by Joanne Apesos
1/31/2015

Many students who begin their studies at one college do not earn their college degree at that institution.  According to the National Association of College Admissions Counselors, approximately one-third of college students transfer.  Why?  There are plenty of reasons: a bad student/college fit (it wasn’t the right school for the student), the desire to change to a major that isn’t available at their current school, wanting to transfer from a community college

In order to earn a bachelor’s degree, escalating tuition costs, lack of financial aid, homesickness or even family emergencies.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you are contemplating a transfer:

• Transferring to another college may impact your intended graduation date.
• Some colleges are more transfer-friendly than others.  For example last year SUNY Stonybrook had 5737 transfer students apply with 2607, or 45%, of transfer applicants admitted.  In contrast, Bowdoin received 171 transfer applications and only 8 students were admitted.  There’s a big difference between the two.
• Generally you are considered a transfer applicant if you’ve completed 24 college credits or more and many colleges will base their decision solely on your college performance.  But don’t be surprised if you need to submit a high school transcript and/or standardized test scores in addition to your college transcript for some transfer applications.  It is dependent on the school.  For example Boston University and Tufts University require both college and high school records.  Check the individual colleges for this information.
• An evaluation of your college credits is usually completed after you’ve received an acceptance from the school.  This is critical for you to find out what is accepted so you can plan out each semester’s courses at the new school and find out how many semesters you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree.  A helpful site is www.collegetransfer.net. Some schools will have on their website a Transfer Equivalency System where you can plug in your current school and the courses you have taken to see how/if they transfer.
• Financial aid doesn’t transfer to the new school.  You will need to reapply, completing the necessary forms like FAFSA and maybe the CSS Profile.  Also keep in mind that there are a limited number of semesters that you can receive federal aid.  Again, check with the financial aid offices of the schools you are applying to.
• Does the transfer school have a transfer orientation program or a segment of the orientation program specifically for transfers?  It’s important since you have questions and concerns that are different from those of a freshman.  You also want to connect with other transfer students for socialization!
• Does the transfer school have specified housing for transfer students?  College isn’t new for you and although it may be a new school, you’re an experienced college student.  The concerns/needs of a transfer student and a freshman are different and it would be advantageous to be around other transfer students or upperclassmen.
• Are you sure you want to transfer after one semester at your original college?  It takes some students longer to assimilate to new surroundings.  Sometimes a bit of reflection is in order before you react. 

Transferring is no easy task and the decision requires thoughtful contemplation and family discussions.  Even a discussion with someone who is impartial may help you sort it all out.

Joanne Clary Apesos is the owner of College Pursuits, a college counseling business in Holliston.  She has advised high school students and their families in planning their college experience for many years and has presented HEF workshops for students and parents about the college selection process.   Prior to assisting high school students she worked in higher education for 20+ years as an admissions counselor, adjunct faculty member and director of student activities at both public and private colleges and universities in the Northeast. She holds a master’s degree in Higher Education from Columbia University and is currently enrolled in UCLA’s College Counseling Certificate Program.  She can be reached at joanneapesos@gmail.com