How to Transfer Colleges

Transferring colleges can be a daunting task, but by speaking to the right people, you can make the process that much easier for yourself. As soon as you realize that your current college isn't for you, start checking out other colleges....

Part 1 of 4:

Deciding to Transfer

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    Identify why you want to transfer. Your reasons to transfer will depend on your needs and goals. Sit down and ask yourself why you want to transfer. If your current school doesn't have a strong program in your area of interest, or your tuition and living expenses are too high, transferring may be a good idea. Or, perhaps the school isn't meeting your social or academic expectations.[1]
    1. Avoid transferring to another school just because you feel homesick, or because you miss your romantic partner. If these are your main reasons, you may want to re-think your decision to transfer.
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    Write out a list of what you want in a school. Search for 2 to 3 schools that fit your criteria. Scope out the colleges' websites and publications. While some schools may offer advice on transferring, others may not. If it doesn't, the school may not be a transfer-friendly school, which will make it harder to get into. Narrow your list down to 1 or 2 schools.[2]
    1. When looking into colleges, investigate their cost, transfer rate, whether they offer a major in your area of interest, and the schools' academic and social environment.
    2. Due to the admissions process, you typically need to wait at least a full semester before you can attend your new school.
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    Email your current academic advisor to set up a meeting. At the meeting, let your advisor know that you want to transfer and why. Tell them which schools you want to transfer to. This way, they can give you more accurate information about which credits will transfer and which will not.[3]
    1. Additionally, ask your advisor who you should talk to in your transfer schools' admissions, registrar, and financial aid office like a transfer admissions counselor.
Part 2 of 4:

Improving Your Chances of Acceptance

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    Take classes that will transfer to your target colleges. Work with your advisor to see which credits will transfer to your target colleges. Focus on taking these classes. This way, you can avoid having to re-take classes.[4]
    1. It is ok if you have to take a class or 2 that will not transfer.
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    Make high grades in your classes. When transferring, your current GPA typically has more weight than your high school GPA and SAT/ACT scores. Focus on getting good grades while you plan out your transfer.[5]
    1. Keep in mind that the longer you are in college, the less schools care about your SAT/ACT scores and high school GPA.
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    Get to know your professors. This way, when you start applying, they will be more willing to write you a recommendation letter. Contributing to class discussions is a great way for your professor to become familiar with your name and face. Additionally, visit your professors during their office hours to ask questions about the content and difficult concepts.[6]
    1. Asking your professors about their research is also a great way to start a conversation with them to get to know them better.
Part 3 of 4:

Investigating the Colleges

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    Set up a meeting with a transfer admissions counselor. You can either set up a phone meeting or an in person meeting. Ask the counselor about application materials and deadlines, acceptance rates for transfer students, merit scholarships, and which of your courses will transfer. Draw up a tentative transfer plan with the counselor. This way you can ensure that you are on the right track.[7]
    1. Bring your transcript with you, or send it to the college ahead of time before the meeting.
    2. If your target colleges don't have a transfer admissions counselor, then set up a meeting with an undergraduate admissions counselor.
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    Speak with the financial aid office if you plan on receiving financial aid. Because financial aid is handled differently for transferring students, speak with the office about how the process works and the school's deadlines for financial aid. If you find out that the college doesn't offer transfer students much financial aid, then you may want to consider a different college.[8]
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    Attend an open house event. Open house events typically take place once or twice a year on campus. This is a great way to meet and talk to current students, as well as faculty. Try to schedule your in person visit to the campus around these dates.[9]
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    Schedule a campus tour if you can't attend an open house event. Try to visit the colleges in person at least once. Before visiting the colleges, contact the admissions office to set up a campus tour. By taking a tour of the college, you can feel out the campus to see if the college is the right choice.[10]
    1. If you don't have the funds or the time to visit the colleges in person, see if the schools offer a virtual tour.
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    Check out the local community. Chances are that you won't be spending all of your time on campus. Make sure the town or city the colleges are in is one that you will feel comfortable in. Take a drive around the city or town to scope out the area. Stop at a local café or restaurant to get a feel of the environment.[11]
    1. If you don't have time to drive around the city, then look up information about the town or city on the Internet.
Part 4 of 4:

Submitting Your Application

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    Obtain letters of recommendation from your current professors. Most colleges require transfer students to have at least 1 letter of recommendation from a professor. As soon as you can, email the professors of classes that you have done well in. See if they are willing to write a recommendation letter for you.[12]
    1. Don't be discouraged if they will not write a letter for you. Some professors just don't have the time. Instead, move onto the next professor.
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    Write a positive personal statement. In your statement, avoid saying anything negative about your current college. Instead, focus on positive reasons for why you want to transfer, like a great program in your area of interest. Clearly state what you hope to achieve academically, professionally, and socially by attending the school. Use a professional yet enthusiastic tone throughout.[13]
    1. Make sure to offer specific details about why you want to transfer to the school. For example, mention a professor that you would like to work with in your area of interest, or a lab that will enable you to develop your research.
    2. Write, for example, "My professional and academic interests are in social-psychological research, specifically the effects of stereotypes on test performance. By attending Ohio University, I will be able to develop my research in the psychology department's distinguished research lab."
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    Gather your transcripts and SAT/ACT scores. You will need to submit an official transcript from your current college and, if required, your high school. Have your college and high school send your prospective colleges your official transcripts. Also send your official SAT/ACT scores to your prospective colleges.[14]
    1. Use the same SAT/ACT scores that you applied with to your current college.
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    Create an online admissions account. Most college applications are submitted electronically online. This requires students to create an online account with the college. Create the account and familiarize yourself with the account's features. This way, when it comes time to submit your application, you will not have any trouble figuring it out.
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    Submit your application before the deadline. Be aware of application deadlines so you can submit your application early. While submitting your application early may not ensure you a spot, it shows the college that you are committed to the school if you are accepted. It also allows the college enough time to consider you for financial aid and scholarships.[15]
Update 24 March 2020
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