– Transfer from One College to Another –
Transferring from one school to another isn’t that easy. I am not talking about the general process, I am talking about the feeling of leaving behind people you’ve known behind. Well, we all have our reasons for leaving and these reasons might be necessary.
All the same, you have been through the college admissions process once, it’s not the same the second time around when you’re trying to transfer.
Time limits differ based on when you’re hoping to change schools, and each college has to organize with the other on credits, financial aid, and more.
It takes a lot of preparation and time management as you continue to stabilize your applications with your academics, but by following our step-by-step guide, you can transition as smooth as possible.
1. First, assess why you want to transfer
There are noble reasons to transfer and not-so-good reasons. Discover what’s behind your desire to transfer and talk with your advisor, family, and friends about whether it’s the best move for you.
2. Begin your College Search Again
Now that you’ve been in college for a few months or a year, make a compilation of what you do and don’t want in a college.
For example, look for colleges that have your course (major), your favorite location, and the social environment.
Making use of Fastweb’s college search can aid you to narrow down colleges that are good for you based on your needs.
3. Meet with your Advisor
If you have already, speak with your advisor about transferring. Probabilities are, they’ve gone through the procedure before with another student.
They’ll know who to talk to in the registrar, admissions, and financial aid offices at your school. Also, they should be able to give you an awareness of which credits transfer.
4. Start Scoping Out Schools
Given that you’ve dedicated to one school and are hoping to change to another soon, it’s best to get a good look at the school to which you would like to (finally) commit.
Schedule a campus visit, talk to an admissions officer, and make a journey to the financial aid office while you’re at it.
5. Check Out which Credits Transfer
In certain cases, you will transfer college credits from your present school to your expected school. Send a transcript to the university you want to attend and find out which of your credits will transfer.
There are other schools, however, that will not receive transfer credits. If that’s the case, weigh whether starting completely fresh will be worth it.
6. Have a Good, Long Conversation about Financial Aid
Your finances will play an enormous role in your ability to transfer. Ensure you’ve spoken with a financial aid administrator at the school you wish to attend to get a perfect picture of your financial aid.
Also, complete any forms they may need you to fill out as soon as possible; and as always, fill out the FAFSA every year.
7. Collect all Components of your Application
Look out the school’s website or speak with an admissions officer about everything you require for your application. Not only will you need your college transcript, but you’ll most potential need to interview with an admissions officer, write an essay, ask for letters of recommendations from present professors and even submit your SAT or ACT scores and high school transcripts.
8. Apply
This may seem like a no brainer, and once you’ve got the closing date figured out, it is. Universities have very diverse transfer deadlines.
Some, like Harvard, only accept transfer applications in the spring.
While other schools will have a closing date in the fall for those that want to transfer mid-year and another in the spring for those who want to begin at the start of the official school year in August or September.
9. Secure your Spot
Lastly, to make it formal, turn in deposits, housing preferences, and any other forms you need to finish in order to commit to your new college.
Also, take a deep breath; you did it! Now, be ready for new challenges, friends, and opportunities. Best of luck with your transfer application!
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StudentsandScholarship Team.
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