Transferring to a four-year university is the goal for many students at Fresno City College. Now that the period has opened to file applications for fall 2014 at CSUs, including Fresno State, students are taking full advantage of events like “Success in the City” which provides advice from counselors and evaluators.

“Success in the City” was held on Oct. 3 in the student lounge and had a team of experts and counselors on hand to help students declare a major, apply for graduation, complete a degree audit and plan their next semester.

“It’s helping students decide their majors and to see if they are ready for graduation, to see if they have met all the requirements and to see if they are ready for graduating,” said Lisa Penley, an evaluator.

The event was held on a walk-in basis with no appointment needed. Students welcomed the simplicity of the event and the help they got from college experts.

“I am trying to get the right information to transfer,” said Gricelda Hernadez, a history major at FCC.

Evaluators also say that many students at FCC are tending to take longer to complete their associate degree.

Years ago, the average was about two years to complete an associate transfer degree. However, the modern students is more self-dependent and often has a job which can slow their educational career. Evaluators say the new norm to complete a degree at FCC is around three to four years.

Penley said that events like this are helping students to stay on the right track so they can complete their degree as efficiently as possible.

“Each time we do this we help quite a few students decide and see where they are in the field,” said Penley.

For students who missed the event, counselors are still available to help with transferring or any academic planning. To talk to a counselor you can simply make an appointment by calling 442-8226, or by using the online counseling services located on the Blackboard website.

For all students hoping to attend Fresno State next fall, the application filing period ends Nov. 30.