Thinking of Transferring: What to Know About Transfer Admissions

 

There are many reasons a student might decide to transfer colleges. If this is a possibility on your horizon, this winter is the time to complete transfer applications for enrollment next fall.

Read on for three things to know if you are thinking about transferring–

Transfer admissions is its own process, separate from the typical first year applicant process. Here are three key pieces for students who are considering applying to transfer:

1. There is a different application & a different timeline.

While most applications are already submitted for First Year Applicants, many colleges’ Transfer Admission deadlines are coming up in February and March, and some less competitive schools will not close transfer admissions until later in the Spring. Many colleges do use the Common Application for transfer admissions, however, there is a separate application with different questions and components called The Common App for Transfer.

2. College specific requirements and priorities are important.

Admissions rates can be more or less competitive for Transfer applicants compared to the first year admissions process at the same college. Carefully review transfer requirements for each college you are considering, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the transfer admissions officer at a college where you are planning to apply. Most colleges prefer Transfer applicants to have completed a full year of college prior to applying for transfer. So, you are often best positioned by waiting to apply to transfer until your sophomore year of college, with the plan to enroll at the transfer institution as a junior. Transfer admissions considers your high school academic performance as a less important factor, focusing instead on your academic performance in your college coursework, as well as your activities and involvements during your time in college, and sometimes your SAT or ACT scores from high school.

3. The transfer essay is distinct from the first year applicant personal statement

In most cases, colleges want transfer applicants to write an essay as a component of their application that diplomatically addresses the reasons for transferring, discusses a student’s reflection or learning about their goals and priorities, and how they will use the opportunities at the transfer college to support their plans. While it is still important to communicate your personal values and strengths, your writing for your transfer application should clearly highlight what you have learned through your time in college so far and how you are ready to take full advantage and engage opportunities as you join a new college community.

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