Best Practices for Transferring to a New College

In a recent post, I reviewed the information college students should consider before resolving to transfer to a new college. This is not a decision to be made lightly, as it may cost a significant amount of time and money. Students who transfer could lose scholarships and financial aid, or they may have to spend another year or more in school to satisfy their new degree requirements.

After all the pro and con lists have been made, and the financial realities have been addressed, sometimes the transfer is still the best path. When this happens, it’s very important to get everything right from the outset. Going into a transfer situation unprepared could cause delays in acceptance, or it could simply cause the student’s existing problems to follow them to the next school.

Prepare for a College Transfer Well in Advance

Colleges and universities have different application deadlines for transfer students than they do for new students. Some will also have different entrance requirements to ensure that they are accepting a qualified student. It’s important to know the new school’s transfer application deadline and requirements in order to avoid spending more time than necessary at the present school, or worse, losing a semester entirely. 

Generally, students should apply for a transfer at the beginning of what they expect to be their final semester at their current school. It may be difficult to transfer mid-year, from fall semester at one school to spring semester at another. Most schools set an early spring deadline for transfers in the upcoming fall semester. 

Students who want to transfer should build a relationship with the admissions office at the new school if possible to make sure they complete all the requirements in a timely manner. It’s also a good idea to arrange for a visit and tour to make sure that the transfer school will meet their expectations.

A College Transfer is a Fresh Start

One of the worst outcomes of a college transfer is that all the same things are wrong in the new school that were wrong in the old school. When this happens, the student most likely made their transfer decision without a clarifying time of self-reflection. Whether the reason for the transfer was academic, social, or emotional, students need to beware that their problems could simply follow them to the new school.

While preparing for a college transfer, students should take time to reflect on their experience and consider what they can do to make their fresh start a good one. This can look different for everyone, but may include taking long thoughtful walks, journaling, or talking with a counselor or college coach. The student should head into the new environment with a clear idea of what will help them be happy and successful.

Continue Looking Forward with a College Transfer Decision

Even when students are completely certain that transferring to a new college or university is the best decision, they may still feel lingering doubt or guilt. This is completely normal and natural. It’s hard to reconcile that the first choice was not the best choice. Even so, the student is moving forward with more life experience and personal responsibility. The best course of action is to continue looking towards the future with confidence in this new opportunity to achieve one’s goals.

Wherever you are on the college transfer thought journey, you do not have to travel it alone. Contact me for a free strategy session and help making the best decision for you. I have advised many college students on clarifying their needs and priorities before deciding to transfer schools or stay where they are.