Frequently Asked Questions About Transferring

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Leyla Barkhordar in a CollegeVine Livestream. You can watch the full Livestream for more info.

 

What’s Covered:

• What Are the Biggest Differences Between Transfer & First-Year Applications?
• What are the Best Tips for Transferring?
• What Resources Should Transfer Students Utilize?

 

 

What Are the Biggest Differences Between Transfer & First-Year Applications?

 

As a current college student looking to transfer, you already have experience with the college application process. Most of the application will look familiar, but there are slight differences in the transfer process.

 

Essay Questions

 

The first difference you may notice is that the questions asked are not always the same. While some schools will still have questions such as “why did you choose our school” and other personal statement based questions, others will now ask questions directed at your current  college experience. It is important to take note of these questions and the activity section to make your leadership experience stand out on your application. 

 

The Activities Section

 

The activities section is one of the most important aspects of a transfer application. What you participate in at your first school does not have to be the same as what you plan to participate in after you transfer. However, what you want to capture in your application is your student involvement and that you are an active member of your school community.

 

Test Scores and Recommendation Letters

 

Test scores and recommendation letters are crucial aspects of the freshman application process. As a transfer, your need to submit test scores and letters of recommendation will vary by university. The more prestigious institutions will require all applicants to submit these materials regardless of admission status. 

 

What are the Best Tips for Transferring? 

 

Stay on Top of Your Grades 

 

It is important not to slack off in your first year of college, especially if your goal is to transfer. Grades will be a very important factor when universities are determining admissions  and scholarship decisions. 

 

Your grades are also important if you plan on applying to competitive majors such as Communication, Biology, Engineering, and Chemistry, as most of the spaces in these programs are given to freshman applicants. 

 

Build a College List

 

It is important to build a college list and begin figuring out which schools you want to apply to. While application fee waivers are available to those that qualify, for those who do not qualify, college application fees become costly when applying to multiple schools. 

 

When creating a list, it is imperative that you research not just the admission requirements but also the cost of attendance and amount of aid received by transfer students.

 

Visit the Schools You Plan on Applying to

 

Just like in high school, you must visit the schools you plan on applying to. It is very important that you get a feel for the campus and determine if it is the right fit for you. Many private schools take applications as early as August and September, so you must start your college visits as early as possible. Colleges are open in the summer, so you have the ability to tour then.

 

What Resources Should Transfer Students Utilize? 

 

There are many resources that you are encouraged to take advantage of both before and after you transfer. Many schools will have the following resources available.

 

A College Coach 

 

Depending on the school, this position may be called a variety of names: College Advisor, College Success Coach, Academic Coach, College Counselor, and many more. Regardless of the name, they all have the same mission: to assist students on their journeys through collegiate success. 

 

Your College Coach is the bridge between you and the rest of the university. Think of them as your very own resource. This individual will not only have the ability to assist you with your academic skills, but they will also have the knowledge to connect you to other campus resources that are useful.

 

Financial Aid & Scholarship Office 

 

As a transfer student, it is especially important that you connect with the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office. Whereas freshman applicants have multiple automatic merit scholarships available, transfer students often are not granted the same opportunity. 

 

If you are concerned about the financial aspects of transferring, the financial aid office will assist you with finding funds that you may not have considered. Be aware that many scholarships you apply to may require you to renew them yearly or may be one-time funds. 

 

More Questions about Transferring? 

 

If you found this to be helpful, watch the rest of Leyla’s livestream, How to Navigate Community College and Transferring.

 

Refer to the following College Vine article for more guidance on What You Need to Know about the Transfer Admissions Process.