CAMBRIDGE, MA - Students enter the Admissions Building on the campus of Harvard University in ... [+]
After the first year of college, some students realize that the school they have chosen to attend is not quite right for them. Whether due to their college’s location, size, or academic program, something just doesn’t align with the student’s needs and wants. In these circumstances, transferring can be the right choice for some students—but the process requires self-reflection, commitment, and motivation, so students should think carefully before choosing to leave their current school.
If your student has chosen to apply as a transfer student this spring, continue reading for 5 tips to help them navigate the application process. It is important to note that transfer application deadlines are between February and April, so now is the time for students to get started on the process!
1. Carefully consider the reasons for transferring.
A major component of the transfer application for students is explaining their reasons for transferring out of their current university and why the new college will be a better fit. Students should think critically about why they are unhappy at their current school. They should consider questions such as: why is it not a great fit? Do you dislike how large (or small) the classes are? Does your school not offer the major you want? Would you rather be closer to home? Do you hate the weather? The process requires honesty and self-reflection, so students should take their time considering these factors. They can also approach these questions from an alternate perspective—having attended a college that was not the right fit, what have they learned about what they do want in a college? This question can help guide their search for a new school that is a better fit.
2. Create a new college list.
Once a student has figured out their reasons for transferring, they will need to create a list of colleges that align with their goals. They should determine what qualities they now realize they need and do thorough research to determine what schools have those qualities. It is important to note that many schools have low transfer acceptance rates. While this shouldn’t keep a student from applying to a school, it should inform students’ strategy when applying—just like building their college list in high school, transfer applicants should have a variety of high reach, reach, and match schools on their transfer list. The student may also choose to identify a couple of safety schools if they feel as though transferring out of their current school is necessary, even if the new school is not their first choice. For more information on schools with high transfer admissions rates, check out our list of The Easiest Colleges to Transfer Into.
Before applying, students should also research each school’s requirements for transferring. Check to see if there are certain conditions applicants need to meet in order to transfer. Some schools require students to have completed a full academic year at their current school before transferring, while others require only one semester, and still others only allow junior transfers. Certain programs and majors may also have specific course requirements that students must complete at their current institution, so students should be thorough and targeted in their research.
3. Ask for letters of recommendation.
Universities require letters of recommendation from college professors, so students should consider who they will ask to write their letters. The professors should teach core subjects (humanities and STEM) or subjects in their intended major. They should also be sure to ask the college professors who will be able to speak to their hard work in an academic setting without being concerned about what the professors may think about their choice to continue their education at a different institution. After asking their professors for letters of recommendation, students should be intentional about reaching out to their recommenders with thank you letters, expressing their gratitude for their time and thoughtfulness in recommending them.
Because transfer application deadlines are approaching, it is imperative that students ask their professors as soon as possible if they have not already done so.
4. Consider re-taking standardized tests.
Many schools will take both high school and college grades into consideration, as well as standardized test scores. While students cannot change their grades from high school or college, they can opt to retake standardized tests in the hopes of achieving a higher score. While this may feel like a drag, higher scores could make a significant impact on their chances of admission.
Keep in mind that some universities are test-optional, so students should check each school on their list for their individual policies. If one of the schools on their list is test-optional, it may not be worth a student’s time to retake the tests given the quickly approaching deadline. Students should check their scores against the average scores of applicants at each school. If their scores fall within the 50th percentile, it is worth submitting their scores.
5. Write the “transfer essay.”
The transfer essay is a critical component of a student’s application which sheds light on who an applicant is beyond their test scores and GPA. Like the personal statement, it should give meaningful insight into the student’s goals, interests, and passions, but it is distinct from the personal statement in that much of the transfer essay is devoted to explaining their decision to transfer. Students should provide specific information about what they want out of a college experience, their academic and career goals, why their current institution is not the best fit for them, and the reasons that the new institution is a better fit. As they do so, they should be careful not to speak badly about their current school—the essay should be about their growth and self-discovery rather than the negative qualities of the school they wish to leave.
If your student does not feel as though they are achieving their potential, developing as a person and scholar, or enjoying themselves at their current institution, transferring may be the best choice for them. Keep in mind this is not something they can do half-heartedly. However, if they take the time to truly consider what they want and need and discover schools that better fit those desires, the transfer process can lead them to an institution that they truly love while also teaching them more about themselves. For more information on the transfer process, check out this step-by-step guide!
