Transferring Colleges

Applying to a college as a transfer student can be similar to applying as a first-year student, but there are a few differences in which prospective transfer students should be aware of. Both your new and initial institutions will probably have a lot of policies with a lot of hard to understand names like transfer articulation, core equivalencies, core waivers, and core substitution policies. Don’t try to take on the transfer process all on your own. Make use of the guidance from your current and future colleges.

Like first-year applicants, transfer students need to plan so they can gather all the needed application materials before their deadlines. Academic transcripts, recommendation letters, essays, and an application form are common requirements for both transfer and first-year students. You will need to submit your high school transcript, first-semester college transcript, and a copy of your SAT or ACT scores (if needed).

Transfer College Admissions

If you are a second-term undergraduate freshman or a sophomore, you will have additional requirements. Check your anticipated school’s GPA requirements for transfer students. Surprisingly the minimum GPA requirement for transfer applicants may be lower than that for first-year students since college coursework is more intensive and challenging than a typical high school curriculum. You will need to provide your official transcripts from any post-secondary institutions you’ve attended. Your college transcript is also critical in determining how many credits can be transferred to your new school.

For students transferring between schools that don’t have any transfer agreements in place, planning is particularly important. Students should pay extra attention to course equivalencies between their schools so they can ensure as many of their credits transfer as possible. You will also want to be aware of your intended university’s core curriculum, GPA, and transfer requirements. Some schools will not accept transfer students who don’t meet credit minimums or who haven’t taken specific core classes. Communicating regularly with advisors from both schools can help transfer students keep track of requirements and transferable credits. How long after completing a course, can you transfer that college credit? Some schools do impose “use by” dates for credits. These limits can range from 5 to 10 years. However, in fast-developing technology fields, innovations are always occurring, so coursework taken several years ago may no longer be relevant or valid today.

Special Transfer Admissions Programs

Many colleges have Special Transfer Admissions programs that make it easier for students to switch schools. Universities and nearby community colleges often team up to facilitate a smooth transfer between two-year and four-year schools. Courses transfer directly, for instance, and degree planning tools are often available to help transfer students transition between partner schools. Some colleges even have two-year “transfer degrees” that set students up to enter a partnering four-year school seamlessly. Some transfer agreements, both community college-to-university, and university-to-university have guaranteed admission policies. Other schools may have dual enrollment policies, which allow students to earn credit from either institution concurrently.

Transferring from Community College to University

Students who attend community college intending to transfer to a university should prepare early and make an academic plan that accounts for their time in both schools. Getting a copy of their schools’ articulation agreement can be extremely helpful for transfer students.

Students who plan to transfer from community college to a university may also consider earning an Associate’s Degree before making the switch. Those who hold Associate’s Degrees are often able to gain automatic junior standing and have all lower-level core requirements met upon entering their new university, eliminating the need to figure out which courses transfer between schools. Key questions to ask are:

• Does your community college and intended university have any transfer agreements in place? If yes, will admission to the transfer university be guaranteed?
• Does your community college have a transfer degree that makes for a seamless transition between schools? Which classes transfer, and which do not?

Methodically preparing for a college transfer will help you to finish this process easily. If you intend to transfer to another institution, follow the below step-by-step guide that will make the process smooth:

• Transferology: Transferology is a nationwide network designed to help students explore their college transfer options. Their goal is to save students time and money by providing a quick, intuitive way of getting their college transfer credit questions answered. This free online tool allows students to enter the courses they’ve taken and find equivalent courses at other schools. This can help you figure out which schools will grant you the most credit for the courses you’ve already completed. Also, discover how the exams you’ve taken (including AP Credit, CLEP, and International Baccalaureate) may be awarded credit from any number of schools. And, if you are a veteran of the United States Military, add your courses and military occupations to find out what transfer credit hours you can receive for your experiences.
• Education Connection: Education Connection can match you with flexible online programs that help make it easier to pursue your degree while balancing your responsibilities at work and home.
• College Transfer: College Transfer database of equivalencies, that colleges and universities across the country have previously established helps you to plan and maximize your transfer opportunities.