From One College to Another: The Ultimate Transfer Guide by Mark Rowh
Transferring is a big step, but you don’t have to go it alone. Here’s a full guide to help you through the process of moving from one college to another.
T
hinking about transferring? Whether you planned to from the start or decided you needed to make a change—and regardless of if you’re from a two-year or four-year school—transferring is a big step, and you’re far from alone. In fact, about a third of all college students transfer from one college to another at some point in their academic journey, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Although transferring is a routine process, it may not be a problem-free one. Too often students encounter difficulties along the way. From finding that not all of their credits transfer to discovering their new school isn’t the right fit after all, some students face disap- pointment. But that doesn’t have to happen to you. To make sure your transfer goes as smoothly as possible, follow these strategies.
Do your homework Before making the commitment to transfer to another
college or university, you need to obtain a lot of infor- mation. When it comes to transferring, the most ob- vious question is, where will you go? If you have long- held plans to transfer to a specific college, this may be a no-brainer. But if you’re not sure, take the time to compare your options. Just as in selecting a college as a freshman, you’ll want to consider a host of fac- tors for each school you’re considering. Does it offer the right program for you? How much does it really cost? What are its transfer credit acceptance policies like? Getting answers to these and other questions should be your top priority. As a first step, check out college websites and publications. Many schools publish helpful transfer guides of their own. A great example is the online guide offered by DePaul University; it offers an inter- active menu where you choose things such as your current college and preferred major, then the site gen- erates individualized details on transferring. Other
Articles & Advice
online guides provide facts on everything from general education requirements to application instructions. Some states and education organizations also offer advice on transferring. For example, the South Carolina Transfer and Articulation Center serves as a one-stop shop for transfer students and college personnel. Stu- dents can obtain info online about degree pathways, articulation agreements, and course requirements for specific majors at different schools. Your state’s higher education agency may offer similar information.
Ask about your specific situation Even if you obtain plenty of general info about a col- lege or university, your transfer research shouldn’t stop there. To get an accurate look at any college you’re considering, it pays to ask specific questions. Ideally, this will mean telephone or in-person conversations. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices or selected a single college, find out whom you should contact.
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