The college transition isn’t always easy. Sometimes it takes a few weeks to adjust. Other times, students may question whether they made the right choice: Could another school be more fulfilling? Is it time to transfer?
These questions are normal! After all, a lot can change in a year, from academic interests to a bad case of homesickness. In any case, a college transfer can be simple, given the right preparation.
Wondering where to start? Let’s break it down.
Form relationships with your professors
Have you attended your professors’ office hours? Or had any insightful after class chats? It’s never too late to develop a rapport with your professors if you are considering transferring colleges. Some colleges ask for two letters of recommendations, some ask for one, and some ask for none. No matter what, it’s best to be prepared!
If you are in your first year in college, developing good relationships with this semester’s professors is vital. Time is of the essence. Most application deadlines come in February through March, so there won’t be much time next semester for your new professors to get to know you beforehand. If your class section is large, be sure to meet with your professor one-on-one, whether through their office hours or by appointment.
Be persistent! Don’t wait for a reason to reach out. While professors are certainly a great resource to answer questions, most are happy to interact with their students, beyond providing assignment help.
Considering asking a teaching assistant? Though some colleges accept a letter of recommendation from a teaching assistant, it is preferred for your actual professor to write it.
Get to know your advisor.
Many colleges and universities require a College Report, which is a form signed by a dean or advisor stating that you are in good academic and social standing. Though completing the answers and signing the form is all that is technically needed, it can be helpful for your advisor or dean to write a letter, or even just a few lines, supporting your application.
Unsure who your advisor is? Check your student portal first. If you don’t see one listed, contact your university’s Student Success Center, your department’s main office, or the Office of the Registrar to find out who your advisor is and how to reach them.
Hold on to your course syllabi.
When you are applying for a transfer, some colleges and universities require a copy of a course syllabus and/or course catalog description of each college class taken to date. Make sure you have this information ready to go. If you don’t, there is still time to request copies from your past professors or to check Canvas, Blackboard, Brightspace, Moodle, or any other platform that hosted your past courses.
This information can be extremely helpful for colleges as they award you transfer credit. Not all colleges will have this requirement, but again, better to be prepared.
Confirm your high school’s process for sending transcripts.
Phone an old friend. You will need to submit a final high school transcript to colleges and universities as part of the college transfer process. Even if you applied previously during the first-year application process, you still need to send your final transcript so the admissions committee can see your grades through the end of twelfth grade. Give your high school a call to confirm what you need to do and how long it takes them to send the transcript.
You may need to make a visit to the high school to submit a transcript request form, and you’ll want to know that before heading home for the holidays so you can plan accordingly.
Do another round of college research.
Get a good feel for what’s out there. Transfer applicants typically apply to a smaller number of institutions, but it is important to do research and visit schools as much as you can.
What’s the golden rule? Start earlier, rather than later! We recommend students start working on application essays once the fall semester concludes, so there is time to create your college list, finish the semester on a high note, and then get started with the application!
If you would like additional advice on the transfer process, please don’t hesitate to contact us.