Why should I get an AA? Why not transfer at any time?

Colleges work transfers in two ways. As pointed out above, an associate of arts degree transfers as a block. Students enter with junior status and lower level general education courses completed. Exceptions would include specific courses required of native students. If students transfer prior to completing general education courses, that course work is evaluated course by course based on equivalencies already approved. If course equivalencies are not finalized, the receiving institution makes an evaluation at the time of transfer. The AA degree is also "locked in." That means if a student cannot complete a baccalaureate degree without interruption, the AA degree has been finalized and transfers as a block even after several semesters.