Transfer from RTC

Career Training Degrees

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) & Associate of Applied Science- Transfer (AAS-T) degrees 

• Hands-on, career-specific training 
• Start your career after graduation 
• Transfer options to career-focused bachelor's degrees  
• Not fully transferrable to most four-year universities 

AAS and AAS-T degrees prepare students for employment after graduation. They combine hands-on training for specific careers or industries along with general education classes in communication, mathematics, social science, and humanities. Both degrees prepare students for transfer into career-focused Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) programs. AAS-T degrees include college transfer-level English and math courses to support transfer to BAS degrees. Neither AAS or AAS-T degrees will fully transfer to most four-year university BA (Bachelor of Arts) or BS (Bachelor of Science) degree programs.  

• Explore Career Training Degrees at Renton Technical College
• Explore Transfer Pathways from RTC Career Training Degrees

Transfer Degrees

Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA)/ Major Related Program (MRP)/ Associate of Arts (AA) degrees

• General education classes to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Transfer to a four-year university Bachelor’s degree program after graduation
• Include classes to help prepare students to meet prerequisites for specific majors or programs at universities
• Does not directly prepare students for a specific career or industry, more education necessary at university after graduation from RTC

Transfer associate’s degrees are meant to be the first two years of a four-year university bachelor's degree. DTA degrees prepare you for transfer to most Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs at four-year colleges and universities in Washington State. DTA degrees include mostly general education classes, which focus on theory and understanding the “why” behind a concept, along with some hands-on experience to prepare students for the major or bachelor's degree program that they plan to study at university. RTC offers three transfer degrees, which are all AA/ DTA/ MRP degrees:

• Associate in Business
• Associate in Computer Science
• Associate in Pre-Nursing

Transfer Classes

General Education/ Academic Transfer courses

RTC offers many general education classes that can be transferred to other colleges and universities. Unlike career-focused classes, which provide specific & hands-on job training but don’t transfer as easily, general education classes are similar across different schools, so they are more likely to transfer. 

•  Distribution Areas: General Education classes are separated into different categories, or “distribution areas” depending on the type of class they are. Sometimes a specific general education class is required for a degree or certificate, and sometimes the distribution area is required, and you get to choose a class to take from that distribution area: 
  • Communications (English): focus on effective writing & research 
    • COMP 100 class is not a transfer-level class 
  • Mathematics: develop quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills through subjects like algebra, calculus, and statistics 
    • AMATH classes are not transfer-level  
  • Humanities: explore human culture and expression through subjects like literature, philosophy, art, and languages 
  •  Natural Science: explore the physical and biological world through fields like biology, chemistry, and physics 
  • Social Science: examine human behavior and societal structures through disciplines like psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, and political science 
• CCN (Common Course Numbering): CCN classes have an “&” in the course name. They are courses that have the same name and number across Washinton State community and technical colleges, making it easier for comparable classes to transfer between different schools. 
• Equivalency Guides: show how classes from one school transfer to another by identifying comparable courses, even if they have different names or numbers. The receiving school decides how credits transfer. If a class isn’t listed, it may still transfer—you’ll need to check with the school and might need to provide details like a course syllabus. 

Prerequisite classes 

Many degree programs, such as RTC’s Registered Nurse AAS-T program, require prerequisite classes as part of their admissions process. Prerequisites are specific courses or requirements that provide the foundational knowledge and skills needed for success in a program. RTC offers a variety of prerequisite classes to support different educational goals. However, individual prerequisite classes may not qualify for financial aid unless they are taken as part of a financial aid-eligible degree program. Talk to the RTC Financial Aid office or your adviser for more details. 

• MEDEX PA program prerequisites

Washington 45

The Washington 45 is a list of general education classes that are guaranteed to transfer to most colleges and universities within Washington State. Students can take up to 45 credits—about one year of full-time study or 9 classes—to prepare for transfer. A 2.0 GPA or higher required in each class. 

Completing the Washington 45 does not earn a certificate or degree, which means that it is not a financial aid eligible degree program by itself. It does not guarantee admission to a four-year university; students must still meet university admissions requirements. Some universities may prefer a completed DTA transfer degree. Additionally, because the list includes very general transfer classes, it may not align with the specific requirements of your intended major or bachelor's degree. To make sure the Washington 45 aligns with your goals, talk with an adviser.  

• Communications: choose 1 
  • ENGL& 101 English Composition  
  • ENGL& 102 Writing from Research
  • ENGL& 235 Technical Writing
• Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning: choose 1 
  • MATH& 107 Contemporary Math  
  • MATH& 141 Precalculus I
  • MATH& 142 Precalculus II
  • MATH& 146 Introduction to Statistics
  • MATH& 148 Business Calculus 
  • MATH& 151 Calculus I 
• Humanities: choose 2 (ideally from two different subjects)
  • ART& 100 Art Appreciation
  • CMST& 101 Introduction to Communication
  • CMST& 220 Public Speaking
  • ENGL& 111 Introduction to Literature  
  • HUM& 101 Introduction to Humanities
  • PHIL& 101 Intro to Philosophy 
  • MUSC& 105 Music Appreciation 
  • SPAN& 121 Spanish I
• Social Science: choose 2 (ideally from two different subjects)
  • ANTH& 106 American Mosaic
  • ECON& 201 Microeconomics
  • ECON& 202 Macroeconomics
  • PSYC& 100 General Psychology  
  • SOC& 101 Survey of Sociology  
  • POLS& 202 American Government  
• Natural Sciences: choose 2 
  • BIOL& 160 General Biology  
  • BIOL& 221 Majors Ecology and Evolution
  • CHEM& 121 Introduction to Chemistry  
  • ENVS& 100 Survey of Environmental Science
  • GEOL& 101 Intro to Physical Geology
  • NUTR& 101 Human Nutrition
  • PHYS& 211 Engineering Physics I
• Elective: choose 1 
  • The final class can be anything on the list above that you haven’t already taken. 

Our Tuesday information sessions offer:

• Step-by-step transfer guidance
• Application and deadline support
• Personal statement and scholarship help
• Info on BAS programs at RTC and university transfer pathways

Weekly online workshops during Fall Quarter 2025:

• Tuesdays, 1–2 p.m.
  • No session on Tuesday, Nov. 11 (campus closed)
• Register/sign-in

Join on Zoom

Session Summaries

October 14

Helen led a Transfer Tuesday session guiding students through the Seattle Pacific University (SPU) transfer application process, including nursing applications, major selection, and admission plans. She demonstrated how to complete each section of the application — covering transcripts, personal background, and recommendation letters — and highlighted the importance of accurate academic history and detailed scholarship applications.

She also discussed transfer requirements for multiple universities, demonstrated the Common App process, and announced upcoming sessions on personal statements and University of Washington (UW) transfer information.

Next Steps for Students

• Begin applications for non-nursing programs (applications now open)
• Prepare personal statements and “Why this College” essays
• Obtain unofficial transcripts via ctcLink and send official transcripts
• Request recommendation letters from faculty or counselors
• Attend upcoming sessions:
• Personal Statement Workshop
• UW Transfer Session (October 28)
• Review transfer website resources for program-specific requirements
• Share Transfer Tuesday information with peers
• Pre-nursing students: review BSN degree and 90-credit requirements

Watch the recording

• Passcode: !+JFG8+w
• Recap summary

Your personal statement is your opportunity to go beyond transcripts and grades. Universities want to know who you are, why you are transferring, and how their program fits your academic and career goals.

What Universities Look For

Most Washington universities ask for:

• Academic history (your path so far, any breaks/challenges).
• Major and career goals (intended major, coursework, preparation).
• Fit with the university (specific programs, faculty, opportunities).
• Contributions to campus (community, cultural background, service, or work).
• Optional explanations (hardships, GPA concerns, responsibilities, or unique experiences).

Common Transfer Essay Prompts

• Why are you transferring, and why this university?
• What are your academic interests and future goals?
• Describe a barrier or challenge and how you overcame it.
• How will you contribute to the university community?
• Optional: Explain academic disruptions (low GPA, family responsibilities, illness).

Program-Specific Requirements

Some majors require departmental essays:

• Nursing (BSN programs, UW, WSU, WWU, etc.)
  • Clinical readiness, compassion, academic rigor.
• Computer Science (UW Allen School, WSU, CWU)
  • Technical problem-solving, teamwork, equity in tech.
• Business (UW Foster, UW Tacoma, WSU Carson College)
  • Leadership, analytical skills, applied problem-solving.
• Engineering (UW, WSU)
  • Academic prep, problem-solving, professional goals.

What to Avoid

• Listing classes like a transcript.
• General praise (“This is a great university”) with no details.
• Overused openings (“Ever since I was young”).
• Overly personal stories without tying back to academics.
• Exceeding the word limit (most schools recommend 750–1,000 words).

Sample Excerpts (Illustrative Only)

Nursing (DTA/MRP):

“Caring for my grandmother during recovery showed me the importance of skilled nursing. My coursework in Anatomy & Physiology and volunteer work at Valley Medical Center confirmed my preparation. At UW Bothell’s BSN program, I hope to build this foundation to serve my community.”

Computer Science (DTA/MRP):

“Through Data Structures at RTC, I discovered my passion for algorithm design. Coding club improved my collaboration skills. At UW Seattle, I’m drawn to AI fairness research, aligning with my goal of creating ethical technology.”

Business (DTA/MRP):

“Working in retail while studying accounting introduced me to supply chain efficiency. Western Washington University’s business program will allow me to combine data analysis with sustainable practices.”

UW Resources

• UW Transfer Personal Statement Guidelines:
• UW Transfer Personal Statement (scroll to "Optional elements")
• UW Departmental Major Admission Requirements
• UW CSE Transfer Admissions (Allen School)
• UW Tacoma Personal Statement Prompt
• UW Engineering Essay Information
• UW Admissions Essay Tips Video

Other WA University Resources

Washington State University Transfer Admissions Guide

Western Washington University Transfer Admissions

Central Washington University Transfer Admissions

Eastern Washington University Transfer Admissions

Sample Essays & Analysis (For Inspiration Only)

The following resources include authentic transfer essay examples and analysis. They are intended to inspire structure, tone, and strategy. Not to be copied. Use them to see how other students approach reflection, structure, and clarity, then adapt the techniques to your own story.

Sample Essay (Full Example – Computer Science, UW Seattle)

“At Renton Technical College, I discovered my passion for algorithm design in Data Structures. Coding club taught me teamwork, and tutoring peers showed me how technology can empower others. After building a scheduling tool for my classmates, I realized I want to design software with real-world impact.

Transferring to UW Seattle’s Paul G. Allen School will allow me to deepen my knowledge in artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction. I am especially interested in the research on AI fairness, aligning with my goal of creating technology that serves diverse communities.

As a first-generation college student, I know the importance of access. At UW, I hope to contribute to organizations like Women in Computer Science and mentor other students navigating tech pathways. My journey at RTC has built resilience and focus; at UW, I am ready to expand those foundations into a career of equitable innovation.”

Sample Excerpt (Nursing, UW Bothell)

“Caring for my grandmother during recovery showed me the importance of skilled nursing. My coursework in Anatomy & Physiology and volunteer hours at Valley Medical Center confirmed my preparation. At UW Bothell’s BSN program, I hope to continue this foundation and serve my community with compassion and skill.”

Quick Tips

• Start with a story or motivation.
• Be specific about programs and goals.
• Connect RTC experiences to your transfer goals.
• Proofread carefully.

Want More Examples?

• Johns Hopkins – Transfer Essays That Worked
• College Essay Guy – Transfer Essay Tips & Examples

Checklist Before You Submit

• Strong opening that engages the reader.
• Connect RTC experiences to your transfer goals.
• Demonstrate growth and resilience.
• Be specific about university programs and resources.
• Proofread carefully before submission.