forward at the time of applying. Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

In this episode, we explore why Major is key plus we discuss some tools to find major preparation at other CCC's through the California Virtual Exchange if you cannot find them at your college. Always make sure everything you take is in line with your major and articulates with your transfer school. If you have units from another system like out of state schools, make sure you request course evaluations from your college so you are not surprised that. you need more courses because of articulation problems. See your Transfer Counselor early and often in the process. Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

In this episode, 4 guests join Transfer Man and complete to showcase their "College Knowledge"of the terms we use in higher education. The terms are on your journal handouts and available by joining the mailing list. Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

Look past the sticker shock and apply to schools that make sense for you and your major. In this episode we discuss the FAFSA, CADA, Scholarships and the WUE as you compile your list of application schools. With 4 CSU and 4 UC Fee waivers ( if you qualify on income) there are a lot of options. Don't close doors on yourself before you see the financial aid packages after acceptance. Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

In this episode we discuss the importance of parents along your educational journey and the power you have to change your family's destiny. Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

In this episode we discuss how to build your transfer team plus a little live music from Transfer Man. Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

In this episode we explore three types of mentor that can help youn in your transfer journey.Mentors will help you immensely on your journey. Find your cape today!Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

In this episode we look at two ways to find your fight song- Your vision board of what life will be after you transfer. TransferMan sings and get ready ready for some terrible dad jokes. Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

The word "sabotage" originates from the French word "sabot," which means "wooden shoe" or "clog". In the 19th century, French workers, often wearing sabots, would deliberately interfere with machinery by throwing their shoes into the gears to disrupt production and protest their working conditions. This act of disruption came to be known as sabotage. IN this episode we explore self-sabotage in the transfer process and how to avoid it. Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

In this episode we examine the idea of the " Imposter Syndrome" and its effect on transfer. We look at actual success data from the UC and CSU on transfer acceptance, retention as compared with first time freshmen students. Spoiler alert.. Transfers do great!Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

In this episode we explore transfer fears and discuss creating a stress management plan. Featuring original music by Transfer Man and Dad jokes are free all day long. Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

In this first episode we look an analogy from my Labrador Retriever "Blue" and examine all the gates we have put up in our own mind that do not serve us on our transfer journey. All episodes a transfer journal that you can receive for signing up for the Transfer Man newsletter at my website. Now, it's time to let the Transfer Dogs out!!Buy Transfer Man a Coffee ( Donate to the Show )Download the Free Journals

Come with me on a 30 Day Journey as you prepare to transfer from a community college to a 4 year university. Every outward journey begins with an inward one. We will be looking at mindset as well as practical transfer advice. Transfer Man, Scott Cooper, has 30 years of educational experience and has been the Transfer Counselor for College of the Desert in Palm Desert, CA for the past 9 years.