Transfer Students
We recognize that transferring into Marlboro as a sophomore or junior may feel as if you have to hit the ground running. We expect you will need time to get to know faculty and figure out what you are going to do on Plan. So . . . .
Take time to get to know faculty.
You may be shifting gears from where you were before. If you were on a narrow track in biology at the University of Arizona and you have decided to study literature and philosophy at Marlboro, you'll have some catching up to do. Go to as many of the introductory course sessions during orientation as you can. Take courses that speak to your interests, but also talk to your advisor; talk to your professors.
Continue to explore.
You may not have the flexibility in course choices that freshmen do, but do as much as you can.
Clear Writing Requirement.
It is essential that you submit a portfolio for the Clear Writing Requirement during your first semester since you will most probably need to start preparing for Plan before other in-coming Freshmen.
Work closely with your advisor.
Because you are new to Marlboro and have a relatively short learning curve before you go on Plan, regular meetings with your advisor or a potential Plan sponsor are essential (see List of Topics for Advisors and Advisees).
Read the individual fields of study information.
The narrative introductions, recommended/ required programs of study, sample tutorials, and recent representative Plans in each degree field will give you a sense of the philosophies of faculty and best of all, the possibilities for your work. The section on Courses Offered will give you a good sense of the scope of what is available and when you can expect courses to be taught. (See Plan of Concentration for more related information).
Attend Plan workshops whenever they are offered.
You will not only get critical information about the process of going on Plan, but in small group sessions you will be able to ask questions of current Plan students and faculty who have years of experience with all varieties of Plans. You'll find out how to approach a faculty rember about a tutorial, how tutorials work, the differences between the Sophomore Review and Preliminary Plan Application and the Final Plan Application.
Talk
Talk to your professors, your dorm mates, students on Plan, and the Director of Academic Advising. Ask for help when you need it.