Getting accepted into your dream college is a dream many students have. However, not everyone achieves it at first. Some people have to choose community college because it’s easier to get into or cheaper. However, that doesn’t mean your educational journey ends there.
Other people join four-year institutes to realize they aren’t the right fit or they need to move away. Whatever your reason for changing your college, we’ve prepared this helpful guide to help you transfer. Hopefully, you will find your transfer process much easier once empowered with this information.
1. Plan Your Courses
If you are in community college and plan on transferring credit from community colleges to universities, then you need to plan ahead from the start. Work with your academic counselor to ensure you choose courses that will be transferred to your university of choice. This way, you will not be wasting any time.
The same thing applies to four-year institutes. As soon as you realize you want to transfer, research the courses that your university of choice will accept and join those as you bide your time.
2.Figure Out the Finances
Different colleges have different tuition scales. Community colleges are cheaper than graduate schools, and some graduate schools are more expensive than others. Don’t go at this alone. Seek financial advice from your financial aid officer at your current institution.
If you have applied for college loans, then consider how they will be impacted by your desired transfer and work with your bank in advance. You might need to save up some money to make the change smoother. It’s better to start saving sooner rather than later so that you face fewer financial barriers.
3. Visit Prospective Colleges
Don’t jump into the transfer process blind. Instead, take the opportunity to visit your colleges of choice beforehand. This will give you the opportunity to see how your current credits can be used toward your new degree and tour the campus.
Transferring to another college is pretty widespread, with 13.2% of all undergraduates being transfer students. So you can meet other successful transfer students and learn from their experiences.
It’s also your best chance to get yourself up-to-date on the admission process, how to apply for financial aid, and if there are any scholarship opportunities for transfer students. Not to mention, it will help you choose which institution you like the best.
4. Study Ahead
Are you going to change your major or keep the same one? Either way, if you are moving from a community college to a four-year university, the study material will be more difficult. To keep up with your peers, you should start studying ahead of time before the transfer.
Even if you are moving from one four-year graduate school to another, there’s still a difference. Research the courses that you’ll be taking beforehand so that you can study. That way, when you switch, you won’t feel burdened.
5. Fit the Requirements
All colleges have their own general admission requirements. Some might have special requirements for transfer students coming from another four-year institution or community college. Learn if you need to take any tests or need letters of recommendation as soon as you can so you can prepare for it.
The longer you have to study for entrance exams or seek out reputable professionals for letters of recommendation, the better. That way, you can score higher or find someone to recommend you who the school you wish to transfer to will take seriously.
6. Submit Your Transfer Applications
When you transfer to another college, you will need to fill out a transfer application. They are very similar to first-time admission applications in that they require your high school transcript, aptitude tests, essays, and letters of recommendation.
They also need additional information, like your transcript of the courses you have completed at your current institution so that they can transfer your credits. Check out what you need for this application, and make sure you submit it a little before the deadline so the admission staff have more time with it.
7. Embrace the University’s Culture
The universities are their own little pocket societies, with their rich histories and unique cultures. If you are transferring to a new university, the switch will be a lot easier if you immerse yourself into the new university’s culture.
Buy some merchandise, get a bumper sticker for your car and a jersey. Let everyone know that you’re a student at your new university. If there are any special events unique to your university, then take part to the fullest.
You don’t need to feel like an outsider. Explore the campus and check out different societies. Surround yourself with fellow students and make friends. Learn about famous alumni or listen to urban legends about the university. Soon you’ll fit right in.