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College Transfer Guide: Everything to Know About Transfer Credits

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By Matt Rowley Posted on August 26, 2024

Transferring schools is becoming more common for college students as higher education returns to its pre-pandemic status quo. Consider these highlights from  2023 data collected by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center:

• The number of college students who transferred to a new school in fall 2023 grew 5.3 percent compared to the previous fall.
• Transfer students represented 13.2% of all continuing and returning undergraduates, up from 12.5% the previous year.

College students who embark on this path may encounter a lack of information about the transfer process. To combat this, we’ve published this series of articles to help potential transfer students learn everything they need to know to make the process as quick and easy as possible.

What to Expect When Transferring Credits

The most critical element of the transfer process is making sure that your hard work as a student is carried forward to your new school and degree program. Each school is different, so make sure to contact your new university to determine how many credits they will accept. Also, research the courses and goals of your degree program, as this may impact how many of your previous credits are accepted. For example, if you completed a class in your chosen field of study that does not align with the academic rigor or values of your new school, they may deny those credits.

To explore this further, follow this link for our article about questions to ask when transferring credits .

Credit for Professional Certifications and Training

Many students already work in the field that they’re studying, and this experience may have included some kind of training program, professional certification, or license. Because these represent a form of on-the-job or third-party provided education, they can sometimes be accepted as college credit.

If you have certifications you think might apply, learn more about how to submit them for consideration in our article about professional certifications and training .

Credit for Work Experience

Like certifications, certain elements of your day-to-day work experience can be considered for college credit, depending on the field of study. Since working in the field gives you an invaluable understanding of the subject matter you’re studying, many schools consider your work achievements valid for college credit. Once you submit examples of your work and expertise, it will be reviewed by the school.

To learn more, here’s our article about receiving credit for work experience .

Credit for Military Service

If you’re a military veteran, your service may be accepted as college credit in certain fields. Each school has a unique policy regarding military service credit – and some do not accept it – so it can make a difference to find a school that will give your military record consideration. Once you find a school and begin the application process, you’ll need to obtain your Joint Services Transcript, or JST. The JST serves as your definitive record, documenting every detail of your training and service. As with other transfer credit processes, your prospective school will review your JST and determine which elements of it will be accepted as transfer credits.

To learn more about this process, here’s our guide to receiving college credit for military service .

College-Level Examination Program

The College-Level Examination Program – or CLEP – is a way for students who already have expertise in a certain subject to display their knowledge and earn credits toward their degree. Depending on the subject matter and your previous experience, colleges may accept CLEP exam results and allow you to bypass certain general studies course requirements, which allows you to focus on the subject matter you care about most. Before you sign up, ask your school about CLEP exams and determine whether it’s worth it for you to pay the fees for an exam.

Here's our breakdown about CLEP exams .

Articulation Agreements

An articulation agreement is an agreed-upon set of standards and rules between two schools, typically between a community college and university. It codifies the relationship between the schools and the process through which students can transfer from one to the other. They can sometimes include automatic acceptance, degree tracks for credit transfers, and dual enrollment. Because articulation agreements are designed to help students obtain their bachelor’s degree, they can be a great way to further your studies.

Learn more in our article about articulation agreements .

Transferring to CSU

Here at Columbia Southern University, our online degree programs are designed to help students earn a degree, no matter where they started.

To learn more about CSU’s online degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels, visit our website .

Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.

Amount of transfer credits is dependent upon transcript evaluation and pending Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process.

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Can You Transfer Online College Credits?

6 Tips for Students Going Back to College After Dropping Out

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Home » Letters » Request Letters » Application for Transfer from One College to Another – Letter for Transfer from One University to Another

Application for Transfer from One College to Another – Letter for Transfer from One University to Another

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To, The Chancellor, ___________ (University Name), ___________ (Address)

Date: __/__/____ (Date)

Subject: Application for migration

Respected Sir/Madam,

Respectfully, my name is _________ (Name) and I am writing this letter to request you kindly provide me with migration.

I am a student of ___________ (Department) in ___________ (College Name) which is affiliated to your university i.e. ___________ (University Name). But, due to the reason _____________ (Parent Transfer / Unavailability of Facilities/ Difficulty Travelling – Mention your Reason) I would request you to kindly allow me to proceed my education in ____________ (College Name). I believe this step could be a savior for my career.

I request you to kindly look into the matter and allow me with the migration.

Thanking You,

Yours Truly/Sincerely, _____________ (Name), _____________ (Contact Number)

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• Choose a Template: Click one of the template buttons ("Start with Sample Template 1", "Start with Sample Template 2", or "Start with Sample Template 3").
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• Copy to Clipboard: Click the "Copy to Clipboard" button after composing your letter.
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• A: Address the recipient respectfully as "Respected Sir/Madam" or "Dear Chancellor."
• A: Include your name, current college details, reason for the transfer, and the desired college's name.
• A: Yes, it's important to provide a valid reason, such as parent transfer, unavailability of facilities, or difficulty traveling, to justify your request.
• A: Yes, it's courteous to thank the recipient for considering your request and for their attention to the matter.
• A: While there's no strict format, ensure your letter is polite, concise, and includes all necessary details about your current and desired colleges, along with the reason for the transfer.

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School Leavers

• Jul 15, 2024
• 13 min read

How to Transfer Universities: A Complete Guide (2024)

Making the switch can be a daunting task, but it’s certainly doable.

Electra Michaelidou

Career and Lifestyle Writer

Reviewed by Chris Leitch

In the words of Doug Shapiro , executive director of the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, “students are on the move again.”

According to the center’s statistics, college transfer enrollment went up 5.3% in the fall of 2023 compared to fall 2022 — a percentage that translates into a whopping 62,600 students.

The fact that you’re here reading this article is just another piece of evidence that a shift is indeed happening! It also tells us that you might have some questions on transferring from one educational institution to the next.

So, without any delay, let’s look at the why, the how and the when of transferring universities!

Why you might consider transferring universities

There are many reasons why transferring universities may be the right choice for a student — or even the only choice in some cases. Let’s expand on some of the most common reasons why you might consider transferring to a different school:

• You’re changing majors . A different school may be offering a better program for your desired major, or even a major that your current school doesn’t offer at all.
• You’re not in your preferred environment. For one reason or another, you may not feel like you fit in with your peers or professors.
• You’re feeling socially isolated. Being far away from family and/or friends is not the right choice for everyone; you may benefit from closing up the distance.
• You’re re-evaluating your financial situation. Some schools are significantly more expensive than others, after all.
• You’d like to attend a more prestigious school . If you have improved your GPA, you may be ready to join a school of wider recognition.
• It was your intention all along. High school leavers often enroll in one- or two-year degrees in community colleges, intending to use that as a steppingstone to university.

When to transfer universities

How you time your university transfer should be informed by your educational goals and the reason(s) you’re considering a transfer in the first place. Most of the time, university students transfer to a different institution upon completing their first or second year of postsecondary education.

This is more straightforward than attempting to transfer at the end of a semester in the middle of the year — which is still doable — or mid-semester, which can be impossible. Attempting to transfer after completing two years of study at one college is also generally not an option.

In most cases, transferring before your second year is completed (or right after) ensures that most, if not all, of your credits get accepted by your new school.

As enrollment and transfer policies can vary between educational institutions, make sure you start the process early and take the time to understand your target school’s application requirements.

The different transfer options

Although not all college transfers are the same, there is luckily a great deal of overlap in terms of how to navigate the process. Let’s look at five different scenarios:

Transferring from the US to an international university

Transferring from a US school to an international one can require additional planning than if you were applying for a transfer within the country. Some extra things you would have to consider and take care of would be:

• Any visa and immigration requirements, which can include purchasing health insurance
• Language requirements and proof of proficiency, should you wish to enroll in a program taught in a different language
• Accreditation, as you’ll want your degree to be recognized internationally and not just in your host country
• Student (or private) housing , which can be incredibly hard to find in some parts of the world, including major cities in Europe, Australia and Canada

Transferring from an international university to the US

If you left the US to study abroad but have changed your mind and would like to return and continue your studies at home, you must speak with a student advisor about how credit evaluation and transfer will work in your case. You may also need to prepare detailed descriptions of your courses or syllabus to assist in the credit evaluation process.

If you’re an international student looking to enroll in a US university, on the other hand, you will need an F-1 visa, also known as the academic student visa, before you can relocate for your studies. Similarly, you’ll need to investigate what applies to you in terms of credit transfers.

Transferring from a 2-year community college to a 4-year institution

Associate degrees provide you with the opportunity to transfer to a public or private school and complete your bachelor’s degree there. This is one of the most common types of transfers for college students in the US, and is widely referred to as the 2+2 plan. (That’s due to the number of years of attendance you’ll be completing at your community college and chosen university.)

To initiate the process (if you aren’t enrolled in a Transfer Admission Guarantee program), find out if your college has articulation agreements or transfer partnerships with any four-year university programs.

Transferring from a 4-year university to another

Transferring from one university to another to complete your four-year degree is doable, although the process can be more complex than if you were transferring from a community college.

To do so, you need to research and understand their admission requirements, transfer agreements and what majors they offer. This is especially true when looking to enroll in a stronger university: their requirements are likely to be much stricter , meaning you’ll need to maintain a strong GPA to be considered.

Getting involved in more extracurricular activities is also another way of showing that you’re a well-rounded candidate who strives to give back to their institution and wider community.

Transferring from an online university

Just like when you’re transferring from one physical university to another, moving between online universities (or from an online to a physical one) still requires you to gather official transcripts, a letter from your college and proof of college accreditation.

Generally, institutions don’t distinguish between credits earned online or on-campus, so long as the program you’re attending is accredited. If you’re enrolled in a non-accredited online course, however, and hoping to enter an accredited university, you may lose all your credits and have to start over.

Tips for transferring universities

Below, we’ll be discussing how to go about transferring universities in 10 actionable steps to give you an idea of all the things you’ll need to consider and take care of.

1. Start the process early

As you know, applying to college is a lengthy process, so give yourself enough time to research universities, understand how transfers work and gather all necessary materials.

One thing you’ll want to dedicate enough time to is determining whether your reasons for wanting to transfer schools are valid. Of course, if you’re unhappy at your current school that is perfectly valid, but a transfer may not be the best choice in some instances.

For example, if you like the environment but are becoming overwhelmed because of demanding classes, the solution might be in asking for additional support and developing stress management skills, as the same problem might just repeat elsewhere.

2. Research your target schools

Allowing yourself enough time to explore different options is imperative when looking to transfer schools.

This is especially true if you previously picked a school using not-so-good criteria; perhaps you wanted to move to the city with the best nightlife or to get as far away from your parents as possible. While valid to an extent, these are factors you’re better off not basing your decision on.

Things to consider instead include (but are not limited to):

• What major you want to pursue and how your target university ranks for it
• Whether your target school is accredited
• How the cost of living and tuition fees compare to other institutions

3. Consult with student advisors

Transferring to another university entails many different steps and requires you to research and understand various concepts, such as credit evaluation. The good news is that student advisors, both at your current school and your target college, are there to provide support every step of the way.

Maintaining an ongoing conversation with both schools is the best way to ensure as smooth a transition as possible. It will also ensure that you’re providing the right information at the right time, and allow you to stay on top of your transfer application progress.

4. Understand credit transfers

Although your student advisors are there to help, you want to be familiar with and aware of as many aspects of the transfer procedure as possible. This can help minimize errors and prevent unnecessary delays.

One vital component of college transfers you’ll want to research and understand is that of credit transfers. Generally, you can transfer between 60–90 credits from one institution to another towards your bachelor’s degree.

Although the maximum number can vary between schools, you’ll typically be expected to complete the remaining 30–60 credits at your new institution to be awarded your degree.

5. Prepare your application materials

Although there will be some variation based on your chosen university and major, you’ll generally need to complete or submit the following documents or forms:

• Your transfer application, which is typically done via the university’s admission portal
• Official transcripts from your previously attended college and, in some cases, your high school
• A detailed description of your current syllabus to help with the assessment of your credit transferability
• Letters of recommendation from professors, mentors or coaches who can speak of your academic performance and character
• Your personal statement
• Your financial aid information
• Standardized test scores

6. Submit your application(s)

Once you have gathered all required documents and have put together (yet another) college essay , it will be time to hit those “Upload” and “Submit” buttons on your screen. If you’re applying to multiple universities, make sure to keep a note of each institution’s deadline, as well as to tailor your personal statement to each one.

Bear in mind that you’ll also need to resubmit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid form. More on this coming up shortly!

7. Go on campus visits

If you have applied to more than one university for a transfer, you’ll want to try and visit as many campuses as possible prior to making a decision. This allows you to gain an understanding of the sort of environment you would find yourself in, helping you make a more informed choice.

Although other factors such as the university’s reputation, location and fees are also essential to consider, a first-hand feel of the atmosphere and a “sneak peek” at the students, staff, lecture halls and facilities can be just as important to have.

8. Stay in touch with admissions staff

Gathering or preparing your application materials can be a stressful situation — and yet the moment you submit them, having finished your part, your anxiety can begin to increase rather than decrease. Indeed, anticipation often makes emotional experiences feel all the more intense!

To rest assured that you have submitted all required documents, monitor the progress of your application, keep track of decision notification dates, and stay in touch with your prospective university’s admissions officers.

9. Attend orientation

Attending your new university’s orientation day (even if it’s not mandatory) is important, as it will help you develop an understanding for how, when and where classes are held, what the institution expects from its students, what rules and regulations apply on campus, and other details that can prove essential to your studies and student experience.

Besides allowing you to find your bearings, orientation can be a great way to meet people and start to form friendships.

10. Register for classes

To ensure you get the schedule that you want, it’s important to register for classes early — and to do that, you must ensure that there are no restrictions on your student account prior to registration day.

For example, there may be a hold on your account if your tuition has not successfully been paid; so, double-check before the day comes.

Besides picking your desired classes, identify some backup options as well, just in case some of your chosen ones are filled up before you’ve had the chance to express your interest.

Student loans and transferring universities

Unfortunately, although credits are usually transferable between colleges, financial aid is not. That means that you’ll have to resubmit your FAFSA form, updating it to include your chosen school. Note that not all colleges participate in federal student aid programs, so check with your prospective institution before doing anything.

Another thing to bear in mind is that, depending on the details of your transfer, your financial award can increase or decrease once you enroll in a new program. Plus, if you’re moving mid-year and receiving any ongoing outside grants or scholarships, you may need to contact your individual providers for guidance.

Transferring course credits

As we have already touched upon, in most cases, you should be able to transfer at least some of your credits from one university to another. Each school has its own policies regarding transferring credits, however, so you must look into this when picking out prospective institutions.

In many cases, 60 credits is the maximum number that a school will accept during a transfer. Whether those credits were earned through online or in-person instruction doesn’t typically make a difference, so long as you’re enrolled in an accredited program of study.

FAQs about university transfers

Still have some questions regarding college transfers? Let’s answer three commonly asked questions to clear up any confusion or uncertainty.

Q: How do transfer applications compare to first-year applications?

Applications for transfer students tend to be similar to first-year student applications, as they typically entail getting letters of recommendation, writing a college essay, and providing transcripts and (sometimes) test scores.

Q: Can I apply to a school that has previously rejected me?

In the majority of cases, yes, you can. If you have carefully read their requirements and feel confident that this time around you can meet them, there’s no reason to decide against applying one more time.

Q: What are some poor reasons for transferring?

As mentioned, some reasons (such as feeling stressed due to difficult classes) may not be the best factors to base your decision on. Other such reasons include disliking a specific professor, not having made many friends yet and feeling homesick.

A good way to put things into perspective is to imagine that you’re placing all the pros and cons of your current university on a weighing scale: which side tips first? And which of the things you dislike or struggle with might improve over time?

Key takeaways

Transferring universities can be a challenging process, but given that you’re doing it for the right reasons, it can certainly be worth the hassle. Remember:

• Transferring universities can be a lengthy process, so the quicker you start it, the better.
• Speaking with student advisors will make life easier for you — both at your current school and target university.
• Your financial aid does not transfer from school to school, meaning you’ll have to resubmit your FAFSA form.
• While it’s normal to struggle with feelings like stress and loneliness, this may not always be the wisest factor to base your decision on.

We hope our step-by-step guide on transferring universities has been helpful! Where are you thinking of continuing your higher education studies? What has been the main reason behind your decision to transfer? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!

This article is a complete update of an earlier version originally published on October 10, 2020.

Studying Abroad

Choosing a University

How To Transfer Universities: Here’s What You Should Know

Updated: Apr 12, 2023, 10:14am

Transferring from one college to another isn’t always easy, but some schools feature transfer-friendly policies to help smooth the process. All potential transfer students should research the benefits and drawbacks of changing schools to make sure the decision aligns with their professional, educational and personal goals.

Though it can be a major change to uproot your life and move to a new campus or location, transferring between online colleges allows students to continue to learn from a distance. Either way, transferring can be worth it for students who feel unchallenged or otherwise unsatisfied at their current college.

This article explores how to transfer universities, including tips on financial aid and moving credits.

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What Are the Steps to Transfer Universities?

Research your next school.

You may have a particular school in mind when looking to transfer universities, but you should still research a variety of schools to learn about the different programs available. Keep in mind that some institutions participate in reciprocity or articulation agreements, which allow students to easily transfer credits among participating schools.

Reciprocity agreements can function in a couple of different ways. Some four-year schools partner with community colleges to accept associate-level credits as transferred general education courses. Institutions may also maintain articulation agreements within college systems or geographic locations.

Other factors to research include tuition rates, degree offerings and campus culture. Online learners can focus more on tuition costs and coursework, but in-person learners might also consider aspects like athletics, student diversity and classroom accommodations, like labs.

Some schools limit the number of credits that transfer students can bring from past courses. Different schools may count credits differently, too—while most institutions use semester credits, some use the quarter system, which can complicate the process of transferring credits.

Also, make sure any school you consider is accredited. Accreditation is administered by third-party organizations to verify that schools provide high-quality education. Colleges often require transfer students to have completed their original credits with institutionally accredited schools.

Meet with a College Advisor

College advisors are there to help you. They can offer information on financial aid, credit transfer availability and resources for transfer students. These advisors may guide you toward schools with academic offerings that better align with your professional goals, or toward transfer-friendly partner colleges.

Advisors may not know the exact transfer policies for your prospective school, but they can contact admissions departments to conduct additional research. After starting at your new school, you can continue to meet with transfer advisors for additional help with registration and other services.

Discuss How Transferring May Affect Graduation Times

As you research prospective schools, make sure to see which of your existing classes would transfer. Not all schools honor all credits or classes for transfer, meaning you may have to retake certain courses and extend your graduation timeline.

Changing majors as a transfer student can also affect your time to graduate, as your new focus may require different coursework than your previous degree, thus reducing the likelihood of credit transfer.

Confirm Which Credits Can Transfer

Schools often provide credit transfer databases for students looking to change colleges. Along with reaching out to admissions advisors, you can use these databases to enter your existing coursework and cross-check equivalent credits with prospective institutions.

Different schools have different transfer policies, so always check each college’s transfer equivalency tool or database to compare arrangements.

Apply and Submit Your Transfer Credits

When applying to your new school, expect to provide transcripts of your previous coursework. At this time, you can indicate your intended transfer credits for the admissions department to assess. If necessary, provide support materials to clarify why your credits should transfer.

If after applying, some of your credits did not transfer, you can appeal the school’s decision by offering additional information on courses and their relevance. If you experience any delays while waiting for a response from your prospective school—it typically takes about four weeks for an admissions department to examine your credits and provide a response—follow up either by yourself or with help from your admissions advisor.

Don’t Forget to Apply for Financial Aid

Schools establish financial aid packages for all students who submit the FAFSA. The financial aid package from your current school will not transfer directly to your next school, meaning you may have to resubmit the FAFSA.

Transferring does not mean that you will lose financial aid , however—just know that each school calculates aid packages differently and may apply different deadlines and policies for funding. Start early, and make sure your FAFSA includes the school code for every institution you’re considering to ensure you receive aid package decisions from all of them.

You may then compare each school’s proposed financial aid package to your current aid package. Perform a holistic assessment of your finances to understand whether transferring is feasible. Communicate with financial aid advisors at your current and prospective schools to stay on top of any requirements or deadlines for funding.

Before applying, research any scholarships and grants available through your prospective colleges. Some schools even offer scholarships specifically for transfer students.

Is Transferring Online Schools the Same Process?

As long as both colleges hold accreditation, transferring colleges involves the same process whether you are moving between online schools or in-person institutions. Articulation agreements can provide smooth transfer between schools no matter their course delivery method.

Most online schools feature transfer-friendly policies since they often cater to working professionals and students who are returning to complete their degrees. Online programs may also be more accepting of transfer credits from alternative sources, including military training and professional experiences.

Changing from one online school to another can create fewer stressors with regard to relocation, commuting and paying room and board.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Transferring Universities

Is it hard to transfer to another college.

The difficulty of transferring universities depends on your undergraduate transcripts. The college transfer process is similar to the initial application and admissions procedures, but schools focus more on your college GPA than your high school transcripts.

Is it easier to get into college as a transfer?

Depending on the school, it can be easier to get into college as a transfer. Many schools feature transfer-friendly policies with low credit requirements, welcoming course equivalencies and reduced GPA minimums.

What are the cons of transferring colleges?

In-person transfer students are likely to face more challenges than their distance-learning peers since in-person learners must often acclimate to a new campus or town. Moreover, students can lose funding, such as scholarships paid by their original schools, when they transfer colleges.

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Get a head start on your transfer

In fact, almost one third of our entering students each year are transfers. And almost all of them come from California community colleges. If you prepare ahead of time, you can even get a guaranteed place in your major at one of our six participating campuses.

Even so, it’s important you make the right preparations to transfer. That’s where we come in. We’ll help guide you through the process, and give you the best chance of getting into your ideal campus and major.

What do you get out of it? A great degree from the world’s leading public university.

What do we get out of it? You. A driven student. Someone who’s already proved they can work hard, balance commitments and think long-term about their future. What university wouldn’t want that?

Who can transfer?

You can transfer if you’re enrolled in a regular session (fall, winter or spring) at a college or university after high school graduation. The exception is if you’re only taking a couple of classes during the summer after graduation. 

Your transfer journey

Maybe you already know where and when you want to transfer. Maybe you only just heard about transferring, and want to know more. Either way, we’ve got all the information you need. Which of these sounds like you?

I want an overview of the transfer process to decide if it’s for me. 

I need to see the requirements for transferring .

I’d like to know more about the different ways to transfer to UC .

I want tools to make the process easier .

What UC has that you won't find anywhere else:

• 1.8 million alumni to help you move from college to career
• Higher graduation rates than other leading U.S. public research universities
• Six campuses that guarantee admission to qualified transfer applicants 
• Among the highest starting salaries in the country for graduates

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

If you've studied at another college or university and now want to transfer to the California State University, this is the place to learn what you need to be admitted and to start your application.

Select a Term to Apply For Spring 2025 Winter 2025 Summer 2025 Fall 2024 Apply

The fee to apply to the CSU is $70 per campus. Some students may qualify for an application fee waiver .

See Application Dates & Deadlines

Transfer Academic Update Guide​

Transfer Student Application Checklist

Cal State Apply Transfer Application Guide

EOP Applicant Preparation Worksheet

There are four types of transfer students:

CSU Transfer Planner

The CSU Transfer Planner is an online tool that empowers California Community College students to explore and plan a successful transfer to any of the 23 California State Universities. With the CSU Transfer Planner, you can:

• Learn more about any of the 23 California State Universities, their programs and transfer-admission requirements.
• Save degree programs of interest to your online account so you can access all of them in one place.
• Log your community college coursework to track general education progress and compare your current GPA against the transfer-admission requirements.
• Receive helpful tips about how to successfully transfer to your chosen CSU campus as efficiently as possible.

Whether you’re already on track to transfer to a California State University or just thinking about transferring in the future, don’t wait! Create an account or log in to your CSU Transfer Planner account now!

CSU Transfer Planner   Download Brochure ​

Choosing a Campus

• Find Your CSU​
• ADT Major/Campus Search
• Campus Events ​
• ASSIST.org ​

Choosing a Degree

• Degree Search
• Impacted Majors & Campuses Search
• A Degree with a Guarantee

Getting into the CSU

• CCC-ADT Admission Requirements ​
• Transfer Success Pathway: Dual Admission ​
• Upper-Division Transfer Admission Requirements
• Lower-Division Transfer Admission Requirements

Paying for College

• Financial Aid

Campus Sites for Transfer Students

How To Transfer Colleges In 2024

You’ve done it! You enrolled in the college of your choice on National Decision Day, submitted the final paperwork, and (gulp) made the first payments. You’re set until you graduate with your degree. Right? Well, not necessarily. 

While many students continue on with their initial degree paths at the school they first choose, many others make the decision to transfer schools at some point. 

In fact, ~2.2 million students transferred from one school to another in the academic year 2019-20, per the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. The Covid pandemic brought that number down by about 200,000 transfers in its first year, but once pandemic-related restrictions began to be lifted, transfers ticked back up. 

Students transfer for many reasons :

• A change of degree choices
• Life circumstances
• Personal fit or preference
• Athletic endeavors

Transferring colleges isn’t necessarily difficult; it’s just time-consuming! Essentially, you’re applying to college all over again—but this time you’re asking the new college to take your existing college credits, too. 

Read on for an easy guide on how to transfer colleges and why your choice on “Decision Day” isn’t always final.

How to Transfer Colleges: 7-Step Guide

If you find yourself faced with the situation of needing to transfer colleges, there are a few steps you will need to take. Let’s review the basics via our quick 7-step guide, then we’ll break some of the steps down a bit further! 

Before you transfer colleges, here are the steps you need to take to make it happen:

Step 1: Know your why

Step 2: choose your school, step 3: research your next school’s transfer policies, step 4: talk to an advisor and the financial aid office, step 5: apply to the school, step 6: follow through if accepted.

• Step 7: Move!

The first step is figuring out why you want to transfer! You should have a clear reason for leaving your current school; it can’t just be a whim or to escape a temporary problem. 

Whatever the reason or reasons are, write them out clearly…then do your homework to make sure the next school won’t present you with the exact same reasons—or worse yet, even more reasons to want to leave. 

Next, pin down which college you want to transfer to. Essentially, you’re doing a school search from scratch , but at least now you’re probably looking for more specific things that you want (or don’t want). 

Read online reviews, join discussion forums, reach out to current students and alumni, do a campus tour… Basically, do whatever it takes to ensure your next college is a suitable match, because you don’t want to have to transfer again later. 

Double-check that both the school AND the program you’ll be applying for are a good fit for you. 

If you’re considering going to school in a different state, keep in mind that out-of-state tuition can be vastly more expensive!  

Once you’ve decided which school you want to transfer to, it’s time to review their transfer policies very carefully. This is pretty straightforward because schools want to make it easy for students to transfer. They all list their transfer policies on their website, sometimes on one of the dropdown menus on their home page. 

If you don’t see a link there, locate the search bar (usually identifiable as a tiny magnifying glass icon) and type in “transfer” or “transfer students.” If that still doesn’t work, go back to your internet browser and just type the name of the school and the term “transfer student” or “transfer policy.” As a last resort, you can call the admissions department to see what is needed for you to transfer.

Eventually, you’ll find what you’re looking for—their credit transfer policies and any other requirements. Note that not every school is going to accept all of your previously earned credits. That may (and probably will) mean you’ll have to retake those courses, or their equivalents, at the new school. 

Don’t forget to research the new school area’s cost of living, housing situation, local activities, transportation options, and any other circumstances relevant to your preferred lifestyle. 

Before you do anything else, talk to your academic advisor. Let them know your intentions and ask for any advice they may have. They might try to talk you out of it, but remember, it’s your decision. 

Note, if you prefer, you can talk to your advisor before doing the previous steps…but by doing some initial research first, you’ll be able to demonstrate that you’ve put some thought and research into it, and it isn’t just a spur-of-the-moment thing. 

Once you’ve made up your mind, your advisor can help connect you with other campus officers or resources that need to be part of the transfer, such as the financial aid office or registrar. 

Indeed, you should speak to the financial aid offices at both schools (your current one and projected one), especially if you’re on a scholarship or receiving federal aid. Depending on when you plan to transfer, you may have to fill out a new FAFSA while you’re at it.  

Before you apply, also try to speak with an advisor at the new school and in the program you’re going to transfer to. They may have additional insights about transfer credits or other questions you may have.  

The real fun kicks in when you start applying!

Make sure you know the projected school’s application deadline and that you have enough time to get your ducks in a row. You’ll need to submit all the documents they request, such as official copies of your current college transcripts…which can take time to order and ship. 

There may also be essays to write, new letters of recommendation to obtain, test scores, etc. If there is any confusion about the requirements listed online, contact the new school’s admissions office immediately. 

In addition, there could be new scholarship opportunities to apply for, so make sure you know those deadlines and requirements, too! 

If accepted to the new school, pay close attention to any steps listed in the acceptance letter. Make sure you understand which credits were transferred and which you might have to make up. 

You’ll also need to tell your current school that your transfer was accepted. If you’re already enrolled in upcoming courses, be sure to withdraw by the deadlines. 

Step 7: Move! 

After you’ve completed the above steps, it’s time to pack up and move! You’ll also have to register for classes, either before you move or once you get to your next destination. It’s generally wise to register as early as possible, so you can get into the courses you want. 

Once you’ve arrived and settled in, make sure to do the new student orientation and get familiar with the campus. 

Okay, now, as promised, we’ll break some of these steps down even further… Some of it may seem a bit redundant, but we just don’t want you to miss anything! 

What Do I Need To Transfer Colleges or College Credits?

You’ll need to gather all the materials to make the switch happen. This can include: 

And while this is a basic list of the paperwork you may need, it’s important to speak directly with the schools, as every school has its own requirements. 

Who Do I Speak With To Transfer Colleges?

“The admissions office will be your first stop,” says Thom Saelens, Site Director for Mott Community College , who has specialized in helping admit students to community college and transfer to larger, four-year universities throughout his career.  

Saelens explains that most universities will have a transfer admissions representative to help you through the process and evaluate your transcripts. 

They’ll be able to tell you which credits will transfer and what you will need for your program. He does recommend scheduling time to talk with a transfer admissions rep even before you officially apply to the school. That way you can get an idea of what you need and have your questions answered ahead of time. 

After you’re accepted, you’ll want to send in your official transcripts to start the official transfer process. 

How To Transfer College Credits From One College To Another

It’s up to the gaining school to decide which transfer credits they will accept or not. If your current school is not accredited, that could be an issue. Accredited school credits are much more likely to transfer. 

By the same token, if you’re in a STEM program, then its ABET accreditation standing may be a factor. 

Things also depend on your grades for each course you’re trying to transfer! Some schools won’t be too picky, but others might only accept credit for transfer if your grade is “good enough” for their standard. If they’re known for being an academically rigorous institution, grades will probably matter. In fact, some schools are notorious for not counting certain community college credits . 

Yet another common factor is how old the credit is. This is particularly important for courses on topics that change a lot, such as information technology . In other words, an older history course credit may have better odds of getting accepted than an old computer science class credit. 

Some schools are eager to gain transfer students, so they have much more lenient policies. They don’t care as much about how relevant a transfer course is to the program you’re applying to; they just want you as a student! 

But more selective schools—which may have far more applicants than they have seats—can afford to be far more strict. Of course, there’s probably a reason why everyone’s trying to get into those choosy schools. Maybe they have better programs and better reputations for post-graduation career prospects. 

Long story short, the number of transfer credits that a gaining school will accept should not be the sole factor for deciding to go there or not. Sometimes it is worthwhile to just do some makeup classes if that’s what it takes to get into the best school. However, that isn’t always possible due to economic reasons or time constraints. Talk to an advisor to get some feedback if you anticipate problems and need help deciding what to do. 

Lastly, many schools have online tools to help you calculate which credits will transfer, but the admissions office is your best bet. They may work in conjunction with the registrar’s office to evaluate courses you’ve previously taken and compare them to what their school offers.  

Where Do I Go To Submit College Transfer Paperwork?

The answer here is, again, the admissions office. All of your transfer paperwork and your application will be sent directly to the university’s admissions office. If the admissions office at the school has a separate portal for transfer students, you can send your paperwork directly there. Otherwise, the admissions office will direct it to the correct person.  

When Is The Deadline to Transfer Colleges?

Saelens explains that most colleges will have deadlines for transfer students just like they do for first-time freshmen, but those specific deadlines will vary by school. In general though, the earlier, the better. 

For instance, if you’re looking to transfer in the fall semester, Saelens suggests applying in January or February of that same year. “Aim for applying at least 5-6 months before you need to transfer–that way you can get the transfer process going in case you run into any problems,” he says. 

The main reasons to apply as early are limited enrollment spots, financial aid opportunities, and, of course, admission deadlines! 

Why Do Students Transfer Colleges?

Again, there are many reasons why people transfer colleges. For example, maybe you want or need to transfer because…

• Your current area is too expensive or doesn’t have part-time job opportunities
• You want to change majors but your current school doesn’t have a program (or another school has a better one)
• Your current campus doesn’t match your lifestyle
• You must move due to reasons beyond your control (such as a military change of duty station)

How to Transfer from Community College to University FAQ

Need to transfer from a community college to a four-year university? 

If so, you’re in luck because community colleges are specifically designed to prepare and then transfer students to higher-ed institutions. Thus, there are plenty of benefits to making such a move. Let’s look at a few!  

Community college is designed for transfer students

The #1 reason Saelens recommends community colleges is because they are the only schools designed to help you transfer to another college. 

“That’s one of the main purposes of community colleges,” he notes. The big advantage for you is that community colleges have transfer agreements with four-year universities, so they are well-prepared and ready to guide transfer students through the process.

But keep in mind that some universities are very picky about which community college credits they accept. Don’t make any assumptions. Do your research and find out which ones will transfer and which won’t. Otherwise, you might end up having to retake more classes than you expected. 

As AP News writes , one of the “biggest obstacles [for students transferring from community college to a university] is credit loss.” 

You’re more likely to be admitted to a university

Did you apply to a four-year college or university while in high school or soon after graduation? If so, did you struggle to get accepted into a school you wanted?

If you weren’t accepted at the time, don’t give up! Knocking out a year or two at a community college can give your next college application a major boost! 

It not only offers you a chance to beef up your GPA from whatever you had in high school but also sends a clear signal to any future school that you’re committed to postsecondary educational success. In other words, it shows them you can do well beyond high school. 

Additionally, many local colleges and universities actively recruit community college grads. That means you may get a special heads-up when the school is trying to recruit students from your community college. Again, just make sure your credits are transferable! 

You’ll typically save money

The cost savings of going to a community college for your first years vs. attending a 4-year university right out of high school can be significant —IF you take community college classes that will transfer. 

Community college tuition can be as little as around $3,500 per year, compared to up to around $35,000 for out-of-state students attending a public university. While costs are varied and depend upon a myriad of factors, it is safe to say that community college is the lower cost option, for those who consider price a major decision-informing factor.

In addition, many four-year schools make freshmen live on campus. For some students, that isn’t cost-effective, especially if they’d rather stay with their parents or friends off-campus. 

You’ll have more time to figure out what you want

According to Saelens, a whopping 85% of students will change their major at some point. “You’ll have a much better idea of what’s right for you after going through community college than right out of high school,” he points out. This is particularly true for those going to community college as a starting point to complete general education courses. 

Smaller class sizes = better teacher/student ratios

Sometimes students need extra support when starting their higher academic journey. Alas, the four-year college experience isn’t designed to offer such direct support, at least not in the packed classrooms where professors may have 100-200 students! But once you’ve gotten the hang of college in a smaller setting, you’ll be better prepared to transfer. 

Are there any cons of switching from a community college to a university? 

There aren’t a whole lot of cons about transferring from community college to a university since, again, they are actively designed for transfer students . But the one glaring con is credit loss if your transfer school is too picky about which community college credits it’ll take. 

As Jessie Ryan, VP of the Campaign for College Opportunity writes, “These systems have been designed to work for colleges and educators, but they haven’t been designed to work for students.” And not all community college advisors have enough experience to properly advise students about which of their school’s classes will or won’t transfer elsewhere. 

How long does it take?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question! 

When it comes to transferring colleges, there are many variables, such as how many credits you complete at community college, how many of those are transferable to your four-year school, whether or not you have to meet any prerequisites to enter into the next school’s major program, and, of course, whether you meet application deadlines for the year you want to transfer. 

It definitely requires planning ahead (ideally at least a year ahead) so that you can have a smooth transition from your last community college term to your first four-year college/university term! 

What are the requirements? 

As outlined before, you’ll want to follow these steps when transferring colleges:

Decide why you want to transfer

Make a list of the schools you may want to transfer to

Research the schools and their programs to ensure you’re a good fit (and are qualified to transfer)

Talk to academic advisors and the financial aid offices at both schools 

Apply to the schools you want to transfer to

Follow through, if accepted (to include doing orientation)

Get registered and move! 

Again, you’ll want to apply as early as possible to facilitate the transfer process.

Transferring From One University to Another University

The process of transferring from one university to another university is pretty much the same as with a community college (see full list above).

However, unlike community colleges, four-year colleges and universities are NOT set up specifically with transfer students in mind. Yes, they allow it and know it happens a lot. But ideally, every school wants to keep as many students as they can. And not every school is as keen to receive transfer students as others. 

For example, it’s commonly reported that trying to transfer to an Ivy League school is even harder than getting accepted into one as a freshman—and that’s pretty hard! Other selective top-rated schools with low admissions rates may also be harder to crack. 

For this reason, we suggest not putting all of your eggs in that basket. Consider applying to more than one transfer school and do your best to demonstrate that you have valid reasons for wanting or needing to transfer. 

“Valid” reasons might include such things as: 

• Needing to relocate (perhaps because of a job or, if living with parents, one of their jobs)
• Can’t afford the tuition or cost of living in the current area
• The current college doesn’t offer the desired major
• You are dissatisfied with your current school for specific reasons you can articulate that won’t be a problem at this new school
• Required athletic or active duty military transfer or move

Keep in mind, if you transfer out-of-state, then your cost savings might go out the window. Out-of-state tuition rates are much higher than in-state, so you may have to establish residency in the new state first to qualify for the in-state rate. Sometimes this simply isn’t worth it, plus not all states allow for this anyhow. State policies regarding in-state tuition can get tricky, so do your homework! For online schools, double-check with the school to ensure which rate you’d get. 

Not, in some cases, there’s a caveat that exempts students from paying out-of-state tuition (such as a military student, veteran, or military dependent covered under the GI Bill or Veteran Readiness and Employment program). Again, each state has its own policies, so always double-check with the admissions and financial aid offices about how a transfer would affect your payments. 

In addition, some scholarships won’t transfer, either. For example, if you got a local or state scholarship that is eligible to renew every year, but then you decide to leave the state, odds are you won’t be able to renew it. 

Can I Transfer My Online Credits to a University?

The process for transferring your online credits is the same as any on-campus credit. “Most colleges don’t differentiate if a class is online or not on a transcript,” Saelens explains. And if your school is an online-only school, it won’t affect transferring either, providing it’s an accredited school. 

When it comes to transferring, accreditation is the most important thing. He notes that there are six major regional accrediting bodies that most colleges and universities use, so if both schools (the one you’re at currently and the one you want to transfer to) are a part of that accreditation group, most will accept the credit. 

Outside of that, however, it’s evaluated on a case-by-case basis. In general, you’ll have less trouble transferring credits from larger, more well-known schools and may run into more trouble with community colleges or other smaller schools.  

Athletic Transfers

If you’re a student-athlete, you may end up transferring schools for a variety of reasons related to your sport. 

You might want to transfer to a better conference or team, play for a different coach, get a better scholarship offer, or want more time playing. Or maybe you simply want to transfer for one of the other reasons why students transfer!   

Saelens notes that he also sees a lot of students who come to a community college for the express purpose of playing the sport they love on a smaller scale. Even if they don’t end up playing the sport once they transfer on, they still have the opportunity for a scholarship and playing time at the community college level. 

How Much Does It Cost To Transfer Colleges?

The cost to actually transfer schools can vary. Here’s what you need to know. 

Are There Any Fees to Transfer Colleges?

Usually, there isn’t a specific transfer fee to transfer colleges, but it depends on the school. The main upfront costs you’ll run into when transferring include: 

• Any application costs for both the school itself and the program you’re entering into
• Any costs associated with physically visiting the college, if that’s required
• The cost of getting your transcripts from the school you’re at and any previously attended. The cost for this varies and can be anywhere from free to around $15. 

You’ll also have to pay for any classes you must retake if the new school doesn’t accept all of your credits. 

Additionally, keep in mind that institution credits are not the same as program credits. They may expire or not transfer into your new degree program. 

For instance, if the school accepts your general education English class, but the program you’re enrolling in requires it to be a specific English class, you’ll still need to take those program requirements to qualify. 

Can Transferring Colleges Save Me Money?

The reason you’re transferring schools will really determine if there are any cost savings for you. For instance, if your plan all along was to attend community college and then transfer to a university to earn your four-year degree, you can certainly save some money —IF the new school takes all of your credits. If they don’t, that will cut into your cost savings (and potentially cost you more in the long run). It’ll also add more time to how long it takes to complete your degree. 

Meanwhile, if you’re transferring to change majors and have to retake classes, you probably won’t see any cost savings. You also won’t save any money if you change states and have to pay out-of-state tuition at the new school.  

With all that said, transferring could make you eligible for more financial aid or scholarships. Ultimately, transferring can save money in some cases, but not always! 

Should I Transfer Colleges?

Transferring colleges is a big step, but it’s also a pretty common one. 

There are many reasons you may want or need to transfer schools, and the most important thing is to have a clear reason for transferring and to speak with an advisor who can review your transcripts and let you know exactly which credits will transfer and what classes you will need to take in your new degree program.  

• Not always. Most credits from accredited colleges and universities will transfer to another accredited college or university, but it’s up to the individual school. Credits from non-accredited schools may not be credited directly. Additionally, institutional credit is not the same as program credit, so even if a school accepts your course credit, it may not transfer directly into your program of choice.
• There isn’t a direct transfer fee with most schools, but you will need to pay any application and transcript fees, as well as the costs of any classes you need to take to enter your new program.
• It depends on the school. Some schools, like community colleges, have transfer agreements and are designed to work with transfer students. For other schools, it may be less common.
• It depends on your goals and individual circumstances. If you’re not sure what major you want, can’t get admitted to your school of choice, or want to save money, a community college can be a great starter option.

Application guide for transfer students

Get tips and best practices for putting together your best application.

What is Common App for transfer?

Common App for transfer is an online application that makes applying to college faster and easier. Through a single platform, you'll be able to search for and apply to any one of the more than 600 colleges that accept Common App for transfer. Whether you're applying to transfer from another 4-year institution or community college or looking to continue your path towards a degree by re-enrolling, Common App for transfer can help you get to where you want to be.

Gather materials

The info you’ll need to start your application

Filling out your application takes time.

• Some programs you apply to might ask you to provide this information. You can see what each program on your list requires in the College Coursework area of the Academic History section.
• You also have the option to add any continuing education courses you have taken.

Some programs will ask you to report these test scores. You can check the testing policy of the programs on your list in the Program Materials section.

On Common App for transfer, you have the option to share your experiences, things like research, internships, volunteer work, and more. This is the place to show colleges what makes you unique.

Create an account

Take the first step in the application process

Creating an account is simple.

Counselor tip.

Use an email address that you check regularly.

Colleges may need to get in touch with you regarding your application.  

Add programs

Add the programs to which you will apply

Now that you’ve created your account and explored schools that accept Common App, it’s time to start adding some programs to your application.

Engage supporters.

Get letters of recommendation and school forms

In addition to your application, many colleges ask for additional documents to be submitted by recommenders on your behalf.

Transcript collection.

Submit your college coursework, if required

Some programs may ask for official or unofficial transcripts. Others may not ask for any at all.

Get ready to begin your journey

Walk through the transfer application with us before you apply.

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By submitting my email address. i certify that i am 13 years of age or older, agree to recieve marketing email messages from the princeton review, and agree to terms of use., guide to transferring colleges.

Plenty of students transfer between colleges every year. In fact, about one-third of all students will swap institutions at least once before earning their degree.

Transferring colleges can be a great idea if you're sure that the new school offers opportunities your current school lacks. That said, transferring involves an application process, and competition for open spots can be fierce. Your odds of acceptance as a transfer student are very different from your odds of admission as a first year. Here’s our advice on how to decide if transferring schools is right for you and tips for navigating the process once you’ve decided to make a change.

Why Transfer Colleges?

One excellent reason to transfer is because you are unhappy. If you find that the school you are attending is not the best-fit college for you, you don’t have to settle for four years of misery. Now that you have more clarity about what you want out of your college experience, you are even better equipped to find one that will meet your academic  and social expectations.

Another reason to transfer is if your current school does not have a strong program in your major or area of interest. If you've decided to be a doctor and your college has a weak pre-med program, don't be afraid to look elsewhere.

Some students who are rejected from their first-choice school attend another school with the intention of later transferring. Others begin their education at a two-year community college but ultimately want a four-year degree.

However, if your goal is simply to enroll in a college with bigger name recognition, you might want to reconsider. The difference in reputation between your old school and your new one may not justify the time and effort of transferring.

Whatever reason you have, do your research. Pay a visit to the campus of your prospective school, chat with current students, and be sure to sit in on the specific classes that interest you. You don't want to find yourself transferring...again.

Plan Your College Transfer

Transferring to another college is not like applying to college the first time. Your high school transcript and test scores will take a back seat to your college transcript. So earn strong grades in college if you hope to transfer (some schools will still want to see your SAT or ACT scores as well).

Colleges have different policies for transfer students but typically expect you to have acquired a minimum number of credits. You'll have a harder time transferring if you've completed more than two years of study, even if you abandon some of the credit you've accrued.

Of course, transferring can impact your intended graduation date or study abroad plans. Be aware of the policies at your prospective transfer school. Not all classes/credits are transferable and some schools won't accept credit from a class if you earned below a C.

Prep to Transfer Schools

Get letters of recommendation from your college professors . High school recommendations are beneficial, but the opinion of someone who has seen you handle college coursework will hold more weight. Seek out professors who have taken a shine to you (especially ones within your major or academic area of interest). Don't be afraid that they'll be unhappy with your decision to leave; ultimately, educators want their students to be content. If a professor agrees to write you a letter, let him or her know how much it means to you. A thank-you note goes a long way towards making your recommender feel appreciated.

Be mindful of transfer application deadlines. Transfer deadlines vary from school to school, though you'll probably need to send in an application by March or April if you're hoping to transfer in the fall.

Financial Considerations for Transfer Students

Typically, transfer students are eligible for less scholarship funds, though some schools set aside money specifically for transfer students. Be sure to ask your prospective schools about their financial aid policies.

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How to Transfer Colleges

After a long, challenging application process, you’ve finally arrived on campus. You’ve selected your classes, signed up for some clubs, and even met a few people that you get along with. But for whatever reason, your college still doesn’t feel like the best fit for you. With one quick Google search for “how to transfer colleges,” you’ve stumbled upon this college transfer guide.

So, if you’re wondering how to transfer colleges, you’ve come to the right place. You may be a community college transfer wondering if the school you have in mind is one of many transfer-friendly colleges. Or, maybe you’ve made up your mind and are looking for some transferring colleges advice.

Transferring colleges can be daunting. In this college transfer guide, we’ll break down the ins and outs of the college transfer process. That way, you can feel prepared to take the leap no matter where you’re transferring from.

In this article on how to transfer colleges, we’ll go over:

What are good reasons to transfer colleges.

• Navigating transfer applications
• GPA requirements for transfer applications
• Transferring to elite colleges (e.g. Harvard, Cornell, Stanford)
• What universities look for in a transfer student, and much more!

For answers to all these questions and tips on how to transfer colleges, keep reading our college transfer guide.

Can I transfer from one university to another?

If you want to know how to transfer colleges, you might have questions. Firstly, you may wonder, can I even transfer from one university to another? Simple answer: yes!

Most students who transfer colleges will do so after one or two years at their initial institution. After this point, it becomes more difficult to transfer colleges. Some credits might not transfer, and you may not be able to complete a degree at a school with different requirements within four years. In fact, many schools do not accept applications from students who have already completed two full years of postsecondary education. 

Understanding the college transfer process

The transfer process will look different at different schools. So, it’s important to do your research on the school’s policy before moving forward with transferring colleges. For instance, some schools might have different guidelines on when during the year you can transfer. Others may have certain GPA or credit requirements.

Additionally, some schools have a less selective process than others. These schools are considered more transfer friendly colleges. Some colleges, like UC Davis , have a more holistic and selective process for first year applicants than they do for transfer students. At these colleges, meeting the minimum academic requirements is the most important step in the transfer process.

Transferring from a community college

If you’re wondering, “how can I transfer to a four-year public university from a community college?” you’re not alone. Many students from community colleges transfer to four-year public universities.

If you’re planning on being a community college transfer, see if your college has a dedicated transfer center. Many community colleges have advisors who can help you through the process to transfer colleges. These advisors can help you find transfer friendly colleges and complete your application for transfer from one college to another. 

Other ways to transfer colleges

Students at community colleges aren’t the only ones who transfer colleges. If you’re thinking of transferring colleges simply because you’re unhappy at your original institution, that’s okay!

Remember, there are many reasons why you might want to transfer colleges. Maybe the courses offered aren’t specialized enough for your intended career path. Or, maybe the campus social life is too quiet or too focused on greek life. Maybe you even won the lottery and now want to attend one of the most expensive colleges in the U.S.! 

There are countless reasons you may be considering transferring. In the next section of our college transfer guide, let’s talk about some good reasons to transfer colleges. 

Maybe your worry isn’t “how to transfer colleges” but “ should I transfer colleges,” While looking for transferring colleges advice, remember it’s a personal decision, and ultimately that decision is up to you. If you aren’t sure what to do, keep reading for some insight as to why some students choose to transfer.

There are many reasons why students might want to transfer colleges. Initially attending a community college and wanting to transfer to a four-year public university. Dissatisfaction with the classes offered for your college major. Your extracurriculars for college, the social setting, financial reasons—the list goes on. Even as early as the first semester , you might know that you want to transfer colleges.

Your school doesn’t serve your academic interests

One reason to transfer colleges is that your current college doesn’t have the programs you need for your chosen major . Say your college major is mechanical engineering, and you’ve dreamed of 3D printing your own devices. However, the university you’re attending doesn’t have a 3D printer. 

Or, let’s say you want to study a less common college major such as Russian affairs. Like Derrick Staten , you might consider transferring to Stanford to take advantage of their unique resources. The Stanford U.S.-Russia Forum, the Hoover Archives, and the Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies. You won’t find resources like these at every school!

If you find the department for your chosen college major doesn’t meet your needs, don’t panic. It may just mean it’s time to consider transferring colleges. 

Your interests have shifted

Maybe the reason you’re thinking “should I transfer colleges?” is because your interests have changed or developed. If you applied undecided, you may realize you want to pursue a degree not offered by your college.

Another reason can be the type of degree you want to pursue. Many community colleges are only two years, and you will graduate with an Associate’s Degree rather than a Bachelor’s. If you want a Bachelor’s Degree, you may need to become a community college transfer.

Your school isn’t the right fit

Many students consider transferring colleges simply because they feel the college they selected isn’t the best fit for them. Maybe you only applied to schools in the northeast because you had a great summer experience there. Then, you learn that the constant deluge of rain, sleet, snow, and cloudy days seriously dampens your mood. Or, maybe you and all your friends got into the same liberal arts college. Then, once you got to campus, you drifted apart and realized you only attended that school because of peer pressure.

If you feel a bit out of place, just remember to give your first college a fair chance. Many students feel homesick during the first semester and don’t make friends immediately. Those feelings alone are normal and may not be reason enough to embark on the difficult process of transferring colleges. 

Your financial situation has changed

Students also may be wondering how to transfer colleges for financial reasons. Your financial situation could have changed at home, or the college could have made changes to your financial aid package. If so, you might consider transferring to a less expensive college. That way, you can still get a stellar education while paying a lower tuition cost.

If you’re transferring colleges for financial reasons, always make sure to read the financial aid policies of the institution you’re looking to transfer to. (If you’re generally stressed about how to pay for college, we have resources to help you navigate the funding process).

Is it a good idea to transfer colleges?

We’ve covered the basics of how to transfer colleges. However, you might still be wondering whether it’s a good idea for you.

For some students, transferring colleges can ensure you graduate from a college that serves your needs. If the reasons to transfer colleges listed above resonate with you, that might mean that you should transfer.

Don’t focus on prestige

However, some students just want to transfer colleges to attend a more prestigious school, like Harvard or another Ivy. If you are applying to Harvard or Yale as a transfer, make sure to think hard about whether you are transferring colleges for reasons of prestige alone.

Transferring colleges is a lot of work: completing transfer applications is essentially like completing college applications again. Don’t let prestige or rankings influence you into transferring. The most important factor in deciding whether to transfer colleges is whether your college is the best fit for you!

Even if transferring ends up being the best choice for you, there are still challenges within the college transfer process. Read the next section of our college transfer guide to learn more about whether it’s hard to transfer universities. 

Is it hard to transfer universities?

You’ve learned a bit more about how to transfer colleges. But, you might still be wondering: how hard is it to transfer colleges? 

Transfer processes differ a lot from institution to institution. So, the process might be more difficult depending on where you decide to transfer to. However, you’ve navigated college applications once, so this is a challenge you can definitely handle!

Understanding transfer acceptance rates

Overall, there is a slightly lower average acceptance rate for transfer students than there is for first-time freshmen. Most Ivies also have significantly lower acceptance rates for transfer students than they do for first-time students. Notable exceptions to this include Cornell, Dartmouth, and Columbia.

While some prestigious schools like Cornell and Columbia might be considered transfer friendly colleges, others will be more selective. For a school like Harvard, the transfer acceptance rate is even lower than their already low first-year acceptance rate. If you’re trying to be a Harvard transfer, you’re up against a 0.8% acceptance rate. If you dream of being a Stanford transfer, like Derrick Staten, know the Stanford transfer acceptance rate is 0.02% .

Do your research

Make sure you do your research on how to transfer colleges. To navigate the process to transfer colleges, you must stay organized and get started as soon as you can. This means being aware of the deadlines , requirements, and policies of your school and the school you wish to transfer to. Remember that you’ll be applying to transfer colleges while continuing to take classes. Keeping up with your workload can be a challenge, so be sure to manage your time wisely.

Lastly, transferring colleges can potentially be socially stressful. Not everyone will necessarily be supportive of your decision to transfer colleges. You might have to deal with criticism from your family and peers as you choose the right path for you. People might offer you unsolicited transferring colleges advice, but don’t let others’ opinions discourage you. So, be sure you fully understand how to transfer colleges and have considered all your options. Then, if you’re sure you want to transfer colleges, you can be confident as you start the transfer process. 

Now let’s look at more specific transferring colleges advice—how to complete your transfer application.

What is a transfer application?

A key part of how to transfer colleges is understanding the transfer application. The transfer application is an application you’ll complete in order to transfer colleges. 

Just like with regular college applications, many transfer applications are done through the Common App . However, not all colleges use the Common App. Rather, some colleges will ask that you complete your transfer application on a separate portal.

Different transfer applications will have different requirements. Generally, your application for transfer from one college to another will request some or all of the following materials listed below.

General Transfer Application Requirements

• Common or Coalition Application
• Writing supplement 
• SAT/ACT scores
• College/Registrar/Dean’s Report
• Two recommendations from college instructors
• Official college transcript
• Official high school transcript
• Application fee

Make sure to double-check the requirements for each college on your list. The UCLA transfer application might have different requirements than a Stanford transfer application. A Harvard transfer might embark on a different process than a Rice University transfer.

Beyond the application, different universities require different college transfer credits. That means some credits might not carry over from your first school to your transfer school. This varies from school to school, so be thorough in your research on your school’s particular requirements.

The transfer essay

A key difference from your first set of college applications will be your essay. Your college transfer essay will likely touch on topics and experiences not covered in your previous essays.

For example, in your college transfer essay, you might be asked to write about your experience in college so far. Additionally, you will almost certainly need to state your reasons for transferring colleges. Remember, your college transfer essay is a chance to express yourself and let the admissions committee get to know you. So, make sure that you spend enough time brainstorming and writing your essay .

Highlight your accomplishments in college

When completing your college transfer application, think of it as your previous college applications plus your college experience so far. For example, you should balance your college resume with your high school accolades.

Your college resume should include your college GPA, college major, and any awards or leadership positions you’ve had at college. In addition to your college resume, you’ll likely need letters of recommendation from college professors instead of high school teachers. 

How do college transfers work?

In this section, we’ll outline in detail how to transfer colleges in five steps:

• Researching colleges.
• Building your college list
• Confirming your credit transfers
• Completing your application
• Investigating financial aid

1. Researching colleges

The first step in the process to transfer colleges is research. Without doing research on schools, you will not adequately know how to transfer colleges.

Look up each college and its transfer application requirements. Keep in mind all of the deadlines, as these will often be different for transfer students than first-year applicants. Additionally, investigate the resources available for transfer students: does the school offer orientation programs for transfer students? Do transfer students receive housing like first-years? What does the financial aid process look like? (Keep in mind that your financial aid package will not automatically apply at your new school). Some universities might even require a college application letter .

Research is one of the most important steps in understanding how to transfer colleges. So, make sure you spend time learning about different transfer friendly colleges.

2. Building a college list

The next step in understanding how to transfer colleges is to build a transfer college list .

In your senior year of high school, you likely applied to 10+ colleges. However, as a transfer student, you should aim for a more limited list. Not only should you feel confident you would like to attend every school on your list; you should also feel confident you’d like to attend it more than your current college.

3. Double-check your credit transfers

To know how to transfer colleges, you need to know how many credits you have earned at your first institution. Then, you need to check whether the school you wish to transfer to will accept your credits.

Look at which college transfer credits will apply to your target institutions. Different schools have different policies around college transfer credits, so be discerning as you research. College transfer credits might also influence the admissions requirements at different schools. 

4. Complete your college transfer application

Now, here’s the biggest step in how to transfer colleges: completing your application. To understand how to transfer colleges and how to fill out your transfer application, visit each school’s admissions website.

In many cases, the transfer application will be available through the Common App. However, this is not always true. A notable exception to this standard is the UC s. If you’re filling out a UC transfer application, you go through the UC’s specific transfer application process. This applies whether it’s a UCLA transfer application or a UC Berkeley transfer application. Just like for first-year students, the UC transfer application does not take place on the Common App, but through UC Apply . Remember the application requirements for your transfer application will be different from those of your college applications. Your college transfer essay will likely be different from your initial college essay. To write a strong college transfer essay, share your experience and the reasons you want to transfer colleges. Your college GPA will be important, as will a college resume that explains your college major and extracurriculars for college. You will also likely need a recommendation from a university professor. 

5. Understand financial aid

Lastly, to fully answer “should I transfer colleges,” you will need to investigate financial aid.

You’ve learned how to transfer colleges and have done your research. Then, you’ve figured out your college transfer credits. You’ve also written your college transfer essay. Finally, you’ve completed and submitted your transfer application. Now, you might just get an acceptance! When you receive your admissions letter , be sure to compare your financial aid package to your current one. In some cases, you could potentially negotiate your aid package to better meet your needs.

How to transfer colleges mid year

When trying to decide “should I transfer colleges,” a deciding factor might be when you can transfer colleges. In this section, we’ll help you learn how to transfer colleges mid-year. 

Not all colleges will permit you to transfer mid-year, though processes vary by school. For example, the Harvard transfer requirements state that you must have completed at least one full year of college and not more than two years. This is a pretty small window, so start doing your research on how to transfer colleges as soon as possible!

Transfer applicants to Harvard are only eligible to begin school in the fall semester. So, if your dream school is Harvard, double-check that your transfer schedule aligns with their requirements. However, if you’re set on transferring mid-year, look into an institution like Rice . Rice University transfer students are eligible to start in the spring.

The mid year transfer process

In general, transferring colleges mid-year will follow the same process as transferring for a fall start. The deadlines will likely differ (as the start times do). Another risk you take with attempting to transfer mid-year is your college transfer credits. If you transfer mid-year, your college transfer credits from the first half of the year might not transfer over. Additionally, you might not be able to get a partial refund on your full year’s tuition at your initial university.

If you are still asking yourself “should I transfer colleges mid-year,” make sure to consider all of these logistics. College transfer credits, school requirements, and funding are a significant part of the college transfer process. Understanding how to transfer colleges mid-year will be crucial to ensuring that your transfer process goes as smoothly as possible. 

What is a good GPA for transferring?

If you’re asking yourself, “should I transfer colleges?,” you might also be wondering “what’s a good GPA for transferring colleges?” There’s no universally good GPA to have as a transfer applicant. However, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be a part of your how to transfer college strategy. Generally, students should aim for a GPA that meets or exceeds the average at the school they’re applying to. 

For example, the average GPA of admitted students who completed a 2022 UCLA transfer application was above 3.5. In fact, the academic requirements for students who want to submit a UCLA transfer application are quite high. Transfer applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.2 or higher in their transferable courses. 

The Rice University transfer requirements are similar. Applicants must have at least a 3.2 GPA to be considered for admission. In the majority of cases, students had a GPA well above Rice’s minimum requirement. Most students who were admitted into the Rice University transfer program had a GPA of 3.5 or higher. 

Transferring with a lower GPA

If your GPA is lower than 3.5, don’t give up yet! Other schools have less rigorous GPA requirements. The UC transfer application states that you must have at least a 2.4 GPA in UC-transferable courses. However, some majors might require a higher GPA in order to be considered for admission. 

When you transfer colleges, your college GPA matters far more than your high school grades. If you have already decided to transfer colleges, it’s important to keep your grades up. You’ll need to do well academically and earn as high a GPA as possible to make your application stand out.

Keeping your grades high

In other words, don’t let the transfer application process keep you from getting high grades in your current classes. You should focus on performing well academically within your college major as well as in your other college courses. Doing so is a key step of your overall “how to transfer colleges” strategy. 

In addition to your GPA, there are other factors to consider as you figure out how to transfer colleges. No matter your reason for transferring colleges or what school you want to transfer to, remember that your grades are important. You’ll need to do well academically to give yourself the best shot at receiving an acceptance as a transfer student.

Transferring to Elite Colleges

As you are researching how to transfer colleges, you might question what kind of schools you could transfer to. Specifically, you may be wondering if you are able to transfer to elite colleges, like Ivy League universities. The short answer is: it is possible to transfer colleges to an elite college. However, it is often a difficult process to submit an application for transfer from one college to another.

Lower acceptance rates

Transfer acceptance rates tend to be even lower at top colleges than they are for first-year students. This means that successfully navigating the transfer application process to an elite college is incredibly difficult. To give you a sense of the odds—transfer acceptance rates are usually less than 5%. 

Overall, there are very few spots available at elite colleges for transfer students. If you are going to submit an application for transfer from one college to another, you’ll want to do all you can to stand out.

Eligibility limitations

Additionally, not all institutions will give you the best transfer odds. At many elite colleges, students don’t generally transfer from a community college or professional school. In other words, elite schools tend to accept transfer students from liberal arts institutions with a similar curriculum. Unfortunately, this means they are not likely to accept a community college transfer student. 

However, this is not the case at all top colleges and elite institutions. For example, 92% of students admitted through their UC transfer application come from a California community college. 

If you answered yes to the question “should I transfer colleges?”, make sure you are ready to face some hurdles. This is especially true if your goal is to transfer to an elite college. Apart from elite institutions, there are other transfer friendly colleges out there that can still help you reach your goals.

What do universities look for in a transfer student?

As you prepare your “how to transfer colleges” plan, you’ll want to know what universities look for in transfer applications. Additionally, you’ll want to consider how your transfer applications will differ from regular college applications.

In many ways, schools look for the same core characteristics in transfer students that they look for in incoming freshmen. However, there’s one key difference. When you’re starting the transfer application process and applying as a transfer student, the focus isn’t on your high school achievements. Your grades and involvement in college will matter far more. 

Stay engaged on campus

This means that you should make an effort to engage in extracurriculars during your first year of college. This is important no matter when you decide you want to transfer. In other words, your extracurriculars for college will play an important role as you prepare to transfer colleges. 

Furthermore, you should also invest in your relationships with your instructors. This way, they can write you personalized recommendations that will strengthen your transfer application. 

Overall, colleges want to see that you would be a strong contributor to campus life. They also want to know that you would succeed academically if admitted. This is especially true if you are considering transferring colleges to an elite institution or switching your college major. 

Keep your GPA up

Aside from your extracurriculars for college, your college GPA is key. Make sure your freshman-year courses reflect your academic strengths. Even if you had high grades in high school, your college GPA will still matter more in your transfer application. 

However, some students who want to transfer haven’t performed well academically or have not actively participated in extracurriculars at their current college. If this sounds like you, you might need to re-evaluate your answer to the “should I transfer colleges?” question. And that’s okay! Use this college transfer guide to determine if your profile matches what universities are looking for in a transfer student. 

If you are set on transferring, be sure to do your research on whatever school you want to apply to. Then, you’ll want to strengthen your “how to transfer colleges” strategy early in the process. That way, your personal college transfer guide is set up to maximize your chances of admission. 

Is it easier to get into college as a transfer?

The process of transferring colleges may seem fairly similar to the process of first-year college applications. Now, let’s examine if it is easier to get into college as a transfer student.

In a word, no. It is not easier to get into college as a transfer. According to NACAC , the average transfer student acceptance rate is lower than the average first-year acceptance rate. The average is about 5% lower among U.S. universities. This means that your chances of being admitted are lower than if you had applied as a first-year applicant. 

Additionally, top schools tend to have high retention rates. This means that most students admitted as freshmen continue on to their sophomore year. With limited places available, this leaves little room for transfer students in the transferring colleges process. 

However, don’t let these statistics discourage you from following your “how to transfer colleges” plan. If you’ve answered yes to the “should I transfer colleges” question, there are ways to successfully navigate the transfer process. We’ll elaborate on how to transfer colleges successfully later in this college transfer guide. 

Does Harvard accept transfer students?

So, you answered yes to the “should I transfer colleges” question. Now, you are ready to learn more about how to transfer colleges to elite institutions, like Harvard. 

Your first question might be, does Harvard accept transfer students? The answer is yes, Harvard does accept transfer students. 

The Harvard transfer program accepts an average of 12 students each fall. As we mentioned above, the Harvard transfer program is looking for students that will integrate easily into the college. At such a rigorous institution, they’re especially looking for students who will perform well academically.

What Harvard looks for

When evaluating transfer students for admission, the Harvard transfer program is looking at the following characteristics : 

• A clear and defined academic reason for transferring colleges
• A demonstrated record of achievement at your current college 
• Strong recommendations from faculty members

There are other eligibility requirements you must meet in order to submit a transfer application to Harvard. First, you must have completed at least one continuous academic year in a full-time degree program. However, you cannot have completed more than two years. If you have completed more than two continuous academic years at your current school, you are not eligible to transfer. 

Second, your current institution must offer a liberal arts curriculum similar to that of Harvard. Students who are trying to transfer colleges from certain programs will not qualify to submit a  Harvard transfer application. These types of programs may include vocational, professional, online, technical, or performance programs.

Now, let’s say you meet the criteria for transferring colleges to Harvard. Next, you’ll want to understand what the admissions office is looking for in a successful transfer application. 

Building a strong Harvard transfer application

The Harvard admissions committee looks for evidence of achievement in your chosen program of study or college major. This means you need to have strong grades, test scores (if applicable), and recommendation letters included with your transfer application. Harvard will also consider other, non-academic factors. These include extracurricular involvements and talents as well as a candidate’s leadership abilities, intellectual curiosity, and creativity. 

Harvard accepts transfer students for the fall semester only. So, students cannot apply to begin taking courses in the spring. The transfer application opens in the fall and the deadline to submit all application materials is March 1. Candidates are then notified of their admission decision in June.  

In order to be considered for admission, transfer students must provide the following materials to the Harvard admissions committee.

Harvard Transfer Requirements 

• Transfer application available on the Coalition Application or Common Application
• Harvard College questions and college transfer essay supplement
• Standardized test scores (optional)
• College/Dean’s/Registrar’s report
• College transcript
• Two instructor letters of recommendation  
• High school transcript 
• College resume (optional)
• Other supplemental materials, like a college application letter

Students that are successful at transferring colleges to Harvard receive special perks. These offerings are Harvard-specific, and you may not find them at all transfer friendly colleges. 

For example, Harvard provides a dedicated transfer advisor to all incoming transfer students. They also participate in an orientation program targeted toward transfer students. These are important benefits to consider as you conduct your “how to transfer colleges” research. 

According to the 2021-2022 Common Data Set, the Harvard acceptance rate for transfer students was just .8% . If you are hoping to transfer colleges to an elite institution like Harvard, you’ll need a game plan. We recommend crafting a strong transfer application, college transfer essay, and college resume to stand out from the crowd. 

Does Cornell accept transfer students?

Now that we know more about how to transfer colleges, you might be curious about other elite institutions. Like Harvard, the Cornell transfer program does accept transfer students. In fact, unlike some other Ivies, the Cornell transfer program is fairly large. So, they make a particular point to welcome transfer students, making them one of the more transfer friendly colleges. 

Cornell Transfer Application Requirements

• The Transfer Common Application
• Academic evaluation
• College report 
• Mid-term report
• Cornell University college transfer essay and writing supplement
• Official high school and college transcripts 
• $80 application fee
• Other items as required per undergraduate college or school

The Cornell transfer program accepts between 500-600 transfer students each fall and spring semester. Their acceptance rate for transfer students is 15.7% – higher than their acceptance rate for freshman applicants. 

Although they have a high transfer acceptance rate, the Cornell transfer process is still challenging. To be considered for admission, students must provide the application materials listed above.

Next, let’s take a look at another school you may be considering if you’re thinking about how to transfer colleges.

Is Stanford hard to transfer into?

In short, yes. Like many elite schools, Stanford is difficult to transfer into. The Stanford transfer application process itself is fairly straightforward, but the competition is fierce. 

There are two main requirements to apply for transfer admission to Stanford. Applications are open to students who earned a high school diploma and have completed coursework at an accredited degree-granting institution. 

Credit transfers at Stanford

Unlike Harvard, the Stanford transfer program does consider students who have completed college credits in an associate’s program. In other words, you can be a community college transfer and apply for admission to the Stanford transfer program. 

College transfer credits are reviewed by the Office of the Registrar. The Stanford transfer program does not have a specific transfer pathway with any other college or institution. However, it is not guaranteed that all your college transfer credits will be accepted. 

In order to receive your college transfer credits, you must meet the following conditions : 

• Course(s) must be completed at an accredited institution
• Course(s) must be considerably similar to courses offered at Stanford 
• A grade of C- or better is earned for each course
• Previous coursework is not duplicated or overlapped

If you meet the Stanford transfer eligibility requirements, you can submit a Stanford transfer application to the admissions committee. You’ll need to include the following components in your Stanford transfer application: 

Stanford transfer requirements

• Common Application 
• ACT or SAT scores
• Official high school transcript 
• College report
• Two letters of recommendation from academic instructors

The deadline to submit a Stanford transfer application is March 15 . Candidates will be notified of their admission decision by mid-May. 

If you are hoping to transfer colleges to Stanford, you’ll also need to consider the Stanford transfer acceptance rate in your “how to transfer colleges” strategy. In general, the Stanford transfer acceptance rate is far lower than the first-year acceptance rate.  Given the low Stanford transfer acceptance rate, you’ll want to do all you can to make your transfer application stand out. 

How to Transfer Colleges – 5 Takeaways

We hope our guide on how to transfer colleges helped illuminate the transfer process. As you continue your how to transfer colleges research, keep these five key takeaways for transferring colleges in mind: 

1. Do your research

Understanding the process of how to transfer colleges is not easy. Each school will have their own policies and procedures on how to transfer colleges. So, it’s important to do your research on the transfer process if you are hoping to transfer colleges. You’ll need to know about the transfer application requirements as well as all deadlines . (Remember, these will be different for transfer students than for other first-year applicants). 

There are some more transfer friendly colleges than others. As with any first-time college list, you should compare these as you build your transfer college list. Pay attention to things like transfer acceptance rates and how a school handles college transfer credits. Additionally, take note of policies regarding your current institution.

Choose a few colleges that fit your goals. As you research how to transfer colleges, make sure your potential new college offers your ideal college major. You’ll also want to make sure they have support procedures in place to help you successfully transfer colleges. 

Remember, the more you know about how to transfer colleges, the easier the process will be!

2. Set realistic goals

Transferring colleges takes a lot of work since you are essentially beginning the entire college application process over again. Additionally, many of the transfer application deadlines are during the academic year. So, you’ll need to balance your full-time coursework with transfer college applications. 

To make your transfer process as simple as possible, build a timeline. Breaking down your tasks into realistic goals will help you stay organized throughout the transferring colleges process. 

This should be one of the first things you tackle in your “how to transfer colleges” strategy. Start your transfer college applications early and use our transferring colleges advice to inform your goals. 

3. Keep your college grades up

As we mentioned above, admissions committees will evaluate you on the grades you earn in college. If you know you want to transfer colleges, be sure to keep your college grades up.

This might be the most important piece of transferring colleges advice in this college transfer guide. Earning high college grades can help you stand out in the transfer application process. Additionally, they prove to your future institution that you are able to handle the rigor of their academic program. 

4. Stay engaged on campus

Another important step in your “how to transfer colleges” strategy is to stay engaged on campus. In other words, you need to build up your college resume for your transfer application. This means that you should find and participate in student activities, organizations, or internships that interest you. These activities may be considered even more valuable if they relate to your college major. 

Just like your first-year college applications, your transfer application will ask you to list the extracurriculars you participated in. Staying engaged on campus will ensure that you have plenty of experience to reference on your college resume—even if your current college isn’t your dream school. 

5. Consider financial aid

The last key takeaway in your “how to transfer colleges” plan is to consider financial aid . This is an important step to take before you transfer colleges. Keep in mind, your current financial aid package will not automatically apply to your new institution. So, it’s important to review all financial aid policies early in the transfer process. 

Once you receive your admission decision (but before you finally transfer colleges) you should compare your financial aid packages. How does the cost of attending your potential new college compare to your current tuition costs? Will you be paying more per year if you transfer colleges? Can you afford to transfer colleges at this time?

In some cases, you may be able to negotiate your financial aid package. However, if you are unable to negotiate, you should be ready and able to pay additional tuition costs if necessary. If you are not financially prepared to transfer colleges right now, don’t worry. You may just need to do some more research on which colleges you can afford. 

How to Transfer Colleges- Final thoughts

As you navigate how to transfer colleges, keep this advice in mind. Although the process to transfer colleges is difficult, it is not impossible! You can maximize your chances of transfer admission by following the transferring colleges advice listed in this college transfer guide. 

We hope our college transfer guide provided you with some actionable steps to incorporate into your “how to transfer colleges” strategy.  If you have more questions about how to transfer colleges, CollegeAdvisor.com is here to help. We can provide you with one-on-one assistance as you navigate the transfer application and admissions process, as well as give you personalized transferring colleges advice to get you to your dream school .

This guide to how to transfer colleges was written by advisor Rachel Kahn and senior advisor Claire Babbs . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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How to Transfer Universities and Be a Transfer Student in the USA

If you are an international student planning to transfer to a university in the US, this step-by-step guide can help you understand the application process, entry requirements, transfer policies, and more.

Transferring universities in the US is very common: According to a National Student Clearinghouse Research Center (NSCRC) report, approximately 2.1 million college students transferred between institutions in the academic year 2020-2021. Whether you are a transfer student transferring universities in your home country or within the US, the application process can seem complicated. This guide will help you understand everything you need to know about how to transfer universities in the USA and set you up for success.

Let’s get started!

Can I Transfer Universities as an International Student?

Transferring universities involves leaving the university where you are enrolled, then enrolling at a new US college or university. As a transfer student, you may continue to pursue your original degree, or you may opt to change to a new degree program altogether. Depending on your program, the universities, and the time of your transfer, the conditions of your transfer can vary. Usually, you can transfer most credits you have earned to maintain progress and get your degree in a similar timeframe. 

As an international transfer student, knowing how to transfer universities in the USA will include understanding application requirements and the transfer policies of your current university and the university you plan to transfer to.

There are a variety of reasons why you might want to transfer universities :

You want to change majors , but your current university does not offer your new course of study

Your financial situation has changed and you need to consider other options

You found a more rewarding program at another university

You are experiencing culture shock and want a different university environment or community

While most universities allow you to become a transfer student, keep in mind that many set deadlines in order to do so. Be aware of all relevant application and transfer schedules if you are considering transferring in the future. 

Can You Switch Universities After the First Year?

Yes, you can. However, this may depend on the policy of the university you are attending and the one you want to switch to. Some university programs require you to transfer to select universities after completing your first year as a part of your program. As a minimum requirement, to be eligible to transfer universities, you need to be enrolled in an accredited college or university in your home country or the US and complete at least one semester of coursework.

How Late Can You Transfer Universities?

Typically, most universities accept transfer students with up to two years of study at another university. Some universities may not accept transfer students with more than two years enrolled at another college. If you study at a community college, it may be possible to transfer to a four-year college with a pre-approved program.

You should also keep in mind the university’s enrollment deadlines when considering a transfer. If you plan to become a transfer student and switch universities in the future, you should start gathering the documents required for transferring as soon as you can, as these can take time to collect and evaluate.

What Are the Different Transfer Options Available?

There are three transfer options available for international students:

Transferring from a local university outside the US

Transferring from a US two-year community college to a four-year institution

Transferring from a four-year US university to another US university

In the last option, many large public university systems such as Rutgers University, the State University of New York (SUNY), and the University of Wisconsin, as well as Heriot-Watt University in the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia, enable students to seamlessly transfer between schools and campuses within the same university system. Students might consider an in-school transfer when weighing out their options as it typically involves a simpler process compared to transferring to a different university altogether.

How can you transfer universities? Requirements may differ depending on the type of transfer and the particular school. 

If you need help determining which option works best for you, you can always ask an advisor . A Shorelight advisor can help with providing student visa support , applying for a F-1 visa , and supporting you in adjusting to college life in the US . Your advisor can also help you choose the right Student and Exchange Visitor Information System ( SEVIS )-approved school to transfer to, provide application assistance , guide you toward internship opportunities , and more! 

Contact Your Academic Advisor 

As each university and college has its own policies regarding university transfer, it is important to work closely with an international student advisor or academic advisor through the process. This type of advisor, also known as a Designated School Official (DSO), can help you understand the type of information and documentation you need to collect, go over anticipated costs, and address any changes to your student visa you need to keep in mind. 

This process is different depending on the university you are currently attending, the program you want to study, and the universities you are considering for your transfer. With the help of your Shorelight advisor and an academic advisor, you can learn how to transfer universities in the USA and will be supported through the entire process.

Depending on your particular transfer, there may be specific transfer processes you need to follow.

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Transferring From a Four-Year US University to Another US University

Four-year universities refer to universities that offer bachelor’s degrees, as these usually take four years to complete. 

When you transfer from a four-year university or college, two processes take place:

Academic Transfer —The credits you earned at your current institution are evaluated to determine which can transfer to the university where you are transferring. This ensures you have the necessary credits to begin a new program or continue an existing program without having to start from the beginning.

Immigration Transfer —Your SEVIS information covering your status as an international student is updated and transferred to your new school.

Once your admission to the new university or college is confirmed, you need a new I-20 form . To start this process, you need to register on SEVIS , submit any required payments, then request that your current school transfer your SEVIS record to your new university. Your SEVIS record will be updated with information about your transfer, and depending on when you transfer, this could change the conditions of your student visa. Remember to work with an advisor through this process!

Transferring From a US Community College

If you are undecided about your major or need more time to consider your options, you can consider starting at a community college in the US. 

Community colleges provide mostly the same general education classes as four-year universities but at a much lower cost. This gives you time to explore your interests and find what you want to specialize in. Once you have found a field you are interested in, you can apply to transfer to another US university or college.

Many four-year universities and colleges also waive the requirement for standardized tests during their admissions process, especially if you are transferring from a community college. A recent study by FairTest (National Center for Fair & Open Testing) shows that 80% of degree-granting institutions in the US do not require students to submit ACT or SAT scores, or have made these standardized tests optional. This can also help you enter highly competitive institutions while bypassing the pool of first-year applicants.

Transferring From a University in the Home Country to the US

Starting a degree in your home country, then transferring to the US later to complete it, gives you the opportunity to acclimate to university life in a familiar environment first, which may help you adjust faster when you arrive in the US. 

To be eligible to transfer to a US university or college, your completed courses need to be evaluated to determine which credits are transferable. This process can take time, so it is best to start as early as possible to make sure you meet admission deadlines. Some credits may not be transferable, which means you may be required to complete additional classes in the US, which can also impact your timeline for graduation. 

No matter which transfer option you want to start planning for, the first step is to understand the transfer policies of your own institution and the ones you are considering transferring to.

Research Transfer Schools and Their Transfer Policies

Before deciding which university to transfer to, it is important to research the minimum entry requirements for the transfer program, application deadlines, and international college credit transfer policies. International college credit transfer policies help you understand the minimum amount of credits you need to have completed at your current university to be eligible to transfer, and how many credits can be transferred to the university you have selected.

For credits completed at accredited universities outside the US, some universities may require a foreign transcript evaluation (or course-by-course evaluation). Please visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website to find an organization that can help you.

How Do I Transfer Credits Between Universities? 

There are several important considerations when transferring credits from one school to another. The earlier you decide to transfer to a university in the United States, the better. That’s because not all of your credits are guaranteed to transfer over. You want to make sure you choose your class load and your junior college carefully to ensure that you get the most credit you can for classes that you have already taken (and for which you have already paid). 

Read our guide to transferring to a university in the United States >

Let’s take a look at some of the most important considerations when transferring credits, no matter if you are transferring from a junior college, community college, or an international institution.

Keep your GPA above 2.5 — It’s easier for many students to transfer from one university to another than to apply right from high school. As such, standardized test scores are less important, but your course grades take on more importance, so be sure to keep your GPA as high as you can while attending college.

Begin the transfer application process four to six months before classes start —  The best time to begin the transfer process is always as early as possible. There are several good reasons to think about your eventual transfer school, even if you are only starting your studies at a junior or community college. Knowing what you will study and where you want to go will save you time down the line. Once you are ready, aim to start the application process four to six months before the first day of classes.

Remember, most university application processes are the same for transfer students — For many universities, the difference between the application process for first-year students straight from high school and transfer students is which box you check on the form. Even though many schools deprioritize standardized tests , such as the SAT or ACT , they still require students to share their transcripts and exam results.

Look for Articulation Agreements

An articulation agreement between a junior college or community college and a four-year university is where both schools agree to certain credits and classes transferring within a given program.  Gonzaga University , for example, has articulation agreements with  Washington State Community and Technical Colleges and North Idaho College , which detail accepted associate degrees and student resources available. 

Look for Transfer Tables Before You Enroll in Classes 

Many universities in the United States use previously accepted transfer credits from earlier students to guide their decisions about contemporary credit transfer policy. This information is contained in transfer tables (or transfer equivalencies) and, in many cases, is available to everyone. For example,  LSU  publishes its  transfer tables  on its website for students to use. 

Transfer tables originally came from students who had their courses evaluated by professors and faculty and were deemed transferable by the university. Just like those students, you can have your courses evaluated by instructors in your area of study (if they haven’t been already). 

Transfer tables list all the classes from other colleges and universities that a US university has already accepted as creditworthy for a specific program. If possible, look for the transfer tables at your US university before enrolling. See if any students from your current program ever transferred to your US university and use their accepted credit transfers as guidance when choosing classes. 

What to Do if Your Credits Are Not Accepted When You Transfer

Even if your classes are not accepted as counting toward your major, you still have other options. Your courses may count toward your general education requirements, which most universities in the United States require. 

Learn more about general education courses at US universities >

If you are planning to start your degree in your home country, speak with an advisor to inquire if your current university has any affiliations or partnerships with US colleges or universities. These partnerships usually have streamlined international college credit transfer processes with a higher chance to transfer more of your credits. 

Before you begin the process of applying for a transfer, it is important to first figure out how you plan to settle any ongoing financial obligations you may have to your current university or college.

Take Care of Any Pending Financial Obligations

Depending on the timing of your transfer, you may have one or more remaining financial obligations to your current institution. Each institution lists payment deadlines every semester and you should settle any outstanding payments well in advance of your transfer to make the process as smooth as possible. If your transfer takes place before the payment deadline, you may have to only pay a partial fee, depending on the institution’s policies. Remember to check these financial obligations with an advisor or DSO in advance!

Additionally, keep in mind each university and college has its own costs for the program you want to enroll in. In addition to different tuition fees, housing and dining costs are also different and may vary from what you are currently paying. If the institution is in a different city, town, or state, you may also see a difference in daily expenses. 

While this may seem like a lot to consider, speaking to a representative or advisor can help you stay aware of critical information.

Contact the University

As you are transferring to a new university, it is important to be aware of their policies and unique offerings. After finalizing your decision about where to transfer, research the new school’s transfer policies and conditions and gather as much information as you can. Staying in contact with your advisors through the transfer process can help you follow all the required steps.

Gather Required Documentation

Once you have completed your research and selected your new university, it is time to apply to transfer! Entry requirements and documentation are different depending on the university and the degree — remember to check the university website for full details about the program or major that interests you.

When applying to transfer as an international student, you can expect to submit: 

Your academic credentials or transcripts from the local institution you attended (if your transcript is in another language, it must be translated into English)

Standardized English language tests such as the TOEFL and IELTS

SAT/ACT or GRE scores

A valid I-20

A valid student visa appropriate for the program and university you are transferring to

Letters of recommendation

Application fee

Transfer Documents From One Uni To Another

When considering your options for universities to transfer to, check if both your current university and potential transfer universities have transfer policies in place. Some universities may only accept transfer students from specific universities or disciplines as some programs may be highly specialized. 

Coordinate with both your current advisor and the advisor of the university you are transferring to for requesting and submitting all required documentation. Usually, this involves the same documents you provided to your current university, such as your academic records, letter of recommendation, and standardized test scores. Depending on the program you are enrolling in, you may also be required to take additional tests or certifications before being admitted. Be sure to clarify all requirements with an advisor!

Update Your Visa Requirements

No matter where you study, your student visa is extremely important. When considering how to transfer universities in USA, you need to make sure the programs and universities you are considering still allow you to meet your visa requirements so you can maintain your status as an international student. 

For example, certain university programs may only be eligible for J-1 or M-1 student visas, and if you have a F-1 student visa , you would not be able to enroll. In this case, you would need to coordinate with advisors to change your student visa type or consider other university options. 

For specific visa types, some institutions may also need to be certified by specific governing bodies. For F-1 and J-1 students, programs must be certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) . This information is listed in your SEVIS record and is part of the documentation you need to transfer. J-1 students pursuing STEM-related undergraduate studies are also eligible for a 36-month visa extension under the latest international education initiative jointly established by the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Education.

Once you have a list of universities and programs you are considering, you can speak to a visa authority to learn more about the requirements you need to meet. If you want to learn more about the visa application process, you can refer to our guide to US visas for international students .

Transfer to the US with American Collegiate

American Collegiate helps international students earn recognized credits which can be applied toward a transfer to a top-ranked US university. Program options include digital learning , on campus, or Honors. 

Digital learning: With just a laptop and internet connection, you can start your US university degree program from home and stay on track — no study delays or interruptions. The award-nominated American Collegiate Live digital classroom experience lets international students earn recognized credits and learn in real time with top faculty at UMass Global, a nationally ranked university.

On campus: Spend your first year at American University in Washington, DC , or up to two years at UCLA Extension School in Los Angeles, California , earning undergraduate-level credits you can apply toward a transfer to a top-ranked US university.

Honors: Earn up to one year of recognized undergraduate credits at top-ranked North American universities remotely from home, and take advantage of our Honors Guarantee to transfer with confidence to a top-50 university in the US.

Transfer with Transfer Direct

An additional option for transfer students is Transfer Direct, part of Shorelight’s exclusive services for international students. With Transfer Direct, counselors work with you to estimate your qualifying transfer credits and then create an individualized study plan, including identifying which universities may be the best fit for your transfer, submitting applications, and completing the enrollment process.

Now that you know how to transfer universities in the USA, be confident and plan the next step in your educational journey! Remember, each university may have different transfer requirements, so speak to an advisor to get the best advice for you and your goals.

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Transfer Student Requirements: What Do Universities Look For?

Being a transfer student has benefits, but it can be even harder to navigate than applying as a freshman straight out of high school. Transfer student requirements can be tricky to figure out, as many college application guides are written with freshmen in mind.

Despite the difficulty, being a transfer student is worth it. Whether you want to transfer because you're ready to move from community college to a four-year university or because your school isn't the right fit, this guide will help you learn what colleges look for in transfer students and how to make your application more appealing to colleges.

What Do College Expect From Transfer Students?

There are many reasons to transfer from one college to another. Regardless of what reason you're transferring, it's important to understand that being a transfer student, though beneficial and helpful for many people, isn't necessarily easy.

The acceptance rate for transfer students is generally lower than it is for freshman . That doesn't mean you shouldn't be a transfer student or that it's a bad choice—it means you need to plan ahead and follow through , just as you would if you were a high school student applying to a four-year school.

You can transfer schools for all kinds of reasons, but be sure you have a good reason when you're applying . You'll be writing essays and potentially conducting interviews and visits, and being prepared to answer the question of why you're transferring will make you a stronger candidate.

Setting aside people who have no option but to transfer, such as those reaching the end of community college transfer programs or people in the military, there are lots of reasons you might want to transfer. But when you're applying to schools, you should be aware that there are some reasons schools will see as "good"—as in, reasons that will make you an appealing student—and some they'll see as "bad."

What Are Good Reasons to Transfer?

Good reasons to transfer are pretty much the same as good reasons to apply to a college from high school:

• You like an academic program a school offers
• You can see attending helping your ultimate career goals
• You like their mission as a college
• Your current school doesn't offer the program you want
• Your current school isn't a good "fit"

What Are Bad Reasons to Transfer?

Even if one of the reasons you want to transfer is something a college might see as bad, that doesn't mean that transferring isn't the right option for you. Keep in mind that colleges are looking for stronger reasoning— think more in terms of your long-term academic growth and potential than any immediate problems. Reasons for transferring that colleges might frown on include:

• You're not getting along with your roommate
• You're struggling to keep up with classes
• You're homesick

If any of these are the reason that you're thinking about transferring, that's okay. But instead of framing your essay around how bad your roommate is, see if you can find another way to look at that problem. Is it really about your roommate, or is it because your school culture isn't a good fit?

If it's the latter, how will your new college fix the issue? Have you done more research to ensure the same problem doesn't happen again? These are the kinds of questions you should be able to answer to assure your school that they're the right fit for you and that you won't want to transfer again later.

How To Transfer Without Losing Credits

Most transfer problems occur when trying to transfer credits. Some 40 percent of transfer students receive no credits when transferring schools, equating to hundreds of lost hours and dollars with nothing to show for them.

That's why it's important to make transferring part of your plan from the beginning if you're starting at a community college—you need to be sure that your time and money are well-spent .

Too few credits isn't the only problem. Students can also end up with too many credits , which can be a hindrance, especially if you're seeking financial aid or trying to get into a new degree program. Again, this means that planning is vital. The sooner you can be sure that you want to transfer, the better— a plan will help prevent wasting your time and money.

To be sure you're on track to transfer successfully, consult with an adviser and start researching your next school's transfer department as soon as possible. If you can, contact your school's transfer admissions office and see if they offer advising sessions or planning assistance.

Basic Transfer Student Requirements

To be a successful transfer student, the most important thing you need to do is be a successful college student. The criteria colleges look for from transfer students is much the same as it is for graduating high school students, just scaled up.

Good grades are one of the most important things admissions offices look for in transfer applications . If struggling in school is one of the reasons you want to transfer, be prepared to explain what steps you're taking to improve them in your college essay. The main focus of your essay should not be that you're struggling to keep up, but rather that you're addressing the reason for the struggle, such as a program that isn't a good fit. Even better, demonstrate that you're working to improve by continuing to work hard and improve your grades as you're going through the transfer process.

Test scores are less important as a college transfer. Though schools may request them if you're transferring after just one or two semesters, the further you are into your college education, the less test scores matter . If it's been more than five years since you were in school and since you took a standardized test, you may consider taking the SAT or ACT again so that your transfer school has a good idea of where you're at academically, but if it hasn't been long and your college transcripts are solid, it shouldn't be necessary.

If you're an international student , you may have some additional considerations. I t's important to work with your designated school official and be sure all your paperwork, including work and student visas , is up to date and accurate. As an international student, you'll be contending with all the same obstacles as domestic students, with a few additional hurdles like language barriers, transferring papers properly, and visas. Plan as early as possible to avoid hiccups in the process.

How To Find the Right Transfer School

No matter what your reason for transferring is, you want to know for certain that your next school will be a good fit. Transferring is a lengthy process that can result in wasted money if it's not done properly , and the more you try to do it, the more likely you are to run into trouble.

To minimize your need to transfer, research extensively. Make sure your new school:

• Has the degree program you're looking for
• Offers extracurriculars that appeal to you
• Has a campus culture that you can see yourself participating in
• Has a mission statement that aligns with your values

Those are just some of the things you should know before transferring. Imagine that you only get one shot, and whatever school you end up at will be your last. Are you happy with your choice? What concessions are you willing to make?

As if you were applying straight out of high school, make a list of schools that appeal to you and narrow it down to a manageable amount. Be sure these are all schools you can see yourself at until you've completed your degree program.

The Common Data Set and College Board can give you valuable information about school statistics, including transfer rates. Transfer rates should be factored into your list of colleges you'll be applying to, as transfer rates can move a school from safety to reach depending on how many transfer students they admit per year. Many high-profile schools accept only a handful of transfer students per year , so your application needs to really stand out.

When you're applying, be sure that you're following the guidelines specifically for transfer students. Deadlines may be different for freshman admissions, so keep an eye on when things are due specifically for transfer students. Coordinate with your adviser if you can to be sure that you're on target with everything you need.

What Do Universities Look for in a Transfer Student?

One of the most important factors in your transfer application is why you're transferring. This is also true for students transferring from community colleges—"because I want to finish my degree" is only half an answer, as schools will also want to know why you've chosen to transfer to your new school in particular.

Even if your school doesn't require a "Why this school?" essay as part of the transfer process, it's good to have an answer in the back of your mind. It'll help inform your answer to whatever essay prompt they require, which can strengthen your writing.

Because transfer acceptance rates are lower, it's even more important that your essay be polished, interesting, and informative. Follow the typical best practices for writing a college essay , but also be sure that your essay tracks your growth as a college student and why transferring to this specific school is the right move for you.

Aside from the question of why you're transferring, colleges also want to see good grades. In the same way that AP and honors courses in high school demonstrate that you're ready for college, success in college courses prove that you're a strong student. Because college is an investment in you as well as for you, good grades are a reliable measure of success at your transfer school.

The further you are from high school, the less your high school grades matter. Your transfer school will want to see college courses if you have them, so even if your high school grades are overall stronger, they're less likely to be a determining factor in your application if you've already put in a year or more at your current school.

Distance from high school also means that your standardized test scores matter significantly less . If you're in your first or second semester of college, it's wise to include them since you haven't yet had a lot of time to establish a college-level academic record. If you're a full year or more into college, you probably won't need to include them, with rare exceptions.

If it's been five years since you last took a standardized test and your grades aren't quite up to your new school's standards, it might be wise to retake it. You can calculate your percentile versus the school average to better evaluate whether or not retaking the test is a good choice for you.

Despite the additional criteria and lower rate of admissions, four-year schools are often looking for very similar features in freshman students and transfer students. They want to see a demonstrated effort to do well and commitment to a program , as well as a plan for how your new school will help you achieve your goals. A strong transfer application will look much like a strong freshman application, but with letters of recommendation and grades from college instead of high school.

What Information Should You Include on Your Transfer Application?

Again, a good transfer application will look very similar to a good freshman application. However, you'll need to scale everything up— with lower acceptance rates for transfer students, it's even more important that your application be polished and strong.

When it comes to test scores, grades, and letters of recommendation, be sure you're getting them from recent sources. By college, your high school biology teacher's assessment of you isn't as relevant as a college professor's assessment.

If you're just starting out in college, you might have a hard time getting letters of recommendation from your teachers as they may not have spent as much time with you. Seek letters from instructors who know you best , though be sure you know your new school's policy on letters from teaching assistants. Some schools will only take letters from professors, so look that up ahead of time.

Don't reuse your high school letters. A positive letter from a college professor carries far more weight , so seek those out by meeting with your professors during office hours and by participating in class.

Key Tips for Making Your Application Stand Out

Knowing what universities look for in a transfer student is only half the battle—you also need to know how to turn that knowledge into action.

#1: Know Why You're Transferring

Of course, you should know why you're transferring to a different school. But you should also demonstrate that knowledge in your application and interviews— schools want to understand the reason behind your decision, and it will almost certainly factor into your application essay.

As discussed above, you should have a strong reason why transferring is necessary. Maybe you've changed programs or you're looking to join a new community because your current one isn't fulfilling. Don't knock your current school to prop up your application—instead, focus on the positive aspects your new school has to offer.

For example, say the community at your school isn't really your scene. Maybe you were hoping for a thriving arts community, but your school doesn't really have one.

Instead of saying that you expected one thing and got another (suggesting to your new school that you didn't do enough research, or accusing your current school of misrepresenting itself), frame it as a time of discovery.

For example, "As I've developed as a student, I've found myself more interested in being part of an artistic community, which [New School] is famed for. When I look at photos from poetry readings on campus or browse the current gallery exhibits, I want to see myself there, too!" is a much stronger way of phrasing disengagement from your school community than, "Pictures led me to believe that [Current School] had a lot of artistic events on campus, but that hasn't been the case. I want to attend poetry readings and see artwork produced by students, not just football games."

#2: Focus on Grades

Grades are the biggest factor in transfer applications. Your grades need to be strong, especially with the limited acceptance rates for transfer students. If you're struggling in your current school, identify the cause and try to remedy it before you apply.

Even if you've already made up your mind to transfer, that doesn't mean you should slack off in your current school. Transfer applications often require mid-year reports, which will ask your current professors to evaluate your performance and predict your grade at the end of the term. You want that report to be good, so keep performing well in your current classes.

#3: Treat Your Application Like a Freshman's

Despite having some college courses under your belt, you don't necessarily have an advantage because transfer rates are typically lower than freshman admission rates.

Because you're not guaranteed a spot, put time and effort into polishing your application to its finest. An application is your opportunity to make a good impression, so don't lean on your college experience to do the work for you. How would you promote yourself if you didn't have it?

College experience, even an associate's degree, is like frosting rather than a whole cake. Don't deliver your school a tub of frosting—deliver them a beautifully baked cake with the additional embellishments that come from college experience.

When Should You Plan to Transfer?

Ideally, you've been planning to transfer from the beginning, and you've been working with your adviser and transfer school to make the process smoother. But that's not always the case—sometimes you don't foresee a program switch, or maybe you're moving due to military enlistment.

The best time to start planning for your transfer is when you start school. The second best time to start planning for your transfer is now, so get started right away!

Once you're certain that you want to transfer, set up an appointment with your adviser and go over your current credits, what credits will transfer, and what additional things you'll need to successfully move to a new school. Create an academic plan and follow it.

If you need to transfer sooner than a plan will allow, work with an adviser to determine your best path forward. Don't try to do it all on your own— navigating required credits versus transferable credits can be extremely difficult, and having an advocate will make everything easier on you.

If you do want to do some individual research, you can use College Transfer , a tool that helps students compare college transfer programs and find out if credits transfer, to get a good sense of how well you're prepared to transfer.

When to Transfer From a Community College

Universities and community colleges often have partnerships, called articulation agreements, to make the transfer easier. These are a huge boon in transferring, as it means there's already a pathway for success. Take advantage of it if you can!

If your current school and your desired school don't have an articulation agreement, that's okay. It just means that you'll need to be a little more diligent in your planning and research—again, the help of an adviser will be invaluable.

Generally, community college students transferring to a four-year university will want to do so after completing the requirements for their associate's degree, meaning you'll enter your four-year school as a junior.

An associate's degree effectively locks your credits in. If you want to take some time off before transferring, you can do so without worrying that your credits will depreciate. If you transfer before receiving your associate's degree, your credits may actually lose value , meaning you'll have to take more classes to transfer successfully, costing you more money and time.

There's no foolproof time in the year to transfer. Stay on top of your academic plan and your required credits, and plan to transfer when you're finished.

When to Transfer From One Four-Year School to Another

There are plenty of reasons to transfer from one four-year college to another, but be sure that if that's your plan, that you're not transferring for frivolous reasons. Roommate problems and homesickness won't read particularly well to admissions offices, so try to seek other solutions before deciding to transfer.

The most important thing to consider is that many of your credits may not transfer . This might set you back in time and money, as you may end up retaking courses similar to those you already completed. Meet with an adviser to understand how to best select courses that will help you transfer successfully.

There's no best time of year to transfer, though if you don't have enough credits, you may actually be transferring in as a freshman alongside first-time college students. Again, meeting with an adviser is your best bet to make sure you apply properly.

When to Transfer if You're in the Military

If you're in the military, the decision to transfer schools may not be entirely up to you. Moving is common and often required, which means that the military has measures in place to ensure your education won't be seriously impacted provided you follow the rules.

The GI Bill ensures that you have special allowances to attend multiple schools at the same time, provided that your courses are all part of the same program. These courses and credits can be transferred from one school to another with ease, meaning your transfer won't be as difficult as some others.

However, the restrictions mean you need to be sure all your courses are part of your program, or you may run into trouble. Meet with an adviser regularly to be sure that you're on track.

Because you likely won't have much say in when you'll need to move schools, the GI Bill ensures that you don't have to be concerned about when you transfer. Just stay on target with your academic plan!

When to Transfer if You're an International Student

International students may transfer from secondary school in their home country to a four-year school in the United States, or from one four-year school to another. However, because of additional requirements for international students , it's even more important that you be aware of deadlines, paperwork requirements, and credit transfer.

Your visa may actually restrict which colleges you can attend, so be sure that you're familiar with what schools you can transfer to. Schools may also have additional requirements or specific deadlines for international students, so always check that you're in contact with the designated school official as well as any advisers you have. You should always look for international student-specific information if it exists to prevent yourself from missing a deadline due to it not applying for international students.

As with transferring schools for other kinds of students, there's no hard-and-fast "best" time to do it. All other information applies—if you have an associate's degree, you may be able to transfer as a junior and lock in your credits. If you don't have an associate's degree, you'll be evaluated on a course-by-course basis. Keep all that in mind as you're planning your transfer to ensure that the picture you present to your next school is as flattering as possible.

No matter where you're at in your academic career, you may be eligible for financial assistance. Learn how to apply for financial aid to ensure you get the best award!

If staying on top of your grades has been an issue so far in your college career, don't panic. There are plenty of great schools with low GPA requirements .

The best way to get into your dream school is to treat your application like it's for the most selective colleges around. This guide for how to get into Harvard will walk you through what a great application looks like, and how to spruce up your own application.

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Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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Transfer Admission

You can apply for transfer admission if:

• You have already started studying at another college or university after graduating from high school or earning a GED.
• You have or will have earned 24 semester hours of required transferable coursework at another college or university. The option to use coursework in progress is not available for spring semester applicants.

Transfer Credit Resources

For questions, email [email protected] .

If you are a transfer student who is not a U.S. citizen and who is not a U.S. resident, please visit our International Transfer page.

If you are a current UT Austin student looking to transfer to a different major, please visit our Internal Transfer page.

Key Transfer Admission Dates

Summer/fall enrollment.

• Common App Opens Sep 1
• Deadline to Apply March 1
• Admission Decisions Released Mid to Late June

Spring Enrollment

• ApplyTexas Application Opens March 1
• Deadline to Apply September 1
• Admission Decisions Released Mid-December

Required Application Materials

Application.

Apply using the CommonApp for summer/fall admission. You should apply using the  ApplyTexas  application if applying for spring admission.

Common App 

Application Fee

Pay the non-refundable $75 application fee when you submit your application. Fee waivers are available. Request a fee waiver when you apply for admission or submit the Request for Fee Waiver form in MyStatus via the Document Upload System.

Along with your application, submit one essay. Applicants to the School of Architecture must submit an additional essay. We recommend submitting your essay in the application. You may also submit the essay using the Document Upload System in MyStatus or by mailing them to the Office of Admissions.

Essays and Short Answers

College Transcripts and/or High School Transcripts

Send official transcripts documenting all coursework you have attempted at any college or university you attended. If you have attended more than one college or university, we’ll need a transcript from each school, even if the credits earned at one school were transferred to another. If you are applying for automatic transfer admission, submit your official high school transcript, as well. We cannot accept transcripts via email.

Transcript Info

Submit your resume offering additional information about your achievements using the Document Upload System in MyStatus. Your resume should include your previous five years of academic, extracurricular, community and work activities as well as honors and awards. You can also include high school accomplishments if they took place within the last five years.

If you submit a resume, you should include:

• Details about what each activity involved rather than a general description.
• The number of hours per week and weeks per year spent on each activity.

Review Optional and Additional Materials

Certain majors may require additional materials after you have submitted your application. You may also wish to submit additional materials to strengthen your application, such as letters of recommendation or a resume.

Additional Materials

If applicable, the following materials may be required. All required items must be received by the appropriate deadline.

Major-Specific Items

Certain majors have required prerequisites for transfer applicants. These items can be found on each college and school on our Colleges & Degrees page. Please be sure to review the prerequisites for your first and second choice majors.

Colleges & Degrees

Letters of Recommendation

You can submit up to two letters of recommendation with your application or after you’ve submitted your application. These letters may be from mentors or people who know you well and can include teachers or school counselors, although we encourage you to provide letters from sources outside of your high school. The letter should be able to give additional context or information to support your admission that is not already provided in your application or other submitted documents (resume, transcripts). Letters of recommendation are not required but are encouraged.

Submitting Your Recommendations

We do not accept recommendations via email. Submit your recommendations via:

• MyStatus using the Document Upload System
• Parchment or Scoir

Residency Affidavit

You may qualify for residency if you aren’t a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident but have established Texas residency. Your admissions application will prompt those who indicate they meet these criteria to download the appropriate form. You can submit the affidavit to the address listed on the form.

Residency FAQs

Automatic Transfer Admission Form

Some transfer applicants are able to apply for automatic transfer admission. If you are eligible and would like to apply, complete the Automatic Transfer Admission form. More details about applicability and application instructions can be found on our Appeals page.

Automatic Transfer Admission form

Once you’ve submitted your application, you can track the status and submit additional documents in MyStatus. Be sure to regularly monitor MyStatus until your application is listed as complete and submit any to-do items prior to the deadlines.

Check MyStatus

You may be asked for additional information after you submit your application. Check MyStatus to stay up to date.

Complete the FAFSA/TASFA

Completing the FAFSA/TASFA before January 15 will maximize your eligibility for financial aid awards.

Complete Your Housing Application

You can apply for housing before you receive an admission decision. Housing is offered on a first come, first served basis. We recommend applying as soon as possible.

Check Your Email

We’ll alert you about your admission decision, financial aid awards, housing contract and other important details via email. Check your email regularly.

How to Transfer Colleges: A Guide for Success

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If you're thinking of transferring to a new college, you aren't alone. A 2015 study from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center revealed that 38% of college students transfer to a different college within six years of first starting school. 

Key Takeaways: Transferring Colleges

• Make sure you can present to the admissions folks specific reasons why the new school is the right match for you.
• Make sure your classes at your current institution will transfer to the new school. It can be costly if they don't.
• Watch transfer deadlines. Often they are in March or April, but they can be much earlier.
• Don't make enemies at your current school—you'll need good letters of recommendation.

To transfer successfully, you need to know how the process works. With some careful planning, you can avoid many of the hidden costs of transferring and improve your chances of being admitted. Done improperly, you may end up with a rejection from your target school, or your transfer may lead to a longer and more expensive path to graduation.

Have a Good Reason for Transferring Colleges

Before you decide to change schools, make sure you have a good reason for transferring . Struggles with bad roommates or difficult professors are likely to improve over time, and it's important to give yourself adequate time to adjust to college life before considering a transfer.

If you're trying to transfer to a selective four-year college, the admissions folks will be looking to see that you have a compelling reason for your transfer. They will admit only those students whose transfer applications articulate a clear and meaningful rationale for the transfer.

Choose Classes at Your Current College Carefully

One of the greatest frustrations when transferring to a new college can arise when you try to transfer credits from your current college to your new college. Remedial classes often won't transfer, and highly specialized classes may transfer as elective credits and not toward graduation requirements. If your credits fail to transfer, you may be looking at a longer time to graduation, which can be one of the most significant hidden costs of transferring . Even if your target school costs much less than your current college, you won't realize those savings if you end up paying for an extra year of tuition and fees.

You may be able to avoid this problem by taking general education classes such as Introduction to Psychology or American Literature, which are offered at nearly all colleges and generally transfer without problems. Also, look to see if your target school has an articulation agreement with your current college. Many colleges have pre-approved classes for transfer credit. Within public university systems, you'll often find that articulation agreements are in place for students who transfer from community colleges to four-year state universities.

Keep Up Your Grades at Your Current College

After you decide to transfer, make sure you continue to keep your grades up. Colleges want to admit transfer students who have demonstrated their ability to succeed in college. Just as your academic record in high school was the most important part of your regular college application, your college transcript is going to be the most important part of your transfer application. The admissions folks will be looking to see that you have a proven record of handling college-level work.

Also, think about your transfer credits and the time it will take you to graduate. Colleges generally won't transfer grades that are lower than a "C." The fewer credits you are able to transfer, the longer it will take you to graduate. If it takes you five or six years to graduate instead of four, you could be looking at tens of thousands of dollars of additional costs as well as an additional year or two in which you aren't earning income.

Position Yourself to Get Good Letters of Recommendation

It's important that you don't burn bridges at your current college. Many transfer applications require at least one letter of recommendation from a faculty member at your current school, so make sure you have a good relationship with one or two professors who will give you positive recommendations. You'll be in an awkward position if you need to ask for a letter from a professor whose class you've regularly skipped or who doesn't know you well.

Step outside of your own shoes and think about what a recommender will say about you. Your transfer application will be much stronger with a recommendation letter that begins "All of us at ABC College will be sorry to see John leave us" rather than "Although I don't know John well..."

Finally, be thoughtful and give your recommenders plenty of time to write their letters. It's inconsiderate and unreasonable to ask for a letter that is due in 24 hours, and you may very well get a refusal from your professor. Plan ahead, and make sure the people recommending you have at least a couple of weeks to write their letters.

Keep Track of Transfer Application Deadlines

If you're planning to begin classes at your new college in the fall, transfer application deadlines will often be in March or April. Typically, the more selective the school, the earlier the deadline (for example, Harvard University 's transfer application deadline is March 1st and Cornell University 's is March 15th). Transfer students in the University of California system need to apply at the same time as the regular applicant pool in November.

At many less selective schools, transfer applications can be submitted in late spring or even the summer for fall admission. Deadlines will often be flexible depending on the college's current needs and enrollments. Penn State, for example, has an April 15th priority deadline, but after that date the university has a rolling admission policy .

In general, you will have the best chances of a successful transfer if you plan ahead and submit your application before the published deadline. This is particularly true for highly selective colleges and universities and for more selective programs. That said, you'll still have many transfer options should you decide to transfer at the end of the academic year, and it's not unusual for students to transfer just a couple of weeks before classes begin. You'll want to contact the admissions office at your target school to find out if they are still accepting transfer applications.

Make Sure Your Transfer Application Essay Is Specific and Polished

Don't underestimate the importance of your transfer application essay. Transfer applicants using the Common Application may select one of the seven Common App prompts unless instructed differently by their desired school. Some colleges will also ask applicants to respond to the question: "Why do you want to transfer to our school?"

As you write your transfer essay , you'll want to have clear, school-specific reasons for your transfer. What exactly does your target school offer that makes it attractive to you? Does it have a specific academic program that speaks to your interests and career goals? Does the school have an approach to learning that you think is a good match for you?

As a test to see if your essay succeeds on this front, try replacing your target school's name with a different school's name everywhere in your essay. If your essay still makes sense when you substitute in a different college's name for your target school, your essay is too vague and generic. The admissions officers don't just want to know why you want to transfer to a different school. They want to know why you want to transfer to their  school.

Finally, keep in mind that a good transfer essay  does more than present clear and specific reasons for transferring. It also needs to be polished and engaging. Proofread and edit carefully to improve the essay's style  and ensure that your prose is free of awkward language and grammatical errors.

Visit Campus and Make an Informed Decision

Before you accept an offer of transfer admission, make sure you are making a wise decision. Visit the campus of your target school. Sit in on classes. Talk with professors in the major you hope to pursue. And ideally, arrange an overnight visit to get a good sense of the campus environment.

In short, make sure that your target school truly is a good match for your personal and professional goals. Ultimately, you should feel confident in your decision to transfer.

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NYU Undergraduate Admissions: How to Apply for Transfer Admission

Your guide to applying.

On this page you’ll find step-by-step application instructions on applying as a transfer student to NYU via the Common Application.

Admission for transfer students is highly competitive. NYU’s evaluation will focus primarily on your college/university grades and your high school/secondary school performance. Our most competitive applicants have completed at least one full-time year of coursework by the time they enroll at NYU.

If the following applies to you, follow the instructions below to apply as a transfer student:

• You have completed the equivalent of a United States secondary school education (approximately 12 years of formal education starting at age six), and have either an appropriate diploma or leaving certificates.

AND any of the following apply to you:

• You are currently or have been enrolled as a degree-seeking student at a college or university that is regionally accredited in the U.S.; 
• You are currently or have been enrolled as a degree-seeking student at a college or university outside the U.S. that is nationally recognized by the country's primary accrediting council/agency; 
• You are currently or have been enrolled in a non-degree seeking program in the U.S. and will have completed 24 semester credits or more by the time you plan to enroll at NYU.

If any of the below apply, you should submit a first-year application :

• You are participating in a dual-enrollment program, even if you are earning enough credits for an associate’s degree. (Dual-enrollment means that you are in high school and also in a college-level program.); or
• You are currently enrolled in a college or university program in the United States that is not regionally accredited ; or
• You are currently enrolled in a non-degree seeking program in the United States after high school completion and you will have fewer than 24 credits complete by the time you plan to enroll at NYU; or
• You withdrew from all your college level classes and have not received any grades for college coursework.

*If you’re unsure of your degree-seeking status or accreditation of your most recent school, we recommend you contact your school’s registrar’s office.

Explore your future as a New York University transfer student during a virtual information sesssion. Once of our Admissions Counselors will walk you through the transfer application process, your academic options, and the NYU student experience inside and outside the classroom. REGISTER HERE .

How do I apply?

The Common Application is required for students applying as transfers to our New York campus. Please ensure that you complete the Common Application for Transfer Students rather than First-Years. Currently NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Shanghai do not accept transfer students.

You’ll need:

• Secondary/high school transcript (or General Education Diploma) with graduation date, regardless of when you graduated.
• College/university transcripts from all institutions you have attended. See below for guidelines on sending official documents .
• Contact information for one person (or, optionally, up to three maximum) who will complete a letter of recommendation. NYU requires one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, coach, supervisor, or anyone else in a position of authority. If your recommender is unable to submit their letter through the Common Application, they can email it directly to  [email protected] . Please have them include either your date of birth or Common App ID.
• Many of our programs have additional requirements, which may include an audition, portfolio, or prerequisite courses. Please carefully review the additional program requirements for your school, college, or program.
• Nonrefundable $85.00 application fee .

Other Considerations:

• Standardized testing is optional for the upcoming application term.
• An audition or portfolio  is required for art and music programs at the Steinhardt School and Tisch School of the Arts.
• English Language Testing must be submitted If you have not completed at least three years of study where English is the sole language of instruction or English is not your first language.
• Some students will be required to submit a Self-Reported Academic Record or SRAR. Following application submission, you may be asked to complete a SRAR for any college or university coursework completed in the U.S.
• NYU reserves the right to request a midterm report from any transfer student, even though it is not required.

Are you ready? Start the application now .

Please note: NYU will only allow one application to a program per term. If you apply to more than one program per term, your additional applications will be withdrawn automatically and you will not receive an application refund.

Financial Aid for Transfer Applicants

Transfer applicants may be eligible for certain types of financial aid to finance their education at NYU. Unfortunately, we are unable to award NYU scholarships to transfer applicants. To learn more, please visit the Financial Aid for Transfer Applicants webpage .

When should I apply?

Follow the key dates and deadlines below.

If you’re applying to a program that requires an artistic review , we recommend submitting your Common Application one month earlier to give you time to prepare your portfolio or an audition by the deadline.

*Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EST.

Sending Documents

NYU accepts the submission of original/certified copies or unofficial copies. A certified copy has an original signature of the registrar or other designated school official, or the institution's seal. Include an official English translation if the document isn't in English. A school official or a translation agency accredited in the country of the educational institution can issue the translation. Unofficial documents can be used for application review. If a student is offered admission and chooses to enroll, official documents must be sent.

Official sources only include a school official employed by the school, nationally or internationally recognized testing agency, or other community organizations as permitted by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Any other sources will need approval by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

You can send documents you don’t submit through the Common Application:

New York University Office of Undergraduate Admissions 400 Lafayette Street New York, NY 10003 USA

[email protected]

Remember to ...

Use your name exactly as it appears on your passport or birth certificate on your application and supporting documents.

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Housing for transfer students is limited and not guaranteed. You’ll need to respond to your admissions offer to see if housing will be available for you.

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Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

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A Guide to Transferring: What You Need to Know About the Transfer Admissions Process

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Transferring schools is a process that students undertake for a number of reasons; students whose majors are discontinued, whose financial aid falls short, who are making the transition from a 2-year or community college to a 4-year, or who are otherwise dissatisfied with the academic or social environment of their current school all may choose to transfer. In fact, more than a third of all students transfer at some point in 6 years. Yet for how common transferring is, there is relatively little literature available on the process compared to applying for admission as a first-year student. We at CollegeVine have decided to break down some of the most important aspects of transferring process, as well as the ways in which this process is distinct from applying for first-year admission.

Why Transfer?

For students who have just finished applying for first-year admission a year or two prior, the notion of applying to college again so soon can seem unappealing, to say the least. Unfortunately, in many cases, it’s necessary. The largest group of students who transfer colleges is probably community or 2-year college students, who complete their general education requirements at a community college and apply for admission at a 4-year college to finish their degree.

Many other students transfer for financial reasons – whether it’s due to an increase in tuition, an insufficient financial aid award , the loss of a scholarship, or an unforeseen shift in financial circumstances, a change in a student’s ability to finance their education at a certain school may require them to transfer to a more affordable option.

Academic factors are also a common motivator for transfer students. Schools sometimes stop offering certain majors, forcing any students who wish to continue that path of study to transfer to a school that still offers their major. Many students who feel the academic environment at their school does not align with their personal goals, or that they have little in common academically, ideologically, or otherwise with their classmates, may choose to transfer to a school which they feel will provide an environment more conducive to achieving their professional, personal, and academic goals.

How Do I Transfer?

The process of applying as a transfer student is largely the same as applying for first-year admission. Students are required to submit all their same information as they would for first-year admission (transcripts, extracurriculars, essays, recommendations, etc) as well as grades and recommendations from college professors. It’s important to note that many of the materials you’ll need to apply will need to be sent directly by your high school or teachers at your high school, so getting in contact with them as soon as possible is necessary. You should check the application instructions for any schools you’re applying to and be very careful to send in all materials by the required dates.

Just as in first-year admissions, the key to success as a transfer applicant is organization and effective time management. It’s crucial to start your applications early, especially because with a college-level workload, you’ll have even less free time to work on applications than you did in high school. Ask recommenders well in advance, as professors and teachers are busy; you don’t want to find yourself unable to submit your applications the day before they’re due because your recommender still hasn’t completed your letter. Selecting professors to serve as recommenders can be difficult if you have mostly large lecture-style classes that don’t offer many opportunities for student-teacher interactions. If this is the case, visit your professors during office hours, especially those in whose classes you are doing well, and spend some time getting to know each other. It’s important in any such meetings to be careful to articulate your academic goals and personal character. A strong recommendation can go a long way in a transfer application, just as in a first-year one.

If you plan on transferring, one area you should be sure to research thoroughly is if all or any of your credits will transfer. General education and major-specific requirements vary from school to school, and if you don’t ensure that your credits from previous classes have transferred, you may be in a difficult position come your senior year. This is especially true for community college students; many universities have agreements with community colleges that students who take a certain course load are automatically guaranteed admission, but this does not necessarily mean all credits will transfer.

For any students who aim to “transfer up” – that is, apply to transfer to a more competitive school than they currently attend – you may have to retake your ACTs or SATs in order to have a score within the range typically accepted by that school (unless your test scores from high school already fall into this range). The process of registering and studying for these tests, along with setting aside time to take them, is oftentimes lengthy and arduous. Tests are as time-consuming and their results as important for a transfer applicant as they are for a first-year, so be sure not to discount their impact.

How is Transferring Different from Applying as a First Year?

For all of their similarities, there are some key differences in the processes of applying as a first-year applicant and as a transfer applicant. A major one is competition, a difference which is especially pronounced at top universities. Stanford, for example, had a first-year admission rate of 5.1% in 2015. For transfer applicants, this rate drops down to about 2%. Most top colleges have transfer student acceptance rates in the single digits as well, and transfer acceptance rates are usually (although notably, not always) lower than first-year admissions rates.

Another difference is in the application itself. Because typically transfer applicants have completed at least one semester of college, students are no longer evaluated solely on their performance in high school, but must demonstrate aptitude and an ability to succeed in a college-level environment as well. This is true not only for academics but extracurriculars and recommendations as well, so be sure to thoroughly develop these aspects of your application if you’re planning to transfer. There are also significant differences in the essays. For example, the Common Application features only one essay prompt for transfer applicants: “Please provide a statement that addresses your reasons for transferring and the objectives you hope to achieve.” This prompt is more straightforward in what it requires from students than the prompts for first-year applicants, which usually encourage more creative storytelling. Many transfer applications require students to write both an essay on why they’ve chosen to transfer as well as an essay that more closely resembles a typical college application essay.

Another major difference is timing. While nearly every application for first year admission is due by mid-January, most transfer applications aren’t due till February or March. This also means you’ll be getting your decisions back later, and won’t be making your final decision likely until the end of the year. This timing can cause complications for some students in regards to things like summer internships or activities and travel plans, so be sure to familiarize yourself with all deadlines and start dates to avoid any inconvenient scheduling.

While the process of transferring colleges is time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially when combined with a college workload, transferring can allow many students to reach personal goals and transform their college experience for the better. With research, ambition, and the same painstaking effort that you put into your first-year applications, you can make your goal of transferring a reality.

Curious about your chances of acceptance to your dream school? Our free chancing engine takes into account your GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, and other data to predict your odds of acceptance at over 500 colleges across the U.S. We’ll also let you know how you stack up against other applicants and how you can improve your profile. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to get started!

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Application For Transfer From One College To Another

Every year, many students transfer from one school to another. And if you are one of them, you will need a transfer application. This article will show you an example on how to make this kind of application on your own.

Transfer and admission into a new campus shall be subject to vacancies in the campus and approval by the Registrar. Students shall retain their admission numbers after.  Transfers shall apply only at the beginning of the semester . Plenty of students transfer between colleges  every year . In fact, about one-third of all students will swap institutions at least once before earning their degree. Transferring colleges can be a great idea if you’re sure that the new school offers opportunities your current school lacks.

Transfer from college to college or university to university is possible. The procedure for transfer is – Transfer from one College to another: -(1)A student desirous of transfer from one College to another shall apply to the Registrar in the prescribed manner for permission for such transfer. You can search through this article below for the latest and best information regarding how to transfer admission from one college to another, how to write an application for transfer from one school to another and how to write a transfer letter from one college to another. Just push the button below.

You will also find related posts on application letter for transfer from one college to another, how to write an application for transfer from one college to another & how do you transfer from one college to another   on Collegelearners.

school transfer letter due to financial problem

Application for School Leaving Certificate due to Financial Problems

[This is a sample application format for School Leaving Certificate due to Financial Problems. You have to mention your problem properly. You can modify these formats as your requirement.]

The Principle,

Institute name…

Institute Address…

Sub: Letter for School Leaving Certificate due to Financial Problems

Respected principal!

Hope you find this in good health. I have been a student in this school right from the nursery and I have maintained good grades since the primary classes. I never imagined that there would be a day where I have to leave this school other than when I graduate. (show your actual problem and situation). But due to unfavorable circumstances that arise in my home after the death of my father, there is no way I can afford the tuition fees of this school.

With a heavy heart, I would request you to grant me a school leaving certificate so that I can continue my studies through private means.

Sec No and I.D. No…

Contact no…

Choosing a college is tough! There are so many options and most people spent a lot of time trying to find the school that fits them best. And many people apply to more than one college or university, which means several rounds of filling out application forms, requesting transcripts, asking for letters of reference, and gathering test scores. Then you wait for that magic envelope to arrive with the news that you got into your dream school.

You got in! So now it’s time to pack your bags and head off to your perfect college! Smooth sailing, right? Not so fast! Sometimes plans change and it becomes necessary to transfer from one school to another. People transfer for many reasons–you may find that the school is not right for you, or you may end up choosing a major not offered by the school. Whatever your reason, transferring to another college is possible.

The transfer process will be slightly different from the process you followed when you first applied to college. Each school’s process is unique, but there are some shared elements within the college transfer application process. Let’s take a closer look.

The College Transfer Application

So how hard is it to transfer colleges? The easy answer is that  it’s just as difficult as applying to colleges normally , but the process is slightly different. Your college GPA and course load will be a larger factor than your high school GPA, unless you’re transferring after one year.

Once you’ve done your research and have an idea of where you would like to transfer, it’s application time again. A transfer application will probably require more information than the application you filled out the first time you applied to college. Most college transfer applications are now completed and submitted online, so your main tools here will be your computer and a reliable Internet connection.

Demographic Information

Your demographic information will probably be the first thing on the college transfer application. This includes your legal name, your permanent or home address, telephone numbers, and email address. Most college applications also require your Social Security number as this is usually tied to academic records and student identification numbers.

Educational Background

Next up is a section about your education, starting with high school. You’ll probably need to request that your high school send an  official transcript  of your academic progress to the college. Some colleges do not require an official high school transcript if applicants have earned a certain number of college-level credit hours. For example, students who have earned an associate’s degree at a previous school may not be required to submit high school transcripts. Check with your school to get specific requirements.

In addition to high school info, you will also need to list all colleges or universities you have attended along with your cumulative grade point average at each school. Again, you will be required to submit official transcripts for all college work. These transcripts are important because they are your official academic record and the school will review them to decide if you will receive  transfer credit , or credit for courses that you completed elsewhere.

Keep in mind that some classes may transfer and others may not.  Accreditation  is important here. Most schools will only accept transfer credit from schools that are accredited by a formal organization that verifies that the courses are being taught according to a set of standards for education.

Grades are important, too. Most colleges and universities want to see at least a 2.0  grade point average (GPA) . This means that the grades you received in all of your past classes should average out to a C or above. Some colleges have strict GPA requirements and others are less demanding. Check with your school for specific GPA guidelines.

Extracurricular Activities

You will likely be asked to list your extracurricular activities on the college transfer application, including any clubs, sports, or campus organizations that you were part of at your old school.

Employment History

Your future college is also interested in your employment history. Make sure to list all jobs that you have held, including work-study. You will also want to list any volunteer work here as well.

application for transfer from one school to another as a teacher

School transfer request letter guide , writing a transfer request letter.

You must properly address the letter by commencing with a good introduction. You have to reveal any academic and non- academic achievements.

Additionally, you must explain what you have been studying.

The  following few basic components  are what your school transfer letter should ideally be based on;

Introduction

Briefly introduce yourself so that the school administration may have clear understanding of who you are. Remember to include any student ID number assigned to you during your time at the school along with your name and other such information.

Achievements

Provide an account of what you have achieved academically so far.

Besides your GPA, mention any awards won over the years. Offer details of activities that you took part in and he outcome of these activities i.e the awards and how they bettered you.

The reason for your request to transfer

Perhaps you cannot afford the college fees anymore, or you have secured admission into a more prestigious school. Give explanations as to why you need to move elsewhere.

Gratitude to the intended recipient

Say how grateful you are for all the time spent in that school, and that you will appreciate if the request for transfer will be granted.

Effective Tips to Consider

Remembering  the following guidelines  will prove to help with your case;

Honesty:  There is no need to give fake reasons. Even if you have secured admission into a more prestigious school, be honest about it.

Correct format : It is important to make use of the correct format given that it’s an official document. The letter must be made up of heading, your name and address, name and address of intended recipient, subject, a few paragraphs and closing remarks as well.

Brevity : There is no need to write a 10- paged request letter! Who, in their right mind, would want to go through such a long letter? Simply express your intention in two or three paragraphs.

Proofread : The letter should not contain silly mistakes regarding grammar and sentence structure. Even if you intend to leave, don’t create the impression that you are careless or dumb.

Formal language : The request letter is meant for official use, so you must make use of formal language. In most cases, such letters end up in the hands of school principals, and they would naturally want to be addressed in a formal manner.

how to write an appeal letter for school transfer

Steps to follow, 1. introduce yourself .

This is the part where you have to invest most of your time, as this is the paragraph where you can win the game. The first paragraph is the most important part of the essay, thus it should include some catchy and attention-grabbing statements.  You can start off with a simple introduction and telling about some of your core values. You need to address and explain things like,  Why did you choose your current institution in the first place?

The reason should be simple and factual. The reason could be anything whether if the school was closer to your home or maybe you wanted to stay with your parents.

Be honest at this part of the section as officers easily catch up the  made-up reasons . Also, you can mention some of the things you liked about your current school that had helped you improve certain skills.

Background Information  – Harvey is currently studying at Amherst College since he wanted to be close to his home so that he can help his dad in his TV agency. But now, since his father has asked his uncle to help, he no longer has to stay in his hometown. Harvey wants to move to Penn where he can find more practical information related to his anthropology course. Transfer application of Harvey is gonna shape like the one given below.

Example  – Before I could even walk, my parents had gained an interest in History. So we spent every holiday walking off the street of some historical sites which helped me to gain an interest in archaeology. Moving around to all these places have made me resourceful and adaptable. My decision of starting my education at Amherst College was because of the reason that I wanted to stay close to my house so that I can help my father with his T.V agency.

2. The reason for the transfer 

One question that every admission transfer officer look out for is “ why the student wants to leave the current college and attend another? ”. 

In your essay, colleges and universities will be looking for what makes their school a better fit for you than your current institution. You have to be very precise about the reason for your transfer without speaking negatively about your current college. 

Give a Polite Description  – You have to mention a polite description of why you and your current college is not a perfect match. One should explain the reason as clearly and concisely as possible, taking advantage of the opportunity to show what you have learned about yourself and the kind of college you believe is right for you.

Example  – My reasons for transferring are almost entirely academic. I have made many good friends at Penn, and I have studied with some wonderful professors. I’m majoring in anthropology, but the program at Penn is almost entirely contemporary and sociological in its focus. I’m looking for something more than that.

3. Speak about your interests

“ What you want to do? ”. This is another important section that the admission officer looks into to differ with the applications. The student should be clear about his/her vision and future.

This part of the essay should be focused on the objectives that the student wants to achieve being a part of the institution he/she is applying to.  

This section should also highlight about “ Why are you applying to this school in particular? ”. You must have a concrete reason for the selection of this particular college. Admission Officer will expect that you have done your research and now are making a calculated, thoughtful decision to transfer.

Make sure the admission officer knows that you aren’t applying because “it’s better than your current school” but because this school is where you feel you truly belong.

You need to describe what are your interests and how this college will help you fulfill them. Your interest in transferring to one school should be directly related to your reason for leaving your current school. This admission officer will understand your position better.

Example – By attending Amherst, I hope to broaden and deepen my knowledge in anthropology, participate in more summer field work, volunteer at the museum, and eventually, go on to graduate school in archaeology.

4. Concluding with an overview

A good ending is an important aspect of the application. It gives the essay it’s desired shape. In this section, you should give an overview of your academic offerings and experiences you gather in your current college that helped you evolve.

It should talk about how you have developed from your previous experiences and will be taking those insights when progressing to the new institution. This section should appeal to the officer that you are a positive person and continue this performance after the transfer to the new school.

The conclusion should be short and crisp and should speak about the honor the student will acquire if he/she gets accepted. 

Example  – As my transcript shows, I have done well at Penn and I am convinced I can meet the academic challenges of Amherst. I know I would grow at Amherst, and your program in anthropology perfectly matches my academic interests and professional goals.

College Transfer Process

College transfer application – do’s and don’ts.

These are the general things that one must keep in check when writing a transfer application. 

• Keep things short and focused
• Be specific on what you have to say
• Start your essay with an attention-grabbing introduction
• Do proofreading several times
• Keep track on the application deadlines

Don’ts 

• Be creative, don’t write what admission officials always read
• Don’t make things up, be honest
• If you write about your thesis, don’t include things that don’t support it
• Give yourself time, don’t rush into the college application

Best colleges/universities for transfer

The colleges mentioned below are providing an ideal combination of good quality education, affordability, and alumni success. 

You’ll notice colleges in California dominate our list below. That’s not surprising – the state’s two four-year college systems have a clearly defined pathway for community college students, supported by a statewide set of general education courses that will transfer between institutions.

Other states, like Florida, also guaranteeing admission to a public four-year college for students who start at community colleges.

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WTO / Letters and Emails / Request / 20+ Transfer Request Letter Samples (Word, PDF)

20+ Transfer Request Letter Samples (Word, PDF)

A job transfer request letter is a formal notice from an employee to the organization when he or she wants to move from one part of the organization to another. An employee can also submit this letter when they want to move to a new organization of a similar nature.

For instance, an employee may want to switch from one particular department of an organization to another or they might want to shift to a different location for personal or any other reason.

Sample Letters

This letter serves as a formal and professional means of expressing your desire for a transfer and outlining the reasons behind it. By using samples, you can gain valuable insights into the structure, tone, and content required for an effective letter, ensuring that your request is articulated clearly and professionally.

What to Write in a Letter?

This letter would be quite similar to a cover letter . However, it is extremely important that when an employee is writing the letter, each point is clear. It would be preferable to have the entire information on just one page.

The following points would be useful:

• It is important to mention the strengths and abilities of the employee who is writing the letter.
• It is important to mention what benefit the transfer would cause to the division supervisor of the organization.
• It is important to mention what benefit it would bring to the organization.

To write a letter, consider the following points as well:

• In the very first sentence of the letter, mention the purpose of writing the letter.
• Mention the position for which the employee is applying.
• Mention position and name.
• Mention all the abilities and experiences.
• Mention how loyal the employee is to the company.
• Mention the reason for the transfer.
• Remember not to brag while writing the letter.

An employee should write this letter when they learn about the opportunity because the faster they apply, the better their chances of landing that particular position and getting the relevant transfer.

Given below is the letter template, which an employee can follow to write the letter:

Employee’s Name Employee’s Address City, State, and Zip Code

Insert a date here.

Company’s Name Hiring Person’s Name Hiring Person’s Title Company’s Address

City, State, and Zip Code

RE: Insert Subject Here

Dear Name of Person,

I have recently learned about the XYZ Position from my supervisor, Name, and I would like to submit my application formally.

I have maintained my position as a Sales Manager for the past five years and now I would like to take on a new role, as my background is in marketing and finance. I have the following strengths and abilities:

Mention Strengths and Abilities

Enclosed is my full resume. I am sure I will not disappoint you, as I am aware of the company’s rules and policies. You can reach me at 555-555-555. I would be glad to provide further information.

Employee’s Signature Employee’s Name Printed List of enclosures

A comprehensive set of formal sample letters is offered in this section, serving as valuable samples for those initiating transfer requests in various professional and personal situations.

Sample Letter 1 – Requesting Transfer for Professional Growth

Dear Mr. Thompson,

I hope this message finds you well. After three enriching years in the Marketing Department at Zenith Corp, I’ve developed a robust skill set in digital advertising and campaign management. My work on the successful “Innovate Tomorrow” campaign, which increased our web traffic by 40%, has been a highlight of my career.

I am writing to express my interest in the recently advertised position in the Product Development team. This role aligns perfectly with my aspiration to delve into product strategy and innovation. Given my background in understanding customer needs through marketing campaigns, I am excited about the prospect of applying these insights to product development.

I am fully committed to ensuring a smooth transition for the Marketing team and am prepared to train my replacement thoroughly. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to Zenith Corp in this new capacity and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further.

Thank you for considering my request.

Emily Carter

Sample Letter 2 – Requesting Transfer for Geographic Relocation

Dear Ms. Rodriguez,

I trust this letter finds you in good health. As a dedicated member of the Client Services team at Global Solutions for the past five years, I have greatly enjoyed working with our diverse clientele and spearheading initiatives like the “Client Connect” project, which enhanced client engagement by 25%.

I am writing to request consideration for a transfer to our branch in San Francisco. Due to family circumstances, relocating to San Francisco has become a necessity for me. I have noticed an opening in the Client Services team there, and I believe my experience with key accounts and regional clients will allow me to seamlessly integrate and continue delivering exceptional service.

I am committed to working closely with you to ensure a smooth transition, including providing comprehensive training to my successor. I would be grateful for the chance to continue my career with Global Solutions in this new location and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I can make this move beneficial for both the company and myself.

Thank you very much for your understanding and support.

Warm regards,

Jacob Martinez

The two sample letters you’ve provided are exemplary in their approach to requesting professional transfers, each serving as an excellent guide for similar correspondence.

In the first letter, focused on requesting a transfer for professional growth, the writer skillfully employs a professional tone and articulates her purpose with clarity. Her letter is a testament to the importance of succinctly highlighting personal achievements and skills. By mentioning her successful contributions to the “ Innovate Tomorrow ” campaign and the resulting increase in web traffic, the writer makes a compelling case for her suitability for the new role. This approach not only demonstrates her competence but also her understanding of the company’s goals and how her skills align with them. Furthermore, her expression of interest in the Product Development team is seamlessly tied to her current experience, illustrating a logical career progression. This clear connection between past experience and future aspirations is essential in such letters.

The second letter, to request a transfer due to geographic relocation, mirrors the strengths of the first. The writer’s emphasis on his longstanding commitment and contributions to the company, like spearheading the “ Client Connect ” project, establishes his value as an employee. His rationale for the transfer is clearly stated and personal, yet professionally presented. This balance of personal need and professional rationale is critical in such requests. Additionally, both letters include an offer to assist in the transition, showcasing the writers’ commitment to the company’s continuity and their sense of responsibility.

In summary, these letters are particularly effective as instructional guides due to their clear articulation of purpose, demonstration of the writers’ value and achievements, logical connection between past roles and future aspirations, and consideration for the company’s needs during the transition. They strike an ideal balance between professional courtesy, personal expression, and strategic career planning.

Reasons to Write the Letter

There are various reasons to write a transfer request letter. Given below are some of them:

• An employee is likely to write this letter when they would like to move to a different position within the same company.
• An employee may also write this letter when they are moving to a different city and would like to transfer the position. In this case, the company is the same as well.
• An employee might be interested in learning new skills and would thus write this letter.
• An aging employee might request a transfer to avoid work stress.
• An employee would like to face new challenges and would thus write this particular letter.
• An employee would like to work in a different branch of the organization to learn something valuable.
• An employee might want to avoid excessive traveling during work and would thus write the letter.

What is a Transfer Offer Letter?

This letter refers to a request or a message for the transfer of an employee. Employers can write to the employees informing them of the transfer. Similarly, an employee can write to the boss requesting it. Not everyone can write a favorable letter; you require proper guidance to do so. A poorly planned letter can make you look careless; that’s why you need to seek an expert’s help. There are no specific words to use in your letter; however, you must include your contact information, date, and the supervisor’s contact information.

Sample Offer Letters

Blank offer letter in pdf format.

An internal transfer message informs the employer of the employee’s wish to be moved to a different department within the same company. It is essential to write a letter stating all the reasons for requesting an internal transfer. Indicate the changes you expect to bring to the new department.

Transfer offer letter from employer to employee

Job Transfer Offer Letter Template

Offer Letter for Internal Transfer

Lateral Transfer Offer Letter

Internal promotion offer letter

Transferring an employee to a different department or location is difficult. Drafting a letter to your representative can help in making him understand that the transfer can be an opportunity for him to accomplish his goals. You can also state the reasons for moving the employee to another branch. The person responsible for the worker might have essential resolutions for such members to move.

Offer letter for position transfer

This letter is a stepping stone towards a bright and prosperous career. Templates written by professionals can provide useful guidance and tips to write an effective letter.

Templates can help you to save time and ensure consistency and clarity. A template provides the basis for a high-quality letter, but by adding your individual touches to your template, you can create a powerful letter that communicates your message professionally. you. Applying a sample job offer letter template made by professionals can make your work easier.

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