Guide to Transferring Colleges

Transferring from one undergraduate university to another can be a complex but rewarding process. Here's a general guide to help you navigate the steps:

1. Research Potential Schools

• Identify schools that fit your needs: Consider factors like academic programs, campus culture, location, financial aid, and transfer policies.

• Check transfer acceptance rates: Some schools may be more transfer-friendly than others, so understanding the likelihood of acceptance can be important.

• Verify credit transferability: Ensure that the courses you've completed at your current university will be accepted at your new school. Most universities have a transfer credit guide to show which courses are transferable.

2. Understand the Transfer Admission Requirements

• Minimum GPA: Many universities require a certain GPA for transfer applicants. It may vary depending on the program.

• Prerequisites: Check if your desired program requires specific courses or a certain number of credits completed at the time of transfer.

• Application deadlines: Be mindful of application deadlines for the semester you wish to transfer (fall, spring, or summer).

3. Prepare the Necessary Documents

• Transcripts: You’ll need official transcripts from your current and any previous institutions.

• Application forms: Complete the school’s transfer application, which may differ from the freshman application.

• Personal statement or essay: Many universities will ask you to write about why you want to transfer, your academic and career goals, and why you are interested in their institution.

• Letters of recommendation: Some schools may ask for recommendation letters from professors or advisors.

• Standardized test scores (optional): Some schools may require SAT/ACT scores, especially if you are transferring before completing a certain number of credits.

4. Consult Your Current Academic Advisor

• Transfer advice: Your academic advisor can help you choose classes that will transfer smoothly and give you a better understanding of the transfer process.

• Course planning: Plan out which courses you will take in the future, considering what will fulfill your new school’s requirements.

• Discuss financial aid: If you’re receiving financial aid, your advisor can help you understand how transferring may affect it.

5. Apply to Multiple Schools

• Diversity of options: Apply to a few schools to increase your chances of acceptance. Even if you have a strong preference, it’s good to have alternatives.

• Application fees: Be aware that most schools charge an application fee, but fee waivers may be available based on financial need.

6. Understand Transfer Credit Policies

• Credit evaluations: Each university has a process for evaluating transfer credits. Some credits might not transfer if they don’t meet the new school’s standards, so it’s important to talk with an academic advisor from your prospective school.

• Credit limits: Some schools may have limits on how many credits they’ll accept from a transfer student, so be sure you’re aware of that before planning.

• Articulation agreements: Some schools have formal agreements with certain community colleges or universities to make the transfer process easier.

7. Financial Aid and Scholarships

• Apply for financial aid: File your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and check if the new school requires any additional financial aid forms.

• Scholarships: Some universities offer transfer scholarships, so research potential funding opportunities. You may also want to look into outside scholarships for transfer students.

• Understand how your financial aid package will change: If you're receiving financial aid, transferring could affect your eligibility for certain grants, loans, or work-study opportunities.

8. Visit the New Campus (if possible)

• Campus tours: If you can, visit the campus to get a feel for the environment. Some schools even offer transfer student-specific tours.

• Connect with transfer students: Some universities have special orientation programs or groups for transfer students where you can meet others in similar situations.

9. Make Your Decision

• Once you've been accepted to your new university, carefully consider the pros and cons of transferring. Think about the long-term academic and personal impact of the move.

• Review financial aid offers, course schedules, and housing options at your new school.

10. Prepare for the Transition

• Register for classes: Once accepted, you'll need to register for classes at your new university.

• Housing: If you plan to live on campus, apply for housing. If you are moving off-campus, look for housing options.

• Inform your current school: Once you have made your decision, inform your current school of your intent to transfer. Withdraw from your courses and resolve any outstanding administrative matters.

• Orientation: Attend any transfer student orientations or events to help you adjust to your new school and meet new people.

11. Settle into Your New School

• Once you transfer, it’s important to get involved, meet new people, and get used to the academic environment. Be patient with yourself as you adjust to the new academic structure and culture.

Additional Tips:

• Stay organized: Keep track of deadlines, documents, and any communication with both universities. The S2S Applicant Toolkit has expertly created resources tailored to student veterans for every step of the admissions process.

• Seek help if needed: If you're overwhelmed by the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to transfer admissions or other relevant departments at your prospective school.

• Be open-minded: Transferring might come with some challenges, but it can also open up new opportunities for growth and learning.

Good luck with your transfer process! And don’t forget to join the S2S community and kickstart your academic journey.