Introduction
Transferring colleges is often a much more significant process than many students realize. The decision to transfer is often driven by a variety of factors, different for every student, but many come to us hoping to switch colleges to accommodate new academic opportunities or interests, to find a different social environment, or due to personal circumstances beyond their control. However, each student who comes to us for guidance on their transfer applications walks away better prepared to address the transfer specific deadlines, requirements, and essay prompts.
At Marks Education, we understand and prioritize the fact that every student’s journey is unique. As a result, our college transfer sessions are designed to provide tailored guidance to help you through this process. Whether you’re looking for a college that is a better academic fit, a closer-knit community, or just a change in environment, our goal is the same. We hope to support you in finding and gaining admission to a college that aligns with your goals and aspirations.
Why Do Students Transfer Colleges?
There are many reasons why a student might consider transferring. Common motivations include finishing their associates degree at a community college, a lack of academic opportunities at their current school that align with their evolving interests, a desire for a more fitting social community, or that the realization that their current environment doesn’t fully support their personal or academic growth as much as another school may.
Some students hope to transfer closer to home, while others may want to reapply to a top-choice school they missed out on initially. Athletics sometimes plays an important role; for example, recruited athletes may reconsider their initially chosen school if they can’t continue playing their sport or after substantial changes to their school’s program. Students facing academic or social challenges may also feel the need to find a better academic or social fit.
Key Questions to Consider Before Transferring
Before you go through with transferring, it’s important to spend time reflecting on your motivations. Ask yourself: Why isn’t my current school meeting my needs? Is it truly the environment, or are there changes I could make to improve my experience where I am?
When you’re trying to decide if transferring colleges is right for you, it’s important to avoid the “grass is always greener” mentality. Another college isn’t always going to be better, and if you haven’t fully explored the resources and opportunities at your current school in an attempt to make yourself happy, chances are, not much is going to change at your new school.
When you’re transferring, colleges want to see that you understand what went wrong with your current school and that you see their campus as offering a remedy of some kind– they don’t just want to hear you complain. Understanding your reasons for transferring will help guide your research and make sure that your next school is a better fit for your academic, professional, and social needs.
How a College Counselor Can Help
The transfer process is undoubtedly more complex and less standardized than the first-year application process. What is expected to transfer at one college, might not be the case at another.
A college admissions counselor can be a great resource in helping you keep the different deadlines, application prompts, and nuance of the process in check. At Marks Education, a transfer session usually means reviewing your academic profile, helping you understand how your current performance in college and/or high school will impact your transfer applications.
Counselors also help you think critically about your engagement on campus and in your community. This will help you understand how the experiences you’ve had, align with the goals you have for your transfer process. Your Marks Education counselor will also help you brainstorm and edit your essays, communicate with the universities you plan to apply to, and complete the necessary application forms.
Having an expert along for the ride with you can make a significant difference in managing the additional responsibilities that will fall on your shoulders as a transfer student, from coordinating recommendations and transcript requests to meeting varied, and sometimes tight, deadlines.
What Does a Typical Transfer Session Look Like?
In a typical college transfer session, we start by reviewing your current academic profile, including your college and high school performance. Depending on how many college credits you’ve earned, your high school record might still play a role in your transfer applications. We’ll also discuss your engagement on campus and your community, as these are important parts of the transfer application.
The goal is to make sure that you clearly understand your strengths and areas for improvement, and that you know how these factors align with your goals in transferring to a new institution.
Your transfer counselor will be there to help you build your college transfer list, manage deadlines, and write standout essays tailored to each school you apply to. We help students through the brainstorming, drafting, editing, and polishing phases of essay writing– so, even if you’re not a strong writer, there is no reason to stress. Our counselors are ready to help students show off their achievements and confidently apply to college.
Advice for Prospective Transfer Students
If you’re considering a transfer, staying organized and attentive to deadlines, which can vary from school to school, is important. Remember, this process is less standardized than the first year application process with deadlines ranging from November to March and sometimes requiring a quick response once decisions are made.
Pay close attention to the communications you receive from prospective schools and that you’re meeting all requirements promptly. You might miss a deadline to accept a spot at your new institution because you didn’t read the fine print and accept on time.
Conclusion
Transferring colleges isn’t just about switching campuses; it’s about finding the right place where you can thrive academically, socially, and personally. At Marks Education, we’re here to guide you every step of the way– from understanding your reasonings for transferring, finding a best fit school to transfer to, and helping you put together the strongest application possible. With the right prep and support, you can confidently make the move to a new school that better suits your needs and goals.