Oct. 17-21 is National Transfer Student Week, and we take this opportunity to feature some of our outstanding transfer students.
UHD welcomes thousands of transfer students each year to campus, including College of Humanities & Social Sciences (CHSS) Psychology major Melissa Roa, a junior who transferred from San Jacinto College Central Campus. We introduced Melissa in the last edition of UHD News—read her story.
Today, we meet Karla Arce, a junior in the Marilyn Davies College of Business and a Bauer Scholarship recipient. After earning her associate degree in Business at Houston Community College (HCC), Karla wanted to find the right university to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration. Read on to learn what Karla has to say about why UHD is her university of choice.
UHD’s Accelerated Transfer Academy is hosting several events this week in celebration of National Transfer Student Week—check out the opportunities at the end of the Karla’s interview!
What is your major and expected graduation date?
I’m a Business Administration major with plans to graduate in May 2024.
What made UHD your university of choice for your bachelor’s degree?
I knew about UHD because my sister (Nelly Arce Ramos Brooks, ’21) graduated from the College of Public Service (CPS) Social Work program, and she had a very positive experience. I wanted the same kind of experience she had, especially the small class sizes. I looked into the Marilyn Davies College of Business (MDCOB), and I was pleasantly surprised at how easy they made the transfer process. I was trying to make sure I did everything I was supposed to do, but I didn’t have to figure it out by myself. For example, someone at the College or in the Office of Admissions would give me a list of exactly what I needed to bring for the next visit.
It was a very straightforward process. I appreciated that because I have a job, and my schedule is very busy. Everyone was so helpful, both at MDCOB and Admissions, with making sure my credits transferred. That’s an important part of the process! Even when there was a minor issue with one of my courses, it was fixed immediately. I couldn’t believe how easy they made the process.
Are there any particular experiences that reassured your decision to choose UHD?
My classes are great, and again, it’s really the support that’s been provided. Everything was so streamlined. At one point during the process, my mother asked me if I were actually enrolled in school! I was spending so much less time going to campus to resolve issues, she thought I hadn’t enrolled! I had to reassure her over and over and explain that UHD just had a better process for helping students. For example, MDCOB proactively reached out to give me information about the Bauer Scholarship and other helpful information, like Gator Cares. At UHD, they’re just very nurturing.
What advice would you give to students considering transferring to UHD?
Whatever college experience you had before UHD, here you will feel taken care of. They’re more hands-on and proactive with helping you through the transfer process and even after. When it comes to your college classes, you have to set a goal and focus on the goal; stay on the path no matter what. It will be worth it. Even when it seems that there’s too much homework or too many late nights, it’s all worth it. And there are people at UHD who can help when you need it. Don’t be afraid to ask!
Source: news.uhd.edu
About the University of Houston-Downtown
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates more than 15,000 students, boasts more than 64,000 alumni, and offers 46 bachelor’s degrees, 11 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities & Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences & Technology. For the fourth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report ranks UHD among universities across the nation for Best Online Criminal Justice Programs (No. 27 and No. 15 for Veterans) and Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. UHD has the most affordable tuition among four-year universities in Houston and one of the lowest in Texas. U.S. News ranked the University among Top Performers on Social Mobility and awarded UHD a No. 1 ranking as the most diverse institution of higher education in the southern region of the U.S. The University is noted nationally as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, Minority-Serving Institution, and Military Friendly School. For more on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit www.uhd.edu.
