Austin Community College is a proud community college partner in the Transfer Scholars Network (TSN), a national initiative that helps high-achieving community college students explore transfer opportunities at 16 highly selective private colleges and universities across the country.
TSN is designed to help students broaden their transfer options and access generous need-based financial aid. For many community college students, highly selective private institutions may not initially seem accessible, affordable, or within reach. TSN gives eligible students the information, direct connections, and support they need to explore those institutions before deciding where to apply.
TSN partner institutions include private research universities, liberal arts colleges, and women’s colleges. Students are encouraged to explore a range of institutions, including colleges and universities they may not have previously considered.
What TSN Offers Students
Eligible students nominated by ACC can:
- Connect directly with admissions representatives from TSN partner institutions.
- Learn about transfer admission requirements, financial aid, academic programs, and campus life.
- Attend transfer-focused events and webinars designed for community college students.
- Access resources and guidance to support transfer planning and the application process.
- Explore institutions that may align with their academic, financial, and personal goals.
Who Is a Strong Candidate for TSN?
Students will be nominated for TSN based on eligibility criteria that include demonstrated academic achievement and financial need.
Strong candidates may also bring experiences and perspectives that would contribute to a four-year campus, including leadership, community engagement, professional experience, military service, or other significant life experiences.
Students do not need to be ready to transfer immediately.
TSN supports both:
- Students preparing to submit transfer applications in the current cycle.
- Students earlier in their community college journey who want to begin exploring transfer opportunities and preparing for a future application cycle.
How Students Join
Participation in TSN begins with a nomination from Austin Community College.
At the start of each fall semester, ACC identifies students whose academic performance and broader experiences indicate that they may be strong candidates for TSN partner institutions.
Nominated students receive information from ACC about how to:
- Create a TSN Student Profile to gain access to the online platform
- Complete the TSN Scholar Form required for the four-year institutions to communicate with you
Submitting the Scholar Form allows students to share their information with admissions representatives at the TSN institutions they select and begin connecting with those institutions.
The Scholar Form is not an application for admission. Students who decide to apply for transfer must submit an application directly to each college or university.
Learn More
To learn more about TSN at Austin Community College, contact:
Dr. Anne-Marie Thomas, Associate Dean, Honors Program ([email protected]) or Dr. Renee Esparza, Executive Dean, Transfer Services ([email protected])
Learn more about the Transfer Scholars Network at transferscholars.org.
