Frequently Asked Questions

Entering the Program

How do I transfer credits from another institution?

If you are transferring credits, request an official credit review by submitting your official transcript along with the request form to the Student Services Desk in B Building. Our evaluators will provide you with a printout of how your credits will apply to your BCC degree. For credits earned outside the United States, you must obtain a translation of the credits to the American accrediting system. Then submit official transcripts, the translation and the request for an official credit review to Student Services. In order to get an entry code into a course, an advisor in the Business Division will take an unofficial transcript from the institution. It may be helpful if you bring an official course description with you. You can use the BCC equivalency guide to see how various courses transfer:

How do I check my progress toward my degree?

It is advisable to check your course selections against the requirements for the degree so that you don't take any courses unnecessarily. You can do that with BCC's Degree Audit application which is available online at www.bellevuecollege.edu/degreeaudit/. Degree Audit will compare the courses you have taken to the requirements of the Associate in Business. Note that the Associate in Business degree is almost at the bottom of the drop-down menu.

Who can advise me on the business transfer degree?

Janice Grayson, Rich Bratz, Judy Woo, Leslie Lum, and Judith Paquette are all qualified advisors, although faculty may not be as available in the summer (see faculty contacts for contact information). For better response time, schedule an appointment with advisors well in advance or well after registration periods. Registration times are the typical "rush hours" for advising and you may have to wait three weeks to see someone. Busy times for advising to avoid are: mid-February to early March, May, September, and mid-November to early December.

Can I receive a degree from BCC if I have credits from elsewhere?

You must complete 30 credits at BCC in order to get the Associate degree here.

Preparations for Transferring

What are my transfer options?

The Associate in Business DTA/MRP prepares you to apply for transfer to a four-year business school. Students can transfer to University of Washington, Central Washington University, Western Washington University or Eastern Washington University. You also have the option of doing a degree online with Washington State University or completing a business degree in management with Eastern Washington University right on our campus. We also have a Dual-Enrollment option with the University of Washington Bothell, where students are admitted into the business school in their second year and can take courses both at BCC and the UW-Bothell. The Associate in Business does not guarantee you a spot at these institutions. All business schools have admission requirements and it's important to meet with advisors at the institution you want to transfer to. Almost all institution make visits to our campus and the UW has regular Transfer Thursdays where you can get more information. For more on transfer options check out the following links:

BACHELOR DEGREE PARTNERSHIPS

Eastern Washington University: Eastern Washington University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Technology on the Bellevue Community College campus! For more information go to EWU@BCC or contact: Greg Dempsey, Jr. - 425 564 5100

University of Washington/Bothell: UW/B offers a dual enrollment opportunity for students majoring in Business, Computing and Software Systems, and Interdisciplinary Studies. To schedule an appointment with an advisor for more information on the Business and CSS programs, call 425 564 2311; for IAS, call 425 564 2212.

Washington State University: WSU offers a BA in Business Administration or Management Information Systems online. Contact BCC's Business Division or Distance Education Division for more information.

The EPRTC (Educational Planning, Resource and Transfer Center) sponsors a College Transfer Fair every quarter
University Reps visit Bellevue Community College. Speak directly with a representative from the college you wish to attend. See the Quarterly Visit Schedule for dates and times.
Bachelor Degree Partnerships

What are business schools looking for in applicants?

Good grades: Each business school publishes a minimum GPA for admission but be aware that the students they admit may have substantially higher GPAs. Also be aware that the minimum grade for any core business course is C. Good grades is important for getting into any business school. You are competing with other students for spots in those schools; the better your grades, the better your chances of getting in. The University of Washington publishes a table showing the combination of GPAs and writing assessment scores that are admitted. Check it out to see what they require (http://bschool.washington.edu/undergrad/pros_students.shtml). Also see the new University of Washington Undergraduate business blog.

Strong written and oral communication skills: Some institutions require either a writing assessment or documentation of writing skills. Keep graded papers. Also be aware that timed writing assessments are very different from essays done at home. You need to practice writing under test conditions to be at your best. The tutoring center does hold workshops on preparing for the writing assessment. Make sure that you are on the business listserv so you will be notified of these workshops.

Leadership qualities: At selective schools like the University of Washington, there are two applicants for every one seat. They will looking for applicants who stand out. They are looking for applicants who are passionate about business and are willing to work hard. Be active in student clubs to show your leadership. Many of our alumni have remarked about the invaluable networking and great skills they learned from participating in Business Leadership Club activities. (Go to the BLC website for more information: .)

Ability to work in teams and with diverse populations: Employers have expressed the need for individuals who can work well in diverse teams. Participating in multicultural activities such as the multicultural consulting course can give you experience in this. For more information on the consulting course, check out http://facweb.bcc.ctc.edu/llum/consulting/consultinghome.htm.

How do I find out more about the University of Washington Bothell (UWB) Dual Enrollment program?

The Transfer Center is a place that students can find out about the UWB Dual Enrollment and other transfer programs. Students can meet with a curriculum advisor to receive information regarding courses needed at BCC to be eligible for the program. Every Tuesday UWB Dual Enrollment advisors are on campus to meet with students by appointment or on a drop in basis. UWB major specific information sessions are offered throughout the quarter. Here is a list of informative sources:

UWB Dual Enrollment web site
Schedule of weekly UWB advising appointments
Quarterly College Transfer Fair
Check with the Business Division Advisor for more information

Keys to Success at BCC

What can I do to succeed?

Our alumni tell us that it is important to choose courses that are hard and have a lot of requirements. That is the best way to discipline yourself to the workload that you will face in your four-year college which is often two or three times of that at BCC. Improve your communication skills both in writing and oral presentation. Learn to work in teams because you'll be working in teams in every single course at your four-year institution.

Make connections with your faculty and your fellow students. Use the tutoring center as a base to talk and study with other students. Consult with faculty often. Volunteer to be a tutor. The best way to really learn a subject is to teach it to others. Get involved in leadership activities such as the Business Leadership Club and the accounting honor society. These are both proven methods to improve your success at your four-year institution and in the business world. Our most successful alumni keep in close touch with their classmates and continue to receive career coaching from faculty.

Attend one of the events where we bring back alumni to talk about their experiences. You can get inside information about which professors are the most engaging and have a friendly face to talk to when you transfer.

Employers look to business schools to develop high achievers for their organizations. They want people who are self-motivated, can solve problems, and who have the passion to pursue hard-to-reach goals. The more you can demonstrate this throughout your academic career, the better positioned you will be in your business career.

How can I find classes?

Bellevue Community College Course Catalog, published annually, provides a description of your courses. Most business courses are offered frequently however other courses may not be. Check the projected annual schedule, but be aware that revisions can happen.
Credit Class Schedule, published quarterly, lets you know what you can register for each quarter. Be aware that not every course is offered every quarter and not every course is offered in the day or evening. Also note that business courses often fill quickly because of high demand. Register as soon as your registration appointment allows you to.
Check out instructors for a learning environment that suits your style.

What if the class is full?

You have the option of placing yourself on a wait list if a class shows full when you attempt to register. If you choose to be put on the wait list, you will be automatically registered for the class when a space becomes available. You cannot sign up for one class and be waitlisted on a different section of the same course, nor can you be waitlisted on two sections of the same course. If you choose the wait list option, check your registration information often. When you are placed into the class you are waitlisted for, you must make any changes in your schedule (drop a class if you are over the limit) and pay immediately to secure your place.
If you have not been registered via the wait list process by the first day of classes, go to the class on the first day and let the instructor know you wish to join the class. Most instructors will allow you to attend class for the first week even if you are not enrolled in the class. It is important that you keep up with all the work if you wish to enroll in the class.
The wait list is active for the first three days of the quarter, after which you must get instructor permission to enroll. You can continue to check the section to see if any spots open up as students will drop after the first three days of class. If a spot opens up, ask the instructor for a permission or blue card. In the Business Transfer Program, the blue card will only be valid if there is an open spot in the course.
Once the permission card period is over (about 10 days after the start of quarter but check the enrollment calendar for the exact date), it will not be possible to enter the class. It's the policy of the Business Transfer Program to not allow more than the allotted number in each class. You must pay immediately if you are admitted into a class during the permission card period.

How can I get the best out of my classes?

Attend all your classes. Most of the Transfer Business classes are very much like a job in business. There is a lot of material to learn and there are a lot of requirements for you to fulfill. If you miss class, you will miss learning and crucial announcements about what to do. Sit at the front of the class.

Interact with your instructor. Make use of office hours to ask questions. Unlike large four-year universities where professors may have very little contact with students, you have the benefit of direct contact with your instructor. That is a huge advantage in learning and succeeding. Keep in contact with your instructors even after you finish your degree at BCC.

Study in groups. The old rule that you should find a quiet place to study is wrong! You should study with other students (but stay on task). You can consult people in your group when you're not clear about an assignment or if you want to discuss any problems you've encountered. Your classmates will help you if you return the help.

How should I work with my instructor?

Students who have contact with their instructors outside of class are much more likely to succeed in graduating with a degree, so use your instructor office hours. Prepare for the appointment by reading all the materials and doing all the homework you've been assigned. It's best to have specific questions to ask so you can make best use of the time. If you've missed class, the instructor will not go over all the material with you. It's your responsibility to consult your syllabus and do all the readings before you go to your instructor.

Understanding Course and Program Requirements

Why is English 101 a prerequisite for Accounting 201?

Accounting 201 is a second year college course and requires a substantial amount of reading and writing. It is also important that you have mastered these skills and feel comfortable in the college environment, before you tackle the course. Selective business schools take special interest in grades in English, Math, Economics and Accounting. If you have any questions about your placement in English, you must contact the English Program at 425-564-2341.

Why can't I use Mathemathics 141 instead of Mathematics 138 as a prerequisite for BA 240?

Although the Math Program will not allow you to receive credit for both MATH& 141 and MATH 138, they are not equivalent. We have found from experience that students with MATH& 141 have not been successful in BA 240. MATH& 142 (or higher), MATH 138, or AP Calculus AB with a 3, 4, or 5 are all accepted as meeting the prerequisite for BA 240.

What is the difference between taking Mathematics 141, 142, 151, 152 and Mathematics 138 and 148?

MATH 138/MATH& 148 as a series is approximately equivalent to Math& 141,142,151; though each series has a different focus. Math 138/Math& 148 has an applied approach more suited to business and social science majors. For students considering a computer science focus or who want to have the option of pursuing a professional degree like medicine, dentistry, etc; Math& 141/142/151 is the better choice. As a prerequisite for BA 240 you must have Math 138 or Math& 142. If you assessed into Math&148 or Math&151, you must have taken the course before taking BA 240.

Should I take BA 200 or BUS& 201 as my law course?

BA 200 (Business Law-Legal Foundations) is the law course required at the University of Washington/Seattle campus, Central Washington University, and Western Washington University. BUS& 201 (Law and Business) is required at Washington State University and Eastern Washington University. University of Washington/Bothell and University of Washington/Tacoma will accept either course. It is recommended that you take it toward the end of your second year when you have a better idea of where you will be applying for transfer.

Do I satisfy my foreign language requirement at UW if I grew up in another country?

It's best to consult with the UW directly on foreign language requirements but their guidelines are at: http://admit.washington.edu/BeforeYouApply/Freshman/Core/Language