The Community College Transfer Opportunity Program (CCTOP) was established in 1990 to help students at 11 participating community colleges transfer to and complete their baccalaureate degrees at New York University's (NYU's) School of Education. Since 1990, the program has enabled over 450 students to transfer to NYU, while the retention rate for full-time CCTOP students is 87%. CCTOP was specifically designed to help transfer students overcome three obstacles: the loss of credits, the cost of attending NYU, and the difficulties inherent in entering a large and intimidating institution. The first issue was addressed by writing individual transfer agreements that guaranteed that students who follow a given curriculum may transfer at least 60 credits to a related program of study. These agreements also guarantee that students will not have to repeat a course already successfully completed at their community college. The second issue was addressed by positioning CCTOP not as a transfer program, but as a scholarship program. Each year, community college faculty and counselors nominate 11 students for an $8,000 scholarship. To help transfer students adjust to the large university, CCTOP designated a specific liaison for the program at NYU's Office of Student Services and provides personalized attention to all students who contact the CCTOP office. Other factors involved in the program's success include support from top-level administration down, the assistance of community college transfer counselors and faculty, good communications between parties, and active and dedicated students. (HAA)