transfer portal essay

The Common App for Transfer Students Guide

Common app for transfer students guide.

If you’re looking to transfer colleges, odds are you’ve probably already used the Common App . Since the Common App makes applying to multiple schools easy, you’ll be pleased to hear that there’s a just as useful Common App transfer application. As long as schools accept the Common App transfer application, you can use one handy tool for all of your schools. 

When considering how to transfer colleges, you may feel overwhelmed by the process. However, there are ways to stay organized and prepared in order to streamline your transfer. The Common App transfer option is an excellent way to stay on top of all of your required materials, essays, and deadlines. 

In this Common App transfer guide, we’ll cover the following topics: 

• Understanding the Common App as a transfer student
• Required materials and how to complete them
• Planning your transfer application and meeting academic requirements
• Obtaining your Common App transfer forms: transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.
• Writing the best Common App transfer essay
• Avoiding common mistakes as a Common App transfer applicant
• Tracking your application status after meeting the Common App transfer application deadline

Before discussing how to transfer colleges using the Common App college application, let’s start with the basics: understanding the Common Application. 

What is the Common Application?

The Common Application offers a streamlined process for students in their college application journeys. Before the creation of the Common App 40 years ago, students had to fill out individual applications for each school. The Common Application revolutionized the application process by allowing students to use one platform to apply to multiple schools.

Now with the Common App, students can compile standard application information and a Common App essay to send anywhere. Of course, schools often have their own supplemental essay requirements. Today, more than 1,000 higher education institutions make up the network of Common App colleges.

Common App for Transfers

When looking to transfer colleges, the Common App works in the same way as when applying for the first time. Over 600 institutions allow students to complete their transfer application via the Common App . Whether you’re a community college or 4-year institution transfer applicant, the Common App can work for you! You’ll find plenty of Common App colleges to apply to in one place. 

Applicants will be able to organize their Common App transfer forms after creating their Common App transfer login. The process is simple, but you need to gather some important materials prior to creating your Common App transfer login. From there, you can search Common App colleges based on program, transfer application deadline, start date, and more. 

Moreover, this platform offers a comprehensive way to stay organized throughout the application process. You can stay on track with your Common App transfer forms, Common App transfer essay, and transfer application deadlines.

If you’re still curious about the difference between the Common App transfer and first-year Common App processes, then check out this page . You might also want to check out this article from U.S. News that covers the Common App in general. Up next, we’ll turn our attention to the all-important Common App transfer essays.

Is there a Common App Essay for Transfers?

Logically, you might be asking yourself if there is a Common App essay for transferring. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that there is no general Common App transfer essay. However, this doesn’t mean that as a transfer student, you’re off the hook with essays.

Instead of a general Common App transfer essay, students will respond to school-specific essay prompts accessed via the Common App. In this way, Common App transfer essays are more similar to supplemental essays than a personal statement . However, some schools may ask students for a personal essay as their Common App transfer essay. If this is the case, students will respond to the personal essay prompts found in the Common App. 

Ultimately, the essay requirements will vary based on your schools of interest. You will likely highlight your academic experiences in college rather than high school when applying as a transfer. In addition to your essays, you will need to submit Common App transfer forms. You’ll need to submit a transcript from your current college or university, alongside other materials. We’ll learn more about Common App transfer forms in later sections.

How does the Common App Transfer process work?

Once you have your Common App transfer login, applying to Common App colleges is simple. In fact, the Common App transfer application makes it relatively easy to complete all the necessary application steps. However, it’s certainly important to pay close attention when applying to ensure you don’t miss anything. Let’s look at the Common App transfer process broken down into 5 steps: 

5-Step Common App Transfer Process

1. gather materials.

The materials you’ll likely need to include as a transfer applicant are not too different from first-year requirements. In general, you’ll need your transcripts and educational coursework, standardized test scores, employment experience, extracurriculars, and other achievements to complete your application. Of course, required Common App transfer forms may vary depending on the school. 

2. Create an account

You won’t be able to do much without first creating your Common App transfer login. After gathering the Common App transfer forms above, create your Common App transfer login. Once you’ve done so, you’ll be able to take advantage of the app and start the application process. 

3. Add programs

Now you can search for schools and programs that suit your needs and preferences. Once you enter using your Common App transfer login, simply go to the “Add programs” tab to get started. You can search based on several criteria: program availability, state, college, start term, deadline, application fee, and country. Once you’ve filtered programs based on your criteria, you can add the schools that interest you to your “selected programs.” 

4. Request letters of recommendation

Similar to a Common App transfer essay, letters of recommendation play an important role in the admissions process. You can use the Common App transfer to request these letters of recommendation. All you need is the recommender’s name, email, and due date for the recommendation. To get strong recommendation letters , however, you should personally reach out to your recommender to request their support. 

5. Transcript collection

Again, the requirements for your transcripts will depend on your program of interest. Some may request official transcripts, others unofficial, and some may require none at all. You can request Common App transfer forms like official transcripts within the Common App.

These are the general steps you’ll need to follow as you begin the application process. Now, let’s take a closer look at the application itself.

The Common App Transfer Application

The Common App transfer application has four sections:

• Personal information
• Academic history
• Supporting information
• Program materials (including school-specific transfer essays or questions)

While this may seem like a lot of information, once you create your Common App transfer login, the process is quite simple. Upon entering your Common Application login details, you’ll be taken to your dashboard. The Common App dashboard has plenty of useful information to help you with your Common App transfer applications.

Past the Common Application login screen, you’ll have access to various college application reference materials and resources . These include a transfer application guide, an application dictionary, and even a library of FAQs and video tutorials. Furthermore, Santa Monica College has provided a useful and informative presentation on the Common App transfer process.

So, if you’re wondering “Should I transfer colleges?”, don’t let the process of transferring be the deciding factor. Simply create your Common App transfer login and start exploring! There are plenty of resources out there to teach you how to transfer colleges seamlessly. 

How much does the Common App Transfer cost?

When asking yourself “Should I transfer colleges?”, money may be on your mind. Applying to many schools can be costly, even as a Common App transfer applicant. In fact, the costs are usually the same for transfers as first-time applicants. That being said, application costs and fees vary by school.

Typically, costs are $70-80 per application. However, some schools may have application costs as low as $15 while others as high as $125. Alternatively, some transfer applications are free or have fee waiver options. An advantage of having a Common App transfer login is the ability to see the application fee when searching for programs.

If paying application costs presents a barrier for you, then look into a fee waiver. To counteract recent trends of lower diversity among Common App transfer students, fee waivers are on the rise. There is a Common App fee waiver for qualifying students, so be sure to check the requirements to see if you qualify. Remember, if you’re wondering “Should I transfer colleges?” and are concerned about application fees, don’t let that stop you. There are options out there to make it more affordable.

Determining If the Common App Is Right for Your Transfer

Maybe you’re no longer asking yourself, “Should I transfer colleges?”, but are now asking yourself if you should use the Common App. Well, while the Common App partners with over 600 transfer colleges, not every school uses the Common App. Other schools may use a different application platform or have their own transfer application. Therefore, the schools you’re interested in will play the largest role in which applications you’ll use. 

Common vs Coalition Application

Alongside the Common App, the Coalition App is another application platform transfer students can use. However, it is uncommon for a school to accept only the Coalition App and not the Common App; typically, both are accepted. For example, Harvard University accepts either the Coalition Application or the Common Application. In this case, you may choose to use Coalition on Scoir, especially if you did so as a first-year applicant. Of course, similar to the Common App transfer forms, the Coalition App will have different requirements for transfer applications. 

School-specific transfer applications

Alternatively, some schools may have their own platform for transfer students. In that case, you won’t be making a Common App transfer login but one for that individual school. For example, the University of California schools have their own application platform for first-years and transfers. Similarly, the University of Texas at Austin accepts applications via Apply Texas, which many Texas universities use. MIT is another school that has its own application portal for transfer students. 

Why Common App?

Some students may find that they are leading hectic lives. Transfer students are often in school or may even be working part- or full-time with families to support. Therefore, if you are in a similar position and wondering, “Should I transfer colleges?”, then the Common App transfer can certainly streamline the process.

Among the resources that the Common App offers, the Common App map is an important one. Students can look at a map of American schools that accept the Common Application. As such, you won’t have to create a myriad of logins to complete your application, you’ll simply use the Common Application login. It makes the process quicker and often less stressful. 

Preparing Your Documents

If asking how to transfer colleges, then obtaining the required materials is a large part of the answer. Once you create a Common Application login, you’ll see the list of Common App transfer forms and other required materials. Remember that you can also see transfer application deadlines for all Common App colleges. So, when organizing your transfer application timeline, keep those important dates in mind. 

Here are some of the materials you’ll need to prepare for your application:

Materials for Transfer Application

Transcripts.

Transcripts are important because they show your courses and grades. Schools may ask for an official or unofficial transcript. You can request an official transcript from your school through the Common App platform. Note that you likely won’t need to submit a high school transcript unless you have fewer than 12 college credits. If you’re unsure how many credits you have, your college registrar’s office can probably help. 

College reports

An official at your current institution of learning must fill out your college report. It will contain your GPA and information on your current academic standing. 

Mid-term reports

Some schools may also ask for a mid-year report. It will have your grades from the previous semester, the ones you were completing while also doing your applications. Note that while this is a common requirement, not all schools ask for it.

A CV or resume will include not only prominent academic achievements, but also extracurriculars, volunteer experiences, hobbies, and any other accolades. As a transfer student, you may also have ample work and leadership experience. You should include it here. Most college career services offices provide resume writing support, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Additionally, if you’re a foreign resident in the U.S., you will need proper documentation to continue further education in the country. As a transfer student, this means providing proof of your valid green card or student visa.

Recommendations

One of the Common App transfer forms that ranks similarly in importance to the Common App transfer essay is the recommendations. Choose your recommenders carefully, as these letters provide admissions officers with a deeper insight into you as a person and student. And of course, give your recommenders plenty of time to meet the deadline and a hearty thank you! 

Once you have a Common App login, however, requesting and submitting these documents to your transfer colleges is quite simple. Now, let’s turn our attention back to your transfer essays.

Crafting a Compelling Common App Transfer Essay

Remember, there is technically no general Common App transfer essay like the Common App personal statement. Rather, each school will likely have their own supplemental essays for transfer students. However, you may be asked to write a Common App personal essay as a transfer student.

Essays are extremely important whether a first-year or transfer applicant. A compelling Common App transfer essay will make a case for your acceptance as a transfer student. Here are some questions that a successful Common App transfer essay will answer: 

Questions to Answer in Common App Transfer Essay

“why do you want to leave your current institution”.

Address what your previous institution was lacking. Why wasn’t it a good fit? Be careful not to be overly negative or critical of your school in this essay. Focus on yourself and why you want to seek greener pastures.

“Why do you want to transfer to a new institution?”

Articulate why you want to attend this particular school. What attracts you to it? Why is it a better fit? Be specific in writing about the new school and how transferring will help you achieve your goals.

“What makes you a strong candidate?”

Think about what makes you unique. What are your goals, strengths, and interests? How will you contribute to your new community? Use strong, concrete examples, preferably of achievements at your current institution.

Common App Transfer Essay Tips

The Common App transfer essay also provides the following topics for students to engage with in their essays. Here are some of the points that the Common App recommends transfer students touch on in their Common App personal essay:

• Academic and career aspirations
• Personal experiences, overcoming obstacles, other pertinent background information
• Growth and personal development from life experiences since high school—what have you learned about yourself and how have these experiences affected your educational goals?
• Reasons for transferring or returning to college
• Major-specific interests—what type of research would you want to conduct? Are there specific problems you’d like to investigate?
• Opportunities you’re hoping to find at your new institution

The Common App transfer essay and/or school-specific essays are a vital part of your transfer application. When considering how to transfer colleges, writing impressive essays should play a role in your plan to get into your dream school . Check out our guide on the Common App transfer essay to see some examples of successful transfer essays. 

Does the Common App have supplemental essays for transfer students?

Put simply, yes, the Common App has supplemental essays. These are often different from the first-year Common App essay and will vary based on the program you’re applying to. To find these essays, use your Common Application login to enter the site. Then, go to your dashboard, then navigate to Program Materials. Select your school and then look at the Questions section. Here, you will find the school-specific essay prompts you’ll need to complete. 

As a transfer student, you will need to complete either the Common App essay or school-specific supplemental essays. Every school is different, so your essay requirements will depend on the schools you plan to apply to. For example, Case Western Reserve asks students to submit a personal statement essay, choosing from the Common App essay prompts. However, Claremont McKenna asks applicants to submit three supplemental essays, responding to school-specific prompts. 

Highlighting Your College Experience in the Common App

While the application process as a transfer student appears quite similar to a first-year applicant, there are subtle differences. Namely, the main difference between a transfer and a first-year college application is that transfer applicants need to highlight college experiences. Admissions will want to see that you’ve made the most of your education at your current institution. And, if for some reason you haven’t, they’ll want to know the circumstances behind that. 

So, when considering how to transfer colleges, you’ll want to think about highlighting important experiences within your application. Here are some different areas within the application that will give you an opportunity to show off what you’ve done: 

Sections to Highlight Your Experience

Academic history section.

In this section, you’ll mention the colleges you’ve attended as well as your college coursework. This will show admissions if you’ve completed the required courses and if you’re up for taking challenging courses later on. It may also be important when applying to certain majors. For example, as a biology major, admissions would want to see you’ve taken the basic requisites. 

Supporting Information section

Now is the time to add all the information that admissions can’t see by simply looking at your academics. You’ll add your experiences and achievements, like extracurricular activities, leadership positions, and awards. You can also attach a CV or resume where you can show off your work, life, academic, and personal experiences. 

Without a doubt, your essays are your best opportunity to discuss your college experience in your own words. You might discuss highs and lows, both in and out of the classroom. It’s also an opportunity to expand on your future goals and why you need to transfer in order to achieve them. Well-written transfer essays will touch on the past as well as the future. And, of course, they need to be personal and school-specific. 

Now that we’ve covered the basics of the Common App transfer application and the Common App essay, let’s discuss your transcripts. Later on, we’ll do a deep dive into your letters of recommendation.

High School Transcripts and Transfer Applications

Transcripts are a critical part of the admissions review process at most every college. Typically, traditional first-year applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts. Similarly, Common App transfer applicants are required to submit their college transcripts. However, in some instances, schools may want to see both.

Transcript requirements

Typically, students with less than 12-semester college credits will need to submit a high school transcript. This is because a low number of college credits doesn’t provide sufficient academic context to the admissions committee. In this case, a college’s admissions requirement will likely include your high school transcript and maybe even your standardized test scores, like the SAT or the ACT.

However, certain colleges require all transfer applicants, regardless of completed college credits, to submit both their high school and college transcripts. Common App transfer requirements can vary by college and even by major. So, it is important to research which transcripts are required to complete your application based on your individual circumstances.

For instance, if you are a transfer student who has attended more than one college, you will be required to submit all transcripts when completing your Common App transfer application. Failure to submit all required transcripts may lead to your application being rendered incomplete. Using your Common App transfer login to continuously check your requirements can help you stay organized and informed.

Recommendation Letters: Tips for Transfer Students

Alongside your Common App transfer essay, your recommendation letters are one of the most valuable components of your transfer application. Common App transfer recommendations must be submitted directly by recommenders via a portal called Liaison Letters .

The Liaison Letters portal is separate from your Common App transfer login information. In fact, only your recommenders will be able to access Liaison Letters. However, students will need to request recommendations via the Program Materials section of their college application for each school they are applying to.

Who to ask for recommendation letters

The art of a successful Common App transfer recommendation is knowing who to ask for a recommendation. You should start by making a list of multiple people that you have a real relationship with or who showed a real interest in you. This can include professors, administrators, advisors of a club or organization, coaches, or supervisors.

Ultimately, you’ll want to choose someone who knows you in an academic, professional, or extracurricular capacity. While personal recommendations from family and friends can often speak to your character, these recommendations are not particularly helpful for an admissions committee evaluating Common App transfer applications. It is also important that you focus on college recommenders and not those from high school.

Depending on how long you have been at your current institution, you may find that you have fewer long-standing relationships with your instructors compared to what you had in high school. Some transfer students at larger schools may even feel like they have no one who knows them well enough to write a recommendation letter. If this sounds like you, do your best to forge meaningful relationships with faculty, even if it’s only your first year in college. You can do this organically by visiting professors during office hours and participating in clubs and organizations.  

When to ask for recommendation letters 

Like when you applied as a first-year applicant, applying as a transfer student takes a great deal of organization and deadline management. It can often be difficult to manage deadlines for yourself. However, it’s important to remember that you are also managing deadlines for the professors who will ultimately write your letters of recommendation.

To give your recommenders ample time, it is important to request recommendations no later than six weeks prior to your application date. This will give your recommenders plenty of time to consider your request, write the recommendation, and submit the recommendation letter through the preferred platform.

How to submit recommendation letters 

Common App transfer applicants should instruct their professors to submit recommendation letters through Liaison Letters. Once you’ve requested them in your Common App portal, your recommender will receive an email invitation that grants them personalized access to the platform.

However, as part of your request for a letter of recommendation, you should also make sure that your recommenders have access to the platform and any other necessary Common App transfer forms. That means checking in with them and ensuring you have the correct name, email address, and any other contact information needed to request your recommendations.

At any time, you can use your Common Application login to check the status of your recommendation letters. The status area of the webpage will show exactly where your recommendations are in the process.

If your Common App transfer recommendation has not moved past the requested, you should follow up with your recommender immediately to prompt them to complete the Common App transfer forms. This may be a sign that your Common App transfer recommendation invitation did not reach your recommender. The status of your Common App transfer recommendations should complete all three steps:

Requested→Accepted→Complete

Once your Common App transfer recommendation letter reaches the Complete step, your recommendation has been successfully completed.

The Transfer Academic Evaluation

Now that we’ve discussed the required Common App transfer forms, let’s discuss how your academic performance is evaluated.

Minimum GPA requirements

It is common for schools to have a minimum GPA requirement for transfer applicants. After all, your future institution is looking for evidence that you will be successful on their campus should you transfer colleges. Consequently, your academic transcript is one of the most important documents in determining whether you will be an academic fit for the institution.

However, don’t mistake meeting the minimum GPA requirement for guaranteed admissions. While Common App transfer schools often publish their minimum GPA requirements, you may find that accepted transfer students tend to have even higher GPAs than the published averages. If you want to see how your GPA compares, reach out to your admissions counselor or look online to learn more about the admitted student profile for transfer students.

Academic success

Transfer colleges are looking for students who have done well in their college coursework. This demonstrates dedication to studies and readiness to tackle the rigorous challenges of college-level courses. However, the academic evaluation for transfer students will vary from school to school. The selectivity of a school or your specific major of interest can both influence how transcripts are reviewed.

For one, you may be asking yourself, “Should I transfer colleges?” because you’re doing so well in your courses and you need more of a challenge. In this case, your grades will positively reflect your academic success! However, not getting As in your most challenging courses shouldn’t deter you from submitting a transfer application to more selective universities. If you’re applying yourself, and provide context in a stellar Common App essay, you can definitely still demonstrate your academic achievements.

Ultimately, understanding what your future college expects academically can help you determine if they are the right fit for you.

Exploring the Common App Schools: Finding the Right Fit

Finding the right fit college is one of the most important parts of the college search process. Whether you are seeking to transfer due to dissatisfaction with your first institution or as part of a strategic plan to enroll in your dream school, your future institution should suit your preferences, needs, and goals.  

Consider the “why” 

Many students find themselves asking “should I transfer colleges?” The next question to ask before submitting a Common App transfer application is “ why should I transfer colleges?”. Being clear on the reasons you want to transfer is a great way to find transfer colleges that are a good fit. You may consider features like research opportunities, student life, student-to-faculty ratio, and available majors.

Common App transfer colleges will also ask you why you are interested in transferring as part of your Common App transfer essays. Developing a list of reasons you want to transfer will also help you in this process.

Do your research

Finding a school that’s the right fit requires you to reflect on campus size, region, institutional type, academic major, and student life. In your research, do not limit yourself to only considering the Common App colleges that you have heard of. There are hundreds of Common App colleges in the U.S. that could be a good fit for you. A great way to learn of all the possible options is to browse Common App’s list of transfer schools, taking note of details like location , student life, and majors and programs.

Furthermore, a college’s website is the best place to get the most up-to-date information on their transfer application deadlines, academic programs, and policies. In addition to doing a thorough website review, there may be an opportunity to participate in a virtual tour or virtual information. A virtual visit option is great for students who live far away from the transfer colleges they are considering.

Transfer logistics

It is also important to know the starting term (Fall vs Spring, etc.) and how that fits into your overall transfer plan. Additionally, your academic major and program can also influence whether a school is a good fit for you.

Many transfer institutions have additional rules around transferring into certain majors. Remember, transfer admissions are often based on availability. So, if your major is popular, it is possible that the department is not taking additional students. It’s always a good plan to inquire specifically about transferring into your intended major.

Once you have a preliminary list of schools, you should plan to use your Common Application login to double-check deadlines, requirements, application costs, and entry terms. That way, you can plan a more seamless Common App transfer application. The next section will discuss more about getting and staying organized during the application process.

Planning Your Transfer Application

Completing a transfer application for Common App colleges takes time. To stay organized, you may want to create a college application calendar that has a list of To-Do’s. This might include when you want to have each step completed, as well as your final application deadlines.

Keeping your Common App transfer login information and any other Common Application login credentials handy will also allow you to check your portal frequently. Required Common App transfer forms may vary depending on the institution. Staying organized will help ensure that your Common App transfer essay and any other Common App transfer forms are given the time and attention they deserve.

In general, be sure to give yourself ample time to refine your Common App transfer essay and other Common App transfer forms. That way, you can stay on top of all of your transfer application deadlines.

Common App Transfer Deadlines

Your Common App transfer colleges will either have one set deadline or participate in rolling admissions. Deadlines for Fall admission can be as early as March and for some schools as late as August. You should pay close attention to each of the deadlines for the Common App colleges on your list.

Rolling admissions means there are no official transfer application deadlines or notification dates. Instead, Common App transfer applications are reviewed as they are received. Acceptance under rolling admission is highly dependent on availability on campus. If there is a Common App transfer college that has rolling admissions on your college list, be sure to submit your college application as soon as possible. The admissions team is often working to fill individual seats, and once those seats are filled, they may not be accepting any additional college applications.  

Students should always confirm the transfer application deadline of their specific school and the desired start term. For transfer students, this process typically includes bypassing registration for the upcoming term at your current institution. If deadlines and start terms are overlooked, you may have to stay enrolled at your current institution longer than you originally planned.

Learning how to transfer colleges can be a confusing process. Next, we’ll discuss some common mistakes to avoid when completing your Common App transfer college application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Transfer Application

Like the first-year college application process, there are many common mistakes you can make when it comes to your Common App transfer forms and overall application.

Managing communications 

One mistake that students might make is using an email address that they do not check regularly. In addition to your Common App transfer login, your email is a critical way for you to stay up to date on your application. Learning how to transfer colleges requires a great deal of organization and attention to email communications.

Students should become very comfortable with the Common App platform and required Common App transfer forms. This means keeping track of your Common App transfer login and the status of each of your materials. Because the recommendation process requires an email invitation, you should be sure that you are communicating properly with each of your recommenders.

To avoid missing important communications, you might consider creating a dedicated email to use for your Common Application login and any other portals associated with your Common App transfer login.

Polishing your essays

Writing effective Common App transfer essays is another part of the application process that many students struggle with. Your Common App essay should be free of typos and grammatical errors. You also want to be sure that your Common App transfer essay does not speak too negatively about your current intuition. In the Common App transfer essay, students must be able to articulate why they are looking to transfer without harping on why their current school is subpar.

To submit a strong Common App transfer essay, you should proofread your Common App essay multiple times, even reading it out loud to catch any grammar mistakes. We also recommend sending your Common App essay to at least one other person for them to review it.

Overall, being organized and planning ahead will help you avoid careless mistakes, like missing a deadline or neglecting to pay your application fee. Your Common App transfer login will also help you track your application and avoid some of these mistakes.  

Tracking your application after submission

The Common App transfer portal makes it easy to track your application status at all of your Common App colleges. All you need to check your status is your Common App transfer login. You can view the progress of your Common App transfer application by visiting the application dashboard and clicking ‘view my notifications’.

Remember, submitting your Common App transfer application is just the first step. You may have to submit additional Common App transfer forms for your transfer application to be considered complete. 

The Common App transfer status portal divides your transfer application into three areas: application, transcript, and recommendation letters. Here are some of the different types of statuses you should be aware of:

Important application statuses

• Application: The application portion of the Common App status portal is divided into four status updates: In Progress, Received, Complete, and Undelivered. Your application will be considered complete once you’ve submitted your application, and your recommenders have submitted their recommendations. and your application fee payment has been processed.
• Transcript: You can submit your transcripts electronically or by mail. Regardless, students can track the progress of their transcripts based on three status updates: Not Required, Not Arrived, and Arrived. In general, it can take five business days for your transcripts to be posted to your application once they have been received by Common App. So, be sure to check for any unexpected delays.
• Recommendations: The recommendation portion of the Common App transfer portal helps you assess the progress of your recommendations. As you may recall, Common App Transfer recommendations are directly tied to a personal email invitation. While you won’t be able to access your recommendations, you are still responsible for ensuring they are completed. The status stages for Common App transfer recommendations include Requested, Accepted Completed, Declined, and Expired.

It is critical that you stay up to date on each of these Common App transfer materials so that you are prepared to meet all of your transfer application deadlines.

Five Takeaways for Common App Transfer

At this point, we’ve covered a lot about the Common App transfer process and how to transfer colleges. Before we wrap up, let’s review five important takeaways:

Common App Transfer Takeaways

• The Common App transfer application makes it easy for students to apply as a transfer student to multiple colleges. The application itself is split into four sections: Personal Information, Academic History, Supporting Information, and Program Materials.
• You can browse and add programs that best fit your needs. Schools are listed with details such as start terms, deadlines, and application fees. Once selected, you can then view the individual requirements of each school. Before you apply, be sure to ask yourself “Why should I transfer colleges?” This will be helpful when you begin the school selection process.
• The Common App transfer application is generally not free. While select schools accept applications at no cost, transfer application fees are typically $70-$80. However, students who qualify can apply for fee waivers at some institutions.
• One of the more significant portions of the transfer application is the writing section. You may be required to respond to the Common App Personal Statement prompts or school-specific Common App transfer essay prompts.
• You will need to submit required documents, such as transcripts and recommendations using your Common App transfer login. Carefully complete each step to ensure your documents are properly submitted before the transfer application deadline.

Still, have questions on how to transfer colleges? Don’t forget to use your Common App transfer login to visit the Common App for transfer Help Center for more helpful information.

Common App for Transfer Students – Final Thoughts

The Common App transfer application provides an organized platform for transfer students to explore and apply to transfer colleges. Before applying, students should reflect deeply on the following questions: “Should I transfer colleges?” and “Why do I want to transfer colleges?”. This self-reflection will help you compile a list of potential transfer colleges that are a good fit for you.

Submitting a Common App transfer application also involves a great deal of organization and time management. Staying organized can help you submit a strong transfer application that includes compelling letters of recommendation and a thoughtful Common App transfer essay. In addition to these requirements, be sure to use your Common Application login to make sure you are up to date on submitting any required Common App transfer forms.

We hope this guide on how to transfer colleges through Common App has been helpful. However, if you ever get stuck on the Common App transfer application, don’t hesitate to reach out for more personalized guidance! CollegeAdvisor can help you navigate the Common App transfer process, from researching alternative institutions all the way to tracking your application to completion.

This article was written by Sarah Kaminski and Chelsea Holley. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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How to Write a College Transfer Essay (With Examples)

Lisa Freedland is a Scholarships360 writer with personal experience in psychological research and content writing. She has written content for an online fact-checking organization and has conducted research at the University of Southern California as well as the University of California, Irvine. Lisa graduated from the University of Southern California in Fall 2021 with a degree in Psychology.

Learn about our editorial policies

Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Undergraduate transfers continue to increase, growing 5.3 percent from the fall of 2022 to fall of 2023. Students may transfer for a variety of reasons, ranging from academics to athletics to geography. Some students simply want to be closer to home or found that the culture of the college started out in is not a fit for them. 

If you are in the process of transferring colleges, it’s likely that you will have to write a personal essay as part of your transfer admissions process. Ultimately, there’s no one way to write a college transfer essay. Everyone is unique, and this individuality should shine through in your essays.

However, there are some recommended things to include, and even a real example essay that was used to successfully transfer college! In this post, we’ll help you write a powerful transfer essay so you can tell your story to the admissions committee.

Jump ahead to…

• Do’s and don’ts
• Why did you choose your current school?

What are your main reasons for transferring out of your current school?

Why do you want to attend the transfer school.

• Example essay

Additional resources

• Key takeaways
• Frequently asked questions

College transfer essays: The do’s and don’ts

Before we start, we want to cover a few basics do’s and don’ts about what your transfer essays should be about.

• Elaborate on how your current school has helped you progress towards your goals. Positivity is always a good thing!
• Research your prospective school (e.g. specific classes, organizations, opportunities) for why you want to go there.
• Make sure to follow the standard/correct essay format! Transfer essay prompts may vary from college to college so you should make sure that you’re answering the exact question.
• Use up your limited word count by listing negative aspects about your current school. Instead, focus on how it has helped you grow, but how another school could further help you develop your interests/passions 
• List a group of random classes or opportunities available at your new school. Mention opportunities you’re (genuinely) interested in that relate to your goals and passions – make sure you’re telling a story through your essay.
• Copy your initial admissions essay (the one that you used when applying to colleges in high school) – you’ve changed a lot during your time in college so you will want to write a brand new essay.

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What is the goal of the transfer essay.

Potential transfer students should know that not all colleges and universities require transfer essays, so when in doubt definitely check-in with the college in question for clarification. For the purposes of this article and the sample transfer essay, we’ll be using this prompt:

Please provide a statement that addresses your reasons for transferring and the objectives you hope to achieve. 

Most colleges will be interested in learning why you want to transfer and how transferring will help you achieve your goals. However, specific prompts will vary from college to college, so you should definitely pay attention to the specific prompt you are asked to respond to.

Some of the common questions you’ll come across include:

• How will your transfer school help you accomplish your goals?

Below I’ll break down how to respond to each of these questions and include an example from a successful transfer essay.

Also see: Can you transfer into an ivy league school?

Why did you choose your current school? 

To answer this question, you’ll have to go back in time when you were in 12th grade and selecting your college. Did you choose the college because it had a program you liked? Maybe you really wanted to take classes with a specific professor? Maybe you thought you wanted to attend college in a specific part of the world? Whatever the reason you should lay it out in the most factual way possible.

Here’s how I responded to this question:

Just like Jeopardy, Criminal Minds is also a show that I have watched from a very young age, and one that I continue to watch quite regularly. Being exposed to this interesting world of FBI profilers for so long inspired me to want to dive into the world of psychology myself. Due to this, I originally chose the University of Wisconsin, Madison for its amazing psychology program, and because I wanted to try something new. Being from California, this “something new” came in the form of watching snow fall from the sky, seeing cheese curds being sold in all the grocery stores, and simply living somewhere far away from home.

Also see: How to write a 250 word essay

This is always an important question for transfer admissions officers: why did your current college not work out? We recommend that students be as honest as possible and stick to the facts (as opposed to simply complaining about your current school).

Students have very different reasons for changing schools, which often depend on what type of school you’re transferring from (a 2-year or 4-year). While many community college students transfer because their plans did work out and they’ve accomplished what they wanted to at their school, those transferring from four-year universities often do so for less positive reasons (which was my experience).

If the situation at your college didn’t exactly pan out as you thought it would, you should also try to talk about some of the ways you are making the most of the situation. This shows the admissions officers that despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, you have continued to learn, grow, and contribute to your community.

Here’s how I accomplished this:

Arriving in Wisconsin, I got exactly what I wanted: an amazing psychology program and the experience of being somewhere quite different from the place I called home. My classes were interesting, my professors were helpful and caring, and experiencing the first snow was quite exciting. However, as winter progressed, walking back from class everyday under the progressively gloomier sky seemed to be a cruel reminder that I was no longer in sunny Southern California. While eating dinner in our many dining halls, I always viewed the wide array of food available: quesadillas, Chinese food, burgers, even pecan pie. The food was all delicious, but going day after day without even seeing Korean food once made me miss those fun dinners with my family. Back at my dorm, my “home away from home”, it started to feel like anything but being at home. To feel more comfortable where I was, I decided to pursue things I liked, and that I was familiar with. My passion for psychology led me to join the university’s Psychology Club, where I was able to learn about recent revelations within the field of psychology, furthering my interest in the subject. 

Going through the admissions process as a transfer student is interesting, because you have learned a lot about yourself and your preferences at your first college. This should provide you with a great perspective on what you are looking for next.

The two major things you’ll want to accomplish when answering this question are why the transfer college in question is a good fit for you and how it can help you accomplish your goals as a student.

Specificity is always more ideal here so you can show that you have spent some time thinking about what you want and also how the new college fits.

Here’s how I did this:

I plan on using the knowledge I gain in psychology, either from organizations or classes, to help people. I want to one day apply this knowledge to research, to discover possible methods to help the people suffering from the psychological problems I study. Alternatively, I hope to use this knowledge as a criminal profiler, using my understanding of psychology to narrow down pools of suspects.  To be able to accomplish either of these, I need to develop a much deeper understanding of both people’s motivations for the things they do as well as of the many psychological issues people face. For these reasons, I am very excited at the prospect of exploring and enrolling in the classes offered by USC’s Department of Psychology. In particular, Psych 360: Abnormal Psychology would be an amazing introduction to psychological disorders and their causes. Psych 314L: Research Methods would then help me put this knowledge about disorders to good use by teaching me how to properly conduct research and find possible solutions for people’s problems.

College transfer essays: an example

Here we go! Throughout this article, I’ve shown you my college essay divided into sections, and now’s time for the full thing. I can honestly say that this essay had a 100% success rate! Without further ado, here is my full college transfer essay (and prompt):

Prompt: Please provide a statement that addresses your reasons for transferring and the objectives you hope to achieve. 

I wake up from my daily after-school nap to realize that it is already dinner time. As I walk downstairs, I smell the delicious fragrance coming from my mom’s samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup), one of my favorite meals. Soon enough, everyone sits down to watch the newest episode of Jeopardy , a tradition we’ve had going on for as long as I can remember. As I take that first sip of samgyetang, and miss yet another geography question on Jeopardy – and wait for my family to inevitably tease me about it – I feel at home, like I am somewhere that I belong. Wherever I go, I hope I can encounter that same warm feeling. Just like Jeopardy , Criminal Minds is also a show that I have watched from a very young age, and one that I continue to watch quite regularly. Being exposed to this interesting world of FBI profilers for so long inspired me to want to dive into the world of psychology myself. Due to this, I originally chose the University of Wisconsin, Madison for its amazing psychology program, and because I wanted to try something new. Being from California, this “something new” came in the form of watching snow fall from the sky, seeing cheese curds being sold in all the grocery stores, and simply living somewhere far away from home. Arriving in Wisconsin, I got exactly what I wanted: an amazing psychology program and the experience of being somewhere quite different from the place I called home. My classes were interesting, my professors were helpful and caring, and experiencing the first snow was quite exciting. However, as winter progressed, walking back from class everyday under the progressively gloomier sky seemed to be a cruel reminder that I was no longer in sunny Southern California. While eating dinner in our many dining halls, I always viewed the wide array of food available: quesadillas, Chinese food, burgers, even pecan pie. The food was all delicious, but going day after day without even seeing Korean food once, it made me miss those fun dinners with my family. Back at my dorm, my “home away from home,” it started to feel like anything but being at home. To feel more comfortable where I was, I decided to pursue things I liked, and that I was familiar with. My passion for psychology led me to join the university’s Psychology Club, where I was able to learn about recent revelations within the field of psychology, furthering my interest in the subject. I plan on using the knowledge I gain in psychology, either from organizations or classes, to help people. I want to one day apply this knowledge to research, to discover possible methods to help the people suffering from the psychological problems I study. Alternatively, I hope to use this knowledge as a criminal profiler, using my understanding of psychology to narrow down pools of suspects.  To be able to accomplish either of these, I need to develop a much deeper understanding of both people’s motivations for the things they do as well as of the many psychological issues people face. For these reasons, I am very excited at the prospect of exploring and enrolling in the classes offered by USC’s Department of Psychology. In particular, Psych 360: Abnormal Psychology would be an amazing introduction to psychological disorders and their causes. Psych 314L: Research Methods would then help me put this knowledge about disorders to good use by teaching me how to properly conduct research and find possible solutions for people’s problems. With so many opportunities available at USC, I hope to not only help others feel more comfortable, but to find a second home for myself after all.

And that’s it! This essay touches on all of the tips listed above, and should serve as helpful inspiration as you begin your writing. Hopefully, it gives you an idea of how to integrate everything you should mention in a cohesive essay. With that, I wish you good luck with your college transfer essays (and applications)!

Don’t miss: What looks good on a college application?

If you finish your essay and still have questions about the transfer process, consider checking out these Scholarships360 resources:

• How to transfer colleges
• How to transfer from a community college
• Top scholarships for transfer students
• How to choose a college
• What’s the difference between a private and public university?

Key Takeaways

• Explain why you want to transfer, what you need that you are not getting at your current school, and why you chose your current school to begin with
• Always present things in a positive light
• Share how the transfer school will help you achieve your goals and why you are a good fit for the school

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Frequently asked questions about writing college transfer essays 

How are college transfer essays different from regular application essays, do all schools require transfer essays, can i reuse my old college essays for a transfer, what should you not say in a transfer essay, scholarships360 recommended.

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Common App for transfer students

Meet students where they are to help them get where they’re going.

Easily manage programs and prerequisites

Take advantage of a targeted application experience based on a student’s age, goals, current degree status, and credits earned.

Track experience and achievements

Applicants are guided through a tailored experience and able to provide additional critical information about their background.

Better address the needs of adult students

Member institutions can provide personalized pathways and centralize management of documents and transcripts.

Personalized pathways

Common App for transfer is built to address and support the needs of the adult student population and provide members with deeper insight into what prospective students can bring to their campuses.

Centralized document management

Common App for transfer includes expanded document collection, including those applicable to transfer applicants, such as DD214, Joint Services Transcript, and financial transcript.

Reach your goals and diversify your incoming class

As a key benefit of your membership, Common App for transfer will help you provide students with the varied program options they need to find the right college for them.

Reimagining the transfer experience

I’m really excited with the direction the Common App has moved in offering a robust application for transfer students that really will meet students — prospective students — of all ages and all life situations where they are in the educational pipeline. Laurie Koehler | Vice President, Marketing and Enrollment Strategy at Ithaca College

Talk to a member representative

Transfer Admission

You can apply for transfer admission if:

• You have already started studying at another college or university after graduating from high school or earning a GED.
• You have or will have earned 24 semester hours of required transferable coursework at another college or university. The option to use coursework in progress is not available for spring semester applicants.

Transfer Credit Resources

For questions, email [email protected] .

If you are a transfer student who is not a U.S. citizen and who is not a U.S. resident, please visit our International Transfer page.

If you are a current UT Austin student looking to transfer to a different major, please visit our Internal Transfer page.

Key Transfer Admission Dates

Summer/fall enrollment.

• Common App Opens Sep 1
• Deadline to Apply March 1
• Supplemental Materials Deadline March 10
• Admission Decisions Released Mid to Late June

Spring Enrollment

• ApplyTexas Application Opens March 1
• Deadline to Apply September 1
• Supplemental Materials Deadline September 9
• Admission Decisions Released Mid-December

Required Application Materials

Application.

Apply using the Common App for summer/fall admission. You should apply using the ApplyTexas  application if applying for spring admission.

Common App 

Application Fee

Pay the non-refundable $75 application fee when you submit your application. Fee waivers are available. Request a fee waiver when you apply for admission or submit the Request for Fee Waiver form in MyStatus via the Document Upload System.

Along with your application, submit one essay. Applicants to the School of Architecture must submit an additional essay. We recommend submitting your essay in the application. You may also submit the essay using the Document Upload System in MyStatus or by mailing them to the Office of Admissions.

Essays and Short Answers

College Transcripts and/or High School Transcripts

Send official transcripts documenting all coursework you have attempted at any college or university you attended. If you have attended more than one college or university, we’ll need a transcript from each school, even if the credits earned at one school were transferred to another. If you are applying for automatic transfer admission, submit your official high school transcript, as well. We cannot accept transcripts via email.

Transcript Info

Submit your resume offering additional information about your achievements using the Document Upload System in MyStatus. Your resume should include your previous five years of academic, extracurricular, community and work activities as well as honors and awards. You can also include high school accomplishments if they took place within the last five years.

If you submit a resume, you should include:

• Details about what each activity involved rather than a general description.
• The number of hours per week and weeks per year spent on each activity.

Review Optional and Additional Materials

Certain majors may require additional materials after you have submitted your application. You may also wish to submit additional materials to strengthen your application, such as letters of recommendation or a resume.

Additional Materials

If applicable, the following materials may be required. All required items must be received by the appropriate deadline.

Major-Specific Items

Certain majors have required prerequisites for transfer applicants. These items can be found on each college and school on our Colleges & Degrees page. Please be sure to review the prerequisites for your first and second choice majors.

Colleges & Degrees

Letters of Recommendation

You can submit up to two letters of recommendation with your application or after you’ve submitted your application. These letters may be from mentors or people who know you well and can include teachers or school counselors, although we encourage you to provide letters from sources outside of your high school. The letter should be able to give additional context or information to support your admission that is not already provided in your application or other submitted documents (resume, transcripts). Letters of recommendation are not required but are encouraged.

Submitting Your Recommendations

We do not accept recommendations via email. Submit your recommendations via:

• MyStatus using the Document Upload System
• Parchment or Scoir

Residency Affidavit

You may qualify for residency if you aren’t a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident but have established Texas residency. Your admissions application will prompt those who indicate they meet these criteria to download the appropriate form. You can submit the affidavit to the address listed on the form.

Residency FAQs

Automatic Transfer Admission Form

Some transfer applicants are able to apply for automatic transfer admission. If you are eligible and would like to apply, complete the Automatic Transfer Admission form. More details about applicability and application instructions can be found on our Appeals page.

Automatic Transfer Admission form

Once you’ve submitted your application, you can track the status and submit additional documents in MyStatus. Be sure to regularly monitor MyStatus until your application is listed as complete and submit any to-do items prior to the deadlines.

Check MyStatus

You may be asked for additional information after you submit your application. Check MyStatus to stay up to date.

Complete the FAFSA/TASFA

Completing the FAFSA/TASFA before January 15 will maximize your eligibility for financial aid awards.

Complete Your Housing Application

You can apply for housing before you receive an admission decision. Housing is offered on a first come, first served basis. We recommend applying as soon as possible.

Check Your Email

We’ll alert you about your admission decision, financial aid awards, housing contract and other important details via email. Check your email regularly.

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How to Write a College Transfer Essay

How to write a college transfer essay in 2024.

Bonus Material: PrepMaven’s Transfer Application Statistics for Top Schools

For most students, making the final decision about which college to attend is the end of a long, stressful process. But what if you go through all that and aren’t happy at your current school? Or perhaps you’re finishing up your Associate’s degree at community college and plan to transfer to a four-year school. Either way, you’re not alone–and you’re not stuck. 

Many students decide to transfer from university to another at some point in their academic careers. While this isn’t uncommon, it can be hard to find good guidance about transferring schools. How is a transfer application different from your regular Common Application? How important are transfer essays? How are transfer essays different from your college application essays?

In this post, we’ll use our decades of experience guiding students through the admissions process to help break down how to write your college transfer essay to maximize your chances of acceptance. 

Download PrepMaven’s Transfer Application Statistics for Top Schools

Jump to section: What Is the Common App Transfer Essay? Transfer Essays Dos and Don’ts Transfer Essay Writing Tips How Is the Transfer Essay Different from the Regular College Essay? Next steps

What Is the Common App Transfer Essay?

Most universities that accept the Common App for high school applicants will also ask you to submit transfer applications through the Common App. 

When applying as a transfer student, however, you’ll generally have to answer one or more school-specific essays targeted at transfer students. In general, you’ll be asked to write about 500 words in response to a question about why you feel you’d benefit from continuing your education at a different university. 

Some schools, especially more prestigious ones, will also ask additional transfer essay questions–such as what about their offerings attracts you, or what you were missing at your previous university. 

These prompts will vary slightly from school to school and year to year, but you can always find this information on the Common App page for the school you’re applying to, as well as on that school’s website. 

Princeton, for example, will expect you to answer all of the essay prompts that high school applicants answer, as well as two additional ones: 

Have you had any interruptions or gaps in your education since high school or college, or have you left any school voluntarily for a significant time frame? If so, please explain the timeline of your postsecondary career. (Please respond in about 150 words.) What are your plans during and after your higher education experience? (Please respond in about 150 words.)

Harvard also asks you to answer additional questions for a transfer application: 

Briefly, please indicate the most influential factors in your decision to attend your present college (for example, location, cost, size of student body, only option, special program offered, Early Decision plan, etc.) What alternatives to transferring to Harvard are you considering? Please indicate your field of specialization and briefly outline your academic plans at Harvard College. What are your current postgraduate/career plans? Briefly discuss one book that has strongly influenced you.

These are generally fairly short essay prompts, but the key difference from your original college application is that there isn’t one “main” Common App essay for transfer applications. Instead, your “transfer essay” will be determined by what school you’re applying to. 

When you create a Common App transfer application account, you’ll be asked to add the school’s you plan to transfer to. In addition to the general information you’ll fill out in the Common Application portal (academics, demographics, activities), each school will have a separate application for you to fill out, and this is where you’ll find the transfer essay prompt . 

So, instead of having one “personal essay,” you’ll likely have several personal statements, one for each transfer school you’re applying to. 

These transfer essay prompts can vary. Generally, though, you can expect to be asked to discuss your reasons for leaving your current school, your career goals, and why you want to attend this transfer college. 

Below, we’ve collected some statistics on transfer acceptance rates to top schools. We’ll be honest: transferring to a top school can be just as hard–or harder!–than applying there out of high school. These statistics can help you get a sense of your chances, aiding in your transfer application planning. Download them for free now!

Transfer Essays Dos and Don’ts

If you’re looking to scan over your transfer essay and make some quick changes that can instantly boost your chances, check out our quick-fix guide to college essays , then read on for specific Dos and Don’ts. 

Things to do:

• Do be clear about what you’re missing at your current university. It’s a fine line to walk, but it’s important to be up front about this: if your current school were perfect, then why would you be transferring? Perhaps the academic program doesn’t align with your educational goals. Or perhaps they’re missing resources to launch you into your chosen career path. In any case, be clear!
• Do touch on what you’ve been able to gain from your current college so far. What skills/perspective/knowledge do you have now that you didn’t in high school? If you’re the kind of student who was rejected by the kinds of schools you’re now trying to transfer to, you especially need to show how you’ve developed and grown since high school. 
• Do identify specific elements that draw you to the transfer school. We touched on this above, but you want to be really clear about why you’d benefit from a transfer. 
• Do show what you bring to the table. In other words, why should this school accept you? You might want to connect this to your collegiate academic accomplishments, research experience, or community involvement. 

Things to avoid:

• Don’t be overly negative about your current school. It’s a tough line to walk, but the key is conveying that there’s something missing, or that there’s some disconnect between the college experience and what you need. It’s not to complain about your current school or to give the impression that you’re “better than” the school. 
• Don’t (!!) complain about other students. This is a huge red flag: even if you’ve had problems getting along with other students, you need to keep this to yourself. Otherwise, you’ll come off as someone who’ll cause problems or who is antisocial. 
• Don’t dwell on high school accomplishments. You want to come off mature and self-aware, and there’s nothing less mature or self-aware than someone in college who can’t stop talking about high school. 
• Don’t offer generic or shallow reasons for your transfer. Improved job prospects, academic rankings, or the intelligence of the student body are not good reasons to apply to a transfer school. They’ll make it seem like you haven’t really done the research, or that you just want to go to a school with a more prestigious name. 

Transfer Essay Writing Tips

In general, the same advice we give for how to write your college essay holds true for writing strong transfer essays! To summarize, a good college essay, whether a transfer essay or not, consists of two key elements: 

• Reflection 

To break it down further, the “story” element of your transfer essay will be the stuff that makes it personal, the stuff that makes it you . Think about it this way: admissions officers at Harvard and Princeton have to read countless application essays. Eventually, all these essays are going to start sounding pretty much the same. 

Even if you’re smart and a great writer, there are only so many ways that you can answer the prompt if you’re being general. Plus, most of the other transfer applicants are themselves smart and great writers too. So, how do you create personal statements that stand out?

Make it personal . In other words, incorporate a story from your life that nobody else could write about for the simple fact that nobody else has lived it. We’re not saying you need to turn this into a creative writing exercise, necessarily. If the prompt is direct and doesn’t leave you much room to elaborate, then you can’t afford to launch into a full literary narrative. 

But you can still include a brief glimpse into your life or describe a particular moment. For example, you might start by briefly describing the moment you realized you wanted to transfer from your current school. What happened? Where were you? What were you thinking in that moment?

Even something as simple as starting the essay with a short anecdote like that will immediately make your transfer essay more memorable to college admissions officers! You can check out our post here for specific examples of college essay openings that you can use to get ideas for your own transfer application essay. 

“Reflection” refers to what you make of your story. If you read our materials on structuring your college essays , you’ll already know how crucial it is to connect the personal details you provide to your values. 

Ultimately, your “story” is there to make your essay personable and memorable. But it’s your “reflection” and the values you’re able to convey that really show admissions committees that you’re a good fit for their school. 

Most importantly, you need to convey how your values both make you a valuable addition to the community and align with the values of your transfer school. 

If you take a look at the transfer statistics we’ve collected for your use here you’ll see just how selective transfer applications can be. It’s why we recommend working with an expert college essay tutor to craft strong transfer essays. Because there are so many different college essay services out there, we’ve done the research to rank the top 14 college essay services for this year– you can check out our post there. 

Of course, if you’re ready to work with us directly, you can reach out any time : our tutors come from Ivy League universities, and many have years-long track records of placing applicants into the most selective schools in the country. 

How Is the Transfer Essay Different from the Regular College Essay?

Much of the advice for the transfer essay is the same, because ultimately this essay is a very similar piece of writing to the standard college application essay, with the same goal (getting you into college). So, when it comes to the nuts and bolts of the process, you can confidently rely on our guides to brainstorm , revise , and end your college essays here. 

You should also especially read about how to write the “Why us?” supplemental essay (and look at our free sample essays that got students into Ivies). You probably remember writing these for your initial applications, but many transfer applications logically require a version of this essay as well!

But, despite these similarities, there are a few things that make the transfer essay unique. 

First, transfer essays should be slightly more direct and to the point than your other college application essays. You’ll notice that you’ll generally have less space for these essays, which means you need to make every word count. You’ll also notice that some of these prompts are more direct, asking you to specifically identify, for example, what aspects of your current university don’t work for you. 

This doesn’t mean you should ditch the personal or storytelling elements of your essays! It just means these elements should be incorporated quickly and efficiently, without as much detail as you might have used in your Common App essay in high school. 

Second, essays for college transfer applications need to focus more on your time in college rather than on what you did in high school. This becomes increasingly true the further into your college career you are: if you’re a college sophomore, then most of your anecdotes should refer to your college experience. 

If you’re still only writing about things you did in high school, you’ll seem immature! Be sure to focus on what you’ve gained, lost, and experienced in your first years of college life. 

Finally, you’ll be expected to have a more concrete sense of what you want out of a college experience. When you were writing in high school, it might have been fine to be a little general, or just to talk about multiple avenues that you might be interested in. 

Transfer applicants, however, will really be expected to concretely articulate their career goals and interests, as well as what specific resources you plan to take advantage of at your new campus community and what resources were missing at your old one. 

These transfer essays are high stakes: for schools like Princeton and Harvard, transfer acceptance rates can be even lower than regular acceptance rates! If you want to make sure you’re writing these essays correctly, get connected with one of our expert college essay coaches here .

Choosing to transfer colleges can be a difficult decision. For many students, it can be the right one–but actually getting into your dream school as a transfer student may be even harder than getting in from high school!

If you’re serious about transferring to a selective university, then you’ll need to put a lot of work into your transfer essays. But you don’t want that hard work going to waste: work with one of our expert college essay tutors to ensure that your essay will impress the admissions committee and boost your chances of acceptance. 

Want to know exactly what your chances are? We’ve put together a resource of the most recent statistics on transfer applications for top schools. Download it for free below to get a sense of what it’ll take to get admitted!

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Transfer Applicants

We welcome transfer applicants from two- and four-year universities around the world.

If you’re looking to continue your education at Hopkins, we want you to have everything you need to apply on time and with confidence. Before you start your application, review important deadlines, requirements, and credit policies. Then, submit the Common Application and supporting materials. When deciding if you’re a match for Hopkins, we consider many different aspects of your experience, involvements, and how you’ll engage and grow with our community.

Transfer Admissions

Learn how we review applications for transfers and the qualities we look for as we build our community.

Credit Policies for Transfer Applicants

Our Credit Transfer Policies help you understand which of your current credits are most likely to count toward a Hopkins degree.

Transfer Deadlines & Requirements

The deadlines and requirements for transfer applicants are different from first-year applicants. Before you get started, review what you’ll need to submit and by when.

Transfer FAQs

There are many things to consider when transferring schools. Get answers to specific questions or explore what questions other transfer applicants are asking.

EVENTS & WORKSHOPS FOR TRANSFER APPLICANTS

We host events to help you understand our admissions process and prepare you to craft your strongest application. Hear directly from our team at an Admissions Q&A and get the answers you need to apply with confidence.

LEARN ABOUT UPCOMING EVENTS

LIFE AT HOPKINS

When you become a Blue Jay, you’ll make new connections, try new things, and experience a community of diverse perspectives.

Our campus is home to:

• 430+ undergraduate student-run clubs and organizations
• 24 varsity sports teams
• 40+ sports clubs and intramurals
• The nation’s largest student-run festival

LEARN MORE ABOUT CAMPUS LIFE

WHAT TRANSFER STUDENTS SAY ABOUT HOPKINS

Find out more about the transfer process and campus life from current Blue Jays who joined our community from other schools.

TRANSITIONING VETERANS

Hopkins values the perspectives that veterans bring to our community. Learn more about application requirements and transfer options for members and veterans of the armed forces.

TRANSFERRING FROM PEABODY TO HOMEWOOD

If you’re currently enrolled in the Peabody Institute and are interested in applying for transfer admission to the Krieger School of Arts & Sciences or Whiting School of Engineering or enrolling in the Peabody Double Degree Program, your application process looks a little different.

Transfer Insider

Equations and Stanzas: Navigating My Unconventional Path to Hopkins as a Math (and Economics) Major

My experience as a transfer student, meet a navy veteran at hopkins: joshua forni, ’22, ’23, quick links:.

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3 out of 4 transfer students who apply to UC get in. How did they do it? By knowing UC is possible.

Let’s get started.

You can start working on your fall application as early as August 1 and must submit it by December 2.

Application filing periods

Fall quarter/semester application period is October 1–December 2.  Winter quarter/spring semester: July 1–31

UC Berkeley and UC Merced are on the semester system calendar while all other campuses are on the quarter system calendar. All campuses are open for the fall term and some may be open for winter/spring. 

See more dates & deadlines »  

  Even though applying to UC is an exciting time in your life, it can also be daunting. But we're here to reassure you—we're not looking for perfection. We want to know about your passions and life experiences...everything that makes you, YOU.

Our application is designed to capture all of this and more.

Learn more about the application »  

Our personal insight questions are about getting a better sense of who you are. Take time to think about your life experience, ambition and inspiration. It’s just one small part of your application—but it’s a great chance to introduce yourself, and make an impression.

Transfer questions & directions »  

We know you're more than just your grades and coursework. Using a process called comprehensive review, we look at how hard you've worked to take advantage of the opportunities you've had to excel at school, in your favorite extracurricular activities and in your community.

Learn more about how we review transfer applications »  

You've selected your campuses, submitted your application, paid your application fees. Now what? You still have a few more items to cross off your list.

What happens next »  

Have a question about the application?

See options for contacting us »

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Everything you need to know (and do) to transfer to IU Bloomington

IU Bloomington is a great place to finish your degree, and the campus welcomes approximately 1,000 transfer students each year.

Students who are enrolled at an accredited, two- or four-year college, including another IU campus, and meet published IU Bloomington eligibility requirements will be guaranteed admission to the IU Bloomington campus. Once admitted, students have the opportunity to pursue and complete the admission requirements for their preferred academic program.

Use the following step-by-step instructions to learn what you need to do before you start your application , when you are ready to apply , and after you have submitted your application .

International applicants should visit the Office of International Services .

Download our transfer guide

Get your copy of the IU Transfer Guide and learn more about applying for admission, transferring credits, and gaining admission to your school or college.

Ready to become a Hoosier?

Go straight to the Apply IU Application if you’re ready to apply to IU Bloomington as a transfer student.

Apply Today

The next deadline is November 1 for applications for spring 2025.

Before you apply

Before you begin the application process, learn what you need to do to get ready to apply.

Identify what kind of transfer student you are

If you’ve completed at least 12 semester hours of college coursework following your graduation from high school, you’re eligible to apply as a transfer student. If you have completed fewer than 12 semester hours, please complete the freshman application .

If you have completed fewer than 26 semester hours (or 39 quarter hours) of transferable college coursework, you also need to submit your official high school transcript as part of your application to IU.

If you have been a degree-seeking student at any IU campus, or any other regionally accredited two- or four-year institution, please complete the Apply IU application .

Know our deadlines

Find out when to apply, when you’ll be notified of acceptance, when you need to pay your enrollment deposit, and more. Please note that the deposit is nonrefundable and will be credited toward your first-semester tuition expenses.

See all deadlines

Review admission standards

These are the minimum requirements to transfer to IU Bloomington. In most cases, admitted students exceed these standards.

We pay particular attention to grade trends, your cumulative and most recent term grade point averages (GPA), and the breadth and depth of your previous college program. It’s also important that you have maintained good standing with your previous institution.

Grade trends

If you have grades that are consistently above average, or show steady improvement in a challenging academic program, your application will likely be competitive for admission. If your transcript shows declining grades, grades below C in the most recent term, or a less demanding academic program, we may ask you to take additional coursework to demonstrate your readiness to be successful at IU and reapply for admission for a future term.

Cumulative college grade point average (GPA)

• Indiana residents should have a minimum college cumulative GPA of 2.3 on a 4.0-point scale before applying to IU Bloomington.
• Nonresidents should have a minimum college cumulative GPA of 2.5.

Because of the competitive nature of our applicant pool, few transfers are admitted with a GPA below those listed above.

High school record

If you have completed fewer than 26 transferable semester hours (or 39 quarter hours) of college coursework, your high school transcript will be reviewed as part of the holistic admissions process.

Generally, a transfer student who earned a 3.0 cumulative high school grade point average and met the high school curriculum requirements set by faculty could be considered for transfer admission after only one semester of college level work after high school. Transfer students who earned less than a 3.0 cumulative high school grade point average could still be considered based on a holistic review of their application and early success in college level work, including AP, IB, and Dual Credit earned while in high school, but may be asked to complete additional coursework at the college level prior to admission.

Please review the “When you Apply” section for details as to how to send your high school transcript.

Other decision-making factors

SAT/ACT scores are not required for transfer students. However, you may submit test scores if you would like to have them considered as a part of your admissions review.

Self-reported race or ethnicity information will not be made available to individuals responsible for reviewing admission applications and/or making admission decisions.

Research academic programs

Before you apply, make sure you spend some time exploring our different schools and 200+ majors .

When you fill out your application, you’ll be asked to choose an intended major. If you know what you’d like to major in, select that major.

If you don’t know what you want to major in, that’s OK. IU students who have not yet chosen a major are considered exploratory students. It’s fine to spend time discovering the path that’s right for you. Indiana University promotes academic exploration above all else. It’s why over 40 percent of freshmen begin their studies in University Division (UD) , where they fulfill the general requirements needed to certify into a degree-granting school or college.

Learn more about our philosophy on academic exploration

Learn how transferring your credits will work

If you are admitted to IU, we will evaluate your transcript(s) to determine if your coursework from another institution translates into credit at IU Bloomington. You will receive an email with information on how to check your online transfer credit report via One.IU. It will take approximately four to six weeks to complete a transfer credit evaluation once a transcript arrives in our office.

Here are a few important notes about transfer credit:

• Only coursework earned at a regionally accredited institution will transfer.
• Only courses in which you received a C or higher will transfer.
• Transfer credit may count toward your degree at IU, but it will not count toward your GPA at IU.
• Individual schools and departments at IU determine how transferred credits will apply toward your degree requirements.
• Courses for which IU does not have an equivalent offering can sometimes be transferred as undistributed credits. Your academic advisor will be able to assist you with how undistributed credits may count toward your degree.
• Adult learners may be awarded credit based on assessment of non-academic prior learning experiences.
• Veterans may earn college credit for educational experiences in the armed services.

Learn more at our Credit Transfer Service

Review AP, IB, and other credit guides

IU awards AP and college credit that can help you get a head start on your degree program.

Read more about advanced placement, credit, and exemptions

Transferring from another IU campus

If you’re currently taking classes at one of our nine IU campuses , we invite you to apply to IU Bloomington! Every year, hundreds of students transfer to IU Bloomington from another IU campus.

Learn more about intercampus transfer

If you want to complete a summer class or a semester of coursework in Bloomington before returning to your home campus, learn about enrolling as a visiting student .

Find info for Guaranteed Admission, Indiana College Core (ICC), and Transfer Single Articulation Pathways (TSAP)

Students who earn the ICC milestone at any Indiana state public institution prior to enrolling at IU Bloomington would not be required to complete this general coursework at IU.

Learn more about ICC

Transfer Single Articulation Pathways (TSAP) provides an opportunity for students to complete a bachelor’s degree at IU Bloomington in 60 credit hours, following completion of the corresponding TSAP associate degree at either Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University. 

Learn more about TSAP

Indiana University Bloomington and Ivy Tech Community College have also collaborated to establish Guaranteed Admission Agreements in each of the following areas: Biology, Criminal Justice, Elementary Education, Informatics, and Psychology. 

The bachelor’s degrees earned by TSAP and Guaranteed Admission students at IU Bloomington are the same four-year degrees earned by students who matriculate as freshmen, and the degree requirements are also the same.

Learn more about Guaranteed Admission Agreements

Find Jacobs School of Music requirements

If you’re interested in the Jacobs School of Music, you may apply using the Apply IU Application . After your application, you must complete the Jacobs Schools of Music supplemental application and submit an additional fee.

Please Note:  The deadline to submit the Jacobs School of Music supplemental application is December 1.

Learn more about Jacobs School of Music requirements

When you apply

Find out what to do when you’re ready to send in your application.

Submit your complete application

Transfer applicants apply using the Apply IU Application.

Start your Apply IU Application

You will need to submit the following materials to apply for admission:

• The application. Transfer applicants apply using the Apply IU Application .
• IU specific-essay:  In 200–400 words, you’ll be asked to describe your academic and career plans and any special interest (for example, undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. If you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in pursuit of your education, you may share those experiences and how you overcame them. Find more information about completing your essay on our FAQ page .
• The $65 application fee. The application fee is nonrefundable. If you experience any payment issues, please contact us at [email protected] or 812-855-0661 .
• Your official college transcript(s) , which your college(s) should send directly to the IU Office of Admissions.

If you have completed fewer than 26 semester hours (or 39 quarter hours) of transferable college coursework, you also need to submit the following materials to apply for admission:

• Your official high school transcript , which your high school should send directly to the IU Office of Admissions.
• SAT/ACT scores are not required for transfer students. However, you may submit test scores if you would like to have them considered as a part of your admission review.

Make sure you allow pop-ups and enable third-party cookies to ensure that your application and fee payment will be submitted correctly. If you experience any payment issues, please contact us at [email protected] or 812-855-0661 .

Make sure you read through the information on this page and our FAQ page before you get started.

Request to have your transcript(s) sent

College transcripts

We require an official transcript from each college or university you have attended. If your school sends transcripts electronically and the transcript vendor requires an email address for delivery, please use [email protected] . You can also have your official transcript mailed to the following address:

Office of Admissions Indiana University Bloomington 940 E. Seventh Street Bloomington, IN 47405

High school transcripts

If you have completed fewer than 26 transferable semester hours (or 39 quarter hours) of college coursework, we will review your high school transcript as part of the admissions process.

Ask your high school to send your transcript to the address noted on this page.

In general, if your high school record does not meet IU’s future freshman admission standards , you will not be considered for admission as a transfer student until you have completed at least 26 transferable semester hours (or 39 quarter hours) of transferable academic work at another institution.

After you apply

We’ll let you know if you’ve been accepted four to eight weeks after we receive all your application documents.

Check your application status and any needed materials

To check the status of your application, log in to your IU Portal. An email was sent to you once you started your application with login information.

In the IU Portal, you'll see a Checklist of any items our office still needs to receive. Please be aware that after your items are received, it may take up to four weeks for them to be updated in your Checklist. Please be patient and check back frequently.

To check the status of your application and your checklist

• Go to your IU Portal.
• Log in using the username and password you created.

If you have any outstanding items listed on your checklist, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. Please upload your items in the IU Portal or contact us if you have questions.

Create your IU computing account

Your University ID will be listed in your IU Portal. (If your university ID number is not listed, contact the Office of Admissions .) Use your university ID number to create your IU computing account , which will be used for important tasks during the admission process. Please note: This computing account is different than your IU Portal account and the account you created to apply.

If you have not set up your computing account to check your admission status, you can also use the steps below to take care of this task. If you already have a computing account, you can follow the prompts to create your IU email account. 

• Open Create My First IU Account in One.IU .
• Read and agree to the Guidelines for Appropriate Usage.
• Enroll in the Passphrase Self-Service Reset System . If you forget your passphrase, this tool will let you reset it yourself without having to visit a UITS Support Center location in person.
• Save or record your account information in a secure place. You will need this information each time you log in to your IU computing account.
• Exit. It may take up to 24 hours before you can log in to some services.

What to do if you have forgotten your ID or other information

• Forgot your 10-digit university ID number? If you are an ACP student, use the Information Recovery Form . All other students should first try the Student Self-Service University Lookup Form . If you still need assistance, please email the Office of Admissions at [email protected] . (In order to help you, we will request additional information.)
• Forgot your username? Contact the UITS Support Center .
• Forgot your passphrase? Reset it here .

Please note that if you have previously been enrolled in or participated in a program at any IU campus and were given a 10-digit university ID number and username, you will use the same university ID number and username to access (or set up) your IU computing account.

Make changes to your application

To learn how to make changes to your application, visit the Make a Change to Your Application page . Please note that if you change your intended major, your application for admission will be reviewed again, even if you already received a decision.

Contact us with any questions

Cancel your application

If you’d like to cancel your application after you’ve applied, send a message using our contact form. Select "Application" as the topic, then choose "Cancellation" in the drop down menu and put your cancellation request in the comment box.

Access your Transfer Credit Report

If you are admitted, you will be able to access your detailed Transfer Credit Report approximately two to three weeks after admission. This report will list all courses taken at other institutions, indicate whether each course will transfer, and note the equivalent course at IU Bloomington for which you'll receive credit.

To view your Transfer Credit Report:

• Log in to One.IU .
• Type "transfer credits" into the search box at the top and click on the "Transfer Credits" app box.
• Log in using your IU username and passphrase to see how your course work from another college or university transferred to IU.

If you have general questions about transferring credits, please visit the Credit Transfer Service site or contact the Office of Admissions . If you have questions about a specific course equivalency or how your credits may count towards an IU degree, please contact the school or college in which you plan to enroll.

Admitted Students

If you’re admitted to IU Bloomington, you’ll need to reserve your space by indicating your intent to enroll.

Reserve your space

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Indiana University’s annual security reports , which contain policy statements as well as crime and fire statistics for Indiana University campuses, are available online. You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at [email protected] .

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Babson College generally enrolls 50 transfer students each September and 15 each January.

You may apply as a transfer applicant if:

• You completed at least one semester at a regionally accredited community college or university,
• Or you are in the process of completing your first semester,
• Or you applied to Babson as a first-year student and were not offered admission, but have since completed at least one semester at a college or university.

Babson College Transfer Applicant Important Dates

For more information about financial aid please see Financial Aid Application Instructions and Deadlines .

Transfer Student Application Requirements

Apply to Babson College as a transfer student via the Common Application . In addition to your completed application, you must submit:

• Official Test Scores: Babson is Test-Optional. Applicants may still submit test scores voluntarily. All applications will be reviewed for consideration in a holistic manner taking into account academic performance and academic rigor during high school(s)/college(s), community service, co-curricular activities, and other aspects of the application and candidate’s portfolio. Non-native English speakers will still be required to submit English language exam scores or request a waiver. Students who do not submit test scores will not be penalized in the review process. All of our applicants will be considered in a contextual and holistic way .
• Mid-Term Report Form: Currently enrolled in college-level classes? List each class you are taking on the  Mid-Term Progress Report for Transfer Applicants (pdf) —even if your class has not yet had a midterm exam. If your course schedule changes after you submit the form, it is your responsibility to inform us.
• College Report: Your Academic Dean or Student Affairs Dean must fill out this form ( Common App College Report ) which is available through the Common App. You need one form for each college or university that you have attended as a full-time student.
• Professor Evaluation: Submit at least one letter of recommendation from a college professor.
• High School Transcripts: Submit an official transcript for each secondary school you have attended.
• College Transcripts: Submit an official transcript from every institution of higher education you have attended.
• Course Materials: Submit a syllabus for each college-level course for which you want to receive transfer credit.

Please note: it is your responsibility to ensure all materials are received by the application deadline.

Transfer Applicant Interviews

Virtual interviews are available to prospective transfer students. Interviews must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance. Register for a virtual transfer interview .

Start Your Application

Join the best school for entrepreneurship where you’ll gain career-ready skills, a make-it-happen mindset, and a deep bench of advisors, including 44,000+ alumni ready to help you succeed. If you have additional questions about the transfer application process, please contact us .

In addition to the materials listed above, international student transfer applicants must also submit:

• Certified English translation of high school transcripts attached to your original documents.
• College transcript, including the credit for the courses you are taking as equivalent to semester hours.
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score report if your native language is not English. In some cases we offer waivers for students who have demonstrated high proficiency in reading, writing, and English.

For additional requirements, including visa information, see International Undergraduate Applicants .

Students interested in transferring to Babson are encouraged to take classes in the following areas prior to Babson:

• Business Statistics
• College Writing I & II
• Macroeconomics
• Microeconomics
• Liberal Arts Courses (History, Literature, Religion, etc.)

Course review begins once course information is submitted on the Transfer Portal in Slate.   The information available on Slate is designed to help you understand your potential transfer credit. It is important to note this course evaluation is not final and may change.   When reviewing courses for transfer, Babson looks to confirm that the content and rigor is similar to corresponding coursework at Babson College. To graduate from Babson College, students need to earn 128 credits and complete specific course requirements. The maximum number of transfer credits is 64. Please note that courses in the following categories will not be considered for transfer credit:

• Courses where the student received a grade below a “C” (2.0/4.0)
• Non academic courses (such as recreational courses)
• Courses that contributed to your high school diploma
• Preparatory courses that are not currently offered at Babson (such as elementary level math courses and ESL courses)

Evaluation of transfer credit at Babson College is done through the Transfer Credit Evaluation tool in Slate. To learn how your courses and credits may transfer, please submit course information prior to depositing.

To access the Transfer Credit Evaluation in Slate:

• Log into  Slate
• Click the TR tab 
• Click on the Transfer Credit Evaluation link
• Click  Add Course  to submit information for each course you hope to transfer

Students can submit courses for review once admitted to Babson College.  All courses admitted students would like considered for credit at Babson College must be in the Transfer Credit Evaluation (including syllabi) prior to depositing. Once an admitted student deposits, access to Slate ends.

Understanding your Transfer Credit Evaluation once submitted and reviewed:

"Babson Course Name"  This column shows a Babson course name or type of requirement that corresponds with your previous course. Electives are one category you may see here. Electives are advanced management courses and general courses. Students need at least twenty elective credits to meet degree requirements.

"Babson Course Credits"  Babson courses are four credits. Previous coursework for more or less credits will be accepted. Your Student Success Advisor will guide you on how to make up credits and/or where extra credits will count.

"Evaluation Status"  This column will indicate the status of your course review with one of the following:

• Tentatively Accepted - Reviewed and assigned credits, but need final transcript before official
• Not Accepted at Babson 
• This column may be blank due to: waiting for required information to begin review OR the review is in progress but not yet complete

Use your Tentatively Accepted courses for a sense of what will transfer and how.

Class Year Standing 

Babson students generally enroll in 16-18 credits per semester. Many transfer students need an additional semester (or summer course work) beyond their original graduation date. This can vary based on studying abroad, completing concentration(s), summer coursework, etc.  

• 0-31.99 earned credits: First Year
• 32-63.99 earned credits: Sophomore

Please note that the following courses are not accepted for transfer credit:

• Non-academic courses (such as recreational courses)

You May Also Be Interested In:

How to Use Acceptance Rate and Class Profile to Guide Your College Search

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Transfer Applicants

Transfer students play a meaningful role in the life of the College. Your experiences at other institutions contribute to the diversity of our student body and provide valuable perspective to all kinds of interactions on campus, from classroom conversations to coffee chats on the quad. We are committed to assembling a community of talented scholars from a wide range of backgrounds, and this includes transfer students.

If you have already completed at least one term as a full-time student in a bachelor's degree-seeking program at another college or university, you should apply as a transfer student. All others, to include high school students who have taken college-level courses, should apply as  first-year applicants .

The University of Chicago offers transfer applicants a choice of two application plans. Your application will go through the same careful review process no matter which of these plans you choose, so you should pick the one that suits you best. In picking the UChicago application plan that's right for you, you'll want to consider when you will be ready to apply and whether you are prepared to make a binding commitment to UChicago.

2024-2025 Timelines

*11:59 p.m. applicant's local time on March 1 or first business day of March.

**Late afternoon Chicago local time on the last business day in March.

Transfer Application Plans

Transfer early decision.

Our Transfer Early Decision (TED) application is best for students who have identified UChicago as their absolute first choice for transferring and know they would choose to attend UChicago immediately if admitted. This admission plan is binding, meaning that if admitted, you commit to attending UChicago, withdrawing outstanding transfer applications from any other school, and agreeing not to apply to transfer to any additional colleges. If you apply Early Decision, you will need to download, complete, and submit a Transfer Early Decision Agreement by uploading it in your UChicago Account.

If you are enthusiastic about applying to UChicago but would like to compare admissions offers, transfer credit estimates, or financial aid packages from multiple colleges before making a final decision, you should consider applying through the Rolling Decision plan.

Transfer Early Decision applicants will receive an admissions decision of admit, deny, or waitlist.

Transfer Rolling Decision

In our Transfer Rolling Decision (TR) application plan, students are strongly encouraged to submit their application by the March 1 priority deadline. We will continue to review applications until June 1 and we will release decisions on a rolling basis starting in early May. Applying as a Rolling Decision applicant does not constitute a binding commitment to attend if admitted, and you will have until June 5 to reply to your offer if admitted.

Transfer Rolling Decision applicants will receive an admissions decision of admit, deny, or waitlist.

Required Application Materials

Transfer application for admission and supplement essays.

Applicants should submit their choice of Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir or the Common Application *, both of which include the University of Chicago Supplement . Applicants will also be prompted to create a UChicago Account , where they can submit information and view their admissions decision.

Select One of Two Applications

There are several online application platforms accepted by many colleges and universities. Through the online application platform, you submit basic information about your background, academic profile, and extracurricular activities, as well as a brief personal statement; all of this information can be easily shared with multiple colleges you decide to apply to. If you apply to the University of Chicago, you will also submit several supplemental essays, which will not be seen by other institutions.

UChicago accepts Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir or the Common Application for transfer applicants. We treat both equally in the admissions process. You'll want to pick a single application platform to use, whichever you feel works best for you.

Questions about technical matters related to using one of these consortium applications should be directed, respectively, to the folks at Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir or the Common Application . Questions about our own requirements should be directed to us .

Extracurricular Activities

In your list of extracurricular activities, you should include whatever it is that you have spent your time doing outside of class during high school and college. This could be an official club, team, or competition; a hobby you pursue on your own; a part-time job; a family responsibility; or anything else you do with your time outside of class. Colleges ask for this information not because they have any specific expectation or preference for how you spend your time, but to see what's meaningful, worthwhile, or interesting to you. We do not require certificates proving participation in activities. If the space provided on the application to list all extracurricular and work experiences is not sufficient, you may share further details through the "Additional Information" section or in your UChicago Account.

Application Essay

The personal statement is your chance to present yourself and your ideas in your own words. Through Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir or the Common Application, your essay will be sent to the schools you are applying to, and should not be specific to any one school. Your essay should be appropriate for a wide array of audiences and should put your best foot forward.

The personal statement is not required for the transfer application. You have the option to submit one if you like. If applying through Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir, the application will say that the Coalition Essay is required. You may submit a personal statement, or you may write “N/A”. If applying through the Common Application, the personal statement will appear as optional.

UChicago Supplement

The University of Chicago Supplement requires one extended essay of your choice from our list of several prompts and one short essay on why you would like to attend the University of Chicago as a transfer student. For this second essay, transfer students will be asked to answer the following prompt (in approximately 500 words):

• Please tell us why you are planning to leave (or have already left) your current college or university, and how the University of Chicago will satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future. Please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to UChicago.

The Supplement essays should be submitted through Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir or the Common Application .

Your UChicago Account

Students may create a UChicago Account before or after starting their application on the Common Application or Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir. To create a UChicago Account before you begin working on your application, please visit getstarted.uchicago.edu .

If you begin by working on the application, you will receive an email with instructions on how to set up your UChicago Account. When you sign in to your UChicago Account , you will be able to complete and update your profile, apply for financial aid, upload supplementary materials if you wish, and eventually view your admissions decision.

If you previously applied to UChicago as a first-year, transfer, or Summer Session student, you already have a UChicago Account in your name and will not receive emailed instructions. If you forgot your password from your previous account, please use the “forgot password” function with the email address you used in your Common Application or Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir application to access your account.

Application Fee or Automatic Waiver

The University of Chicago does not charge an application fee for students applying for need-based financial aid. For students not applying for need-based financial aid, our application fee is $75 and can be submitted through the Common Application or Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir.

Credit Card

Please follow the instructions on the application for submitting the application fee online.

Check or Money Order

Please include a note with the check or money order with the applicant's full name and address and mail it to the College Admissions Office by the application deadline. Checks should be made payable to the University of Chicago.

The Office of College Admissions Attn. Matt Cowell 1101 E. 58th St. Rosenwald 005 Chicago, IL 60637

High School and College Transcripts

Transfer students are required to submit both a final high school transcript and college transcripts for every post-secondary school attended. You are welcome to submit either official copies or unofficial copies; official copies are only required for admitted students who choose to enroll. If applying with unofficial copies, each transcript must show your full name and school name. Unofficial copies can be uploaded in the documents section of the Common Application , in the Coalition Application Supplement if applying through Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir , or in your UChicago Account. We prefer electronic submission instead of physical mail for official transcripts.

Final High School Transcript

We require a transcript detailing your coursework and grades over your entire high school career. If you graduated, the transcript should list your graduation date. In reading your application, your transcript will serve as a roadmap of your academic path in high school. We will be looking at your academic record across all four years of high school, primarily to see that you have challenged yourself productively in your course selection and done well in those courses.

Your transcript is considered in the context of your high school. Course offerings and opportunities can look very different from one high school to the next, and we want to see how you took advantage of what was available to you at your high school. You would never be at a disadvantage in the admissions process for not having pursued an opportunity that was not available to you. A School Profile is usually included with your transcript that tells us about the environment at your school, course offerings, curriculum, and educational outcomes. We do not require complete syllabi.

If you have taken courses during high school at institutions other than your final high school, such as a previous high school or a local college, please be sure to submit transcripts for these grades if they are not included in your final high school transcript.

College Transcripts

Please make sure to include transcripts from every post-secondary school you have attended after high school. If you received pass/fail marks for college or university courses instead of grades, please request that your instructors submit a short, written evaluation of your work to the admissions office separately.

Current College Coursework

If using Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir, please include any in-progress or future college coursework through the end of the current academic year in the College Coursework section of your application profile. If using the Common Application, you should include any in-progress college coursework in the Mid-Term report. If you are not currently enrolled in courses, you do not need to complete the College Coursework section or the Mid-Term report.

Transcripts written in a language other than English

Transcripts written in a language other than English should be accompanied by a certified translation and a grading scale.

Two Teacher Evaluations

We require two recommendations from teachers who have taught you in an academic subject. Academic subjects, as defined for the purposes of letters of recommendation, include mathematics, social studies, history, science, English or literature, foreign language, and other courses in which you are doing substantial amounts of reading, writing, or class discussion.

If you feel that you have not had satisfactory contact with professors at your college or university, you may ask a teaching assistant or lab instructor who may have had more experience working with you to provide a recommendation. A recommendation from a recent high school teacher is also acceptable for those who are just in their first year of college, though we recommend at least one of your recommendations come from someone who has worked with you in an academic context in college. If you have questions about whether a particular course is a good choice, feel free to contact your regional Admissions Counselor .

Ask for recommendations from teachers who know you well and can speak specifically and positively about your contributions in the classroom, academic interest, and interactions with classmates. This does not necessarily need to be the teacher who gave you the best grades, but instead someone who best knows your academic personality and thinks highly of you. Plan to have a brief conversation with your recommender to give them context on your educational plans, as this can be helpful in writing a more detailed letter.

As teachers are often writing letters of recommendation on their own time and are therefore not getting paid to do it, we also strongly encourage students to write their recommenders a thank you note.

Submitting Letters of Recommendation

All teachers have the option of submitting letters of recommendation and school forms online via  Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir or the Common Application. They should follow the instructions on the application for submitting these forms. Teachers may print out and submit these forms on paper even if you submit your application online. Letters of recommendation must come directly from the recommender and should not be sent by the applicant. Letters of recommendation can be added to your application after the application deadline, so you do not need to ask your recommender to submit their letter before or at the same time as you have submitted your application.

If your recommenders are most comfortable writing in a language other than English, they may do so. Have them submit the original letter accompanied by a translation.

Supplemental Recommendations

If you feel that we won't be able get a full picture of who you are without a third letter of recommendation from another teacher, an employer, role model, youth leader, or friend, you may submit one additional letter. Submitting a supplemental letter of recommendation is not an expectation, and please be considerate of the significant time commitment writing a good letter of recommendation takes before asking a potential recommender. 

No Harm Testing Policy

Submitting an SAT or ACT is optional and not required for admission. In addition to being test-optional, UChicago practices a “No Harm” policy for application review when considering SAT or ACT scores. Any SAT or ACT score submitted will only be used in review if it will positively affect an applicant’s chance of admission. Test scores that may negatively impact an admission decision will not be considered in review. All applicants, including domestic students, international students, and transfer students will be reviewed under this policy.

Reporting Scores

Students submitting SAT or ACT scores may share either official or self-reported scores. Students sharing self-reported scores will not be required to submit official score reports unless they are admitted and choose to enroll. You are able to self-report test scores through Coalition, Powered by Scoir or the Common Application . You will not need to superscore your own results or recalculate your scores in any way; send your scores exactly as you receive them. To be considered official, scores can be sent by a school official, listed on a transcript, or sent to the University of Chicago directly from the testing agency. UChicago’s SAT code is 1832; the ACT code is 1152.

Testing Deadlines

While we would, of course, like to receive your scores before the appropriate deadline, we will accept the February ACT for Transfer Early Decision and Transfer Rolling Decision and the March SAT for Transfer Rolling Decision.

College/Transfer Report

Transfer students are required to submit a College/Transfer Report indicating their academic standing at their current or most recently attended college or university. The report should be completed by a dean, registrar, or academic adviser who has access to your disciplinary and academic records and sent directly to the Office of College Admissions. If using the Common Application, you can download the College/Transfer Report in the “Supporting Documents” section in the Common Application. If using Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir, you may use the University of Chicago College/Transfer Report.

If a college or university cannot provide an official report, don’t panic!  We will still be able to review your application in its entirety without any penalty.

Optional Components

Financial aid application.

While funding is limited for transfer students, we are committed to meeting 100% of your demonstrated need with a loan-free financial aid award for all U.S. citizens and permanent residents if you are admitted and applied for funding. Transfer students are eligible for financial aid only if they apply for funding during the admissions process and will not be eligible for financial aid after receiving their admissions decision or during their four years in the College. If you think you will need financial aid at any point during your four years at UChicago, you should apply for financial aid when you apply for admission.

The number of quarters for which you receive financial aid will depend on your transfer credit evaluation, which you will receive after you are offered admission. Learn more about  applying for financial aid .

If you are neither a citizen of the United States nor a permanent resident, then we consider you to be an  international transfer applicant , even if you are currently studying at a U.S. college or university. International transfer applicants are not eligible for financial aid.

Recommended Video Profile

If you would like to add your voice to your application, you have the option to submit a two-minute video introduction instead of the traditional college interview, which is not part of our application process. Your recording does not need to be extensively rehearsed or polished, and the video does not need to be edited.

You may record your video introduction using the platform of your choice, and then upload a file to your UChicago Account. You may upload your video to your UChicago Account at any time, but we recommend uploading by March 6 th for Transfer Early Decision and within a week of submitting your application for Transfer Rolling Decision.

We hope students find creative ways to share their voice and ideas, so we focus on content rather than filming quality when reviewing recommended video profiles. For the purposes of our review, it is still impressive if a student is sharing important ideas and perspective on their specific potential for contribution to UChicago even if that video was filmed “selfie-style” on a phone. It is much less helpful if the video is professionally lit and edited, but contains little to no unique information about the student or their specific candidacy for UChicago. We encourage students to film in a quiet space that limits outside distractions (background noise, music, pet or sibling interference, etc). While it’s ok to rehearse your message a bit so that you feel confident and ready, it’s helpful for us to hear these spoken in your normal, conversational voice—memorizing a “script” or reading from prepared sheets/notecards may come appear as a less engaged and conversational experience. If there is any important information relevant to your candidacy you were unable to address elsewhere in the application, please share that information here.

Supplemental Materials: Optional Art, Creative, Research, or Other Supplements

Students may submit supplemental material representing a significant talent, passion, or achievement by uploading it through their UChicago Account. These materials include, but are not limited to, creative writing projects, highlights from music/dance/visual art/theater performance, school capstone projects such as AP Capstone or the equivalent, research projects, business plans, or other work of note.

Students may also elect to submit results of AP exams, SAT Subject Tests, IB courses, or A-Level courses on an optional and self-reported basis.

Transfer Credit

If admitted, the Dean of Students office will provide you with an initial evaluation of your transfer credits. We recommend you submit your transfer credit materials when you apply for admission in order to receive an initial credit evaluation in a timely manner. These materials include the Transfer of Credit form and syllabi for each course you would like to receive a credit evaluation, all of which can be submitted in your UChicago Account. Learn more about how UChicago considers transfer credit and how to submit your coursework for evaluation.

Academic and Campus Requirements for Incoming Transfers

Transfer students must attend the University of Chicago for at least two academic years (six quarters) and complete the Core curriculum , along with more than half of their major requirements bearing UChicago course numbers. Certain College-sponsored study abroad programs (chiefly the Civilizations study abroad programs) may be used to meet these requirements. Transfer credit may not be used toward the Humanities, Civilization Studies, and Social Sciences core requirements; other core requirements may be fulfilled through transfer credit, if eligible. 

Starting the summer before matriculation in the College, transfer students may not earn additional credits from schools other than the University of Chicago, except through direct-enrollment study abroad programs sponsored by UChicago. However, these courses will not count toward the residency or course requirements. Most transfer students can complete their studies with no more than one extra quarter beyond the usual four college years, although this may depend on how coursework completed elsewhere fits into the structure of their degree program. Transfer students are required to live on campus for their first academic year at UChicago.

If you would like to visit the University to study for one year or less before returning to another institution, you should apply as a student-at-large . Students who already have a bachelor’s degree are not eligible to apply to the undergraduate College at the University of Chicago, as the College does not grant second bachelor’s degrees. However, you are welcome to pursue a  graduate degree  or apply as a  graduate-student-at-large  through the  Graham School of General Studies.

Academic Opportunities for Incoming Transfer Students

Incoming transfer students are invited to take classes during the summer before matriculation through Summer Quarter and/or September Term, and will receive information about how to register for these courses in late Spring. Learn more online about Summer Quarter and September Term course offerings.

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Transfer Students

A world of opportunity, as a transfer student at usc, you will enjoy unparalleled opportunities in and outside the classroom. from access to world-class faculty and the ability to conduct your own original research, to acquiring real-world experience through service learning and internship programs, the possibilities are endless. transfer admission to usc remains highly competitive, and we look for students with outstanding talents and leadership skills..

Essential Information

Successful transfer applicants:.

• Present at least one year of rigorous, full-time academic coursework, with strong grades. Check out our Transfer Student Profile to see the average GPA of our most recent class of admitted transfer students.
• Show consistent progress toward a USC degree with at least one year of rigorous, full-time academic coursework. Competitive candidates typically take 14-16 units per term.
• Complete the equivalent of USC’s lower-division Writing requirement, Writing 130.
• Meet our minimum math requirement by demonstrating a mastery of Algebra II (Advanced Algebra) in high school, or Intermediate Algebra in college with a grade of C or better. Many majors require additional math.
• Make satisfactory progress toward meeting USC General Education requirements.
• Complete additional lower-division courses required (and recommended) by their intended major, if applicable. Refer Additional Coursework by Major to see if your intended major requires lower-division courses that should be completed before you transfer. This is especially important for students pursuing degrees in science, engineering, architecture or business.
• International students whose native language is not English must also demonstrate English-language proficiency .

When to Transfer

USC accepts both sophomore and junior transfer students. By transferring as early as your sophomore year, you can take more of your General Education and elective courses at USC. You will be part of the USC community for a longer time and have more opportunities to get involved with campus life and make the connections that can help you after graduation.

Alternately, if your academic record in high school fell short of USC expectations, you may be able to position yourself as a stronger candidate if you complete two years of solid undergraduate coursework at another institution before applying to transfer. Additionally, if you complete most of your General Education requirements before transferring, you will have more time to pursue a double major, a major-minor combination, or a unit-heavy major while you are enrolled at USC.

Current high school students, please note: If you are still in high school, USC considers you a first-year applicant, regardless of the number of college units completed prior to high school graduation. If you have questions about your class standing, please call the USC Office of Admission at (213) 740-1111 .

Transfer Units

USC does not require a minimum number of transfer units.* However, if you will have earned fewer than 30 transferable semester units by the end of the spring term, we will base our decision in large part on your high school record and/or SAT or ACT scores (if you submit them). Please note that applicants to the 2024-2025 academic year are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores, although they may still submit them if they wish.

*The School of Cinematic Arts, however, does require 48 units to transfer into the Film and Television Production program.

College Transcripts

You must submit official transcripts from all colleges you have attended, regardless of whether or not all coursework or degree requirements were completed. Failure to do so may be viewed as a violation of academic integrity, which could result in revocation of admission and/or dismissal from the university.

Selecting a Major

Transfer applicants must indicate a first-choice major on the application. We also consider transfer students for an optional second-choice major or Undecided/Exploratory status.

English Proficiency Requirement

International transfer applicants whose native language is not English must submit a TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic or qualifying SAT or ACT test score earned within two years of their application date. More information is available on our International Students page.

Remedial Coursework

Placement exams offered at your current college will determine your need for any remedial coursework in writing and mathematics prior to your admission to USC. Remedial courses are not transferable.

Required Courses Taken on a Pass/No Pass Basis

As many as 24 semester units, including up to 4 units of General Education courses, may be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis at USC. Typically, only one Core Literacy course may be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis. Both Global Perspectives courses may be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis. Competitive applicants typically take few, if any, courses on a Pass/No Pass basis. Please note that writing courses taken on a Pass/No Pass basis will not fulfill USC’s lower-division writing requirement.

Dates and Deadlines

You are considered a transfer applicant if you have enrolled in college since leaving high school.

For some majors requiring a portfolio or audition: Application Deadline: December 1, 2024

December 1 is the final deadline for transfer students applying to the following programs:

Kaufman School of Dance School of Cinematic Arts – BFA programs only School of Dramatic Arts – BFA programs only Thornton School of Music

See Additional Major Requirements for information about your intended program.

All other majors Application Deadline: February 15, 2025

Final application deadline for majors not requiring a portfolio or audition.

Financial Aid Priority Application Deadline: March 3, 2025

Applicants who want to be considered for need-based financial aid must submit the FAFSA * and CSS Profile applications by this date.

California residents should also apply for Cal Grants by this date.

*Undocumented or DACA students should submit their 2023 tax return and third-party letter confirming undocumented status instead of the FAFSA.

Visit our Financial Aid page for more information. To check on the status of your financial aid application, visit the FAST page in your applicant portal .

Regular Decision Notification: May 30

Transfer candidates will receive either an admission decision or a request for spring grades by May 30 . If you receive a request for spring grades, you will be notified of an admission decision by mid-July.

Application Checklist

Complete the Common Application

If the application fee poses a financial burden, you may request a fee waiver through the “Profile” section of the Common Application.

Submit official final high school transcripts showing your date of graduation. Students who completed secondary school outside the U.S. may substitute a copy of a diploma or leaving certificate. Students who did not finish high school should submit transcripts showing any grades they received before leaving, as well as a copy of their completion certificate (such as a GED). These students may also submit a letter of explanation.

Submit official college transcripts from any and all colleges you attended (regardless of whether coursework or degree requirements were completed).

We need to review your most recent fall-term grades, so be sure your current school has posted them before transcripts are sent. If your school requires an email address to send electronic transcripts, please use [email protected] . This email address should only be used by schools; students should not personally send copies of their transcripts to this address.

Letters of recommendation are not required unless specifically requested by your intended academic department or major.

Provide portfolio, resume and/or additional writing samples, if required by your intended major. Performance majors may also require auditions. Refer to the Additional Application Requirements section below for more information.

Affirmations will be available in the portal after we receive your application. Your digital signature may be submitted after the application deadline.

Additional Application Requirements

If you are applying to any major in any of the schools listed below, it is your responsibility to complete your application by the appropriate deadline. Unless otherwise noted, all deadlines are the same as those listed on the Dates and Deadlines section. Be sure to obtain any required supplementary forms and to fulfill all departmental requirements.

Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

USC School of Architecture

Roski School of Art and Design

Iovine and Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation

Marshall School of Business

USC School of Cinematic Arts

Kaufman School of Dance

USC School of Dramatic Arts

Viterbi School of Engineering

Thornton School of Music

Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Veterans are encouraged to take advantage of an array of services at USC including academic and career counseling, financial aid and veteran benefits information, religious life resources and more. For more information, visit the USC Veterans Resource Center .

Application fee waivers are available to veterans and their dependents. To request this fee waiver, select the appropriate option under the school-specific fee waiver question, located in the USC Questions section of the Common Application.

Credits & Policies

Units that must be earned at usc.

Transfer students must complete a minimum of 64 units in residence at USC, or half the units typically required for graduation. A few exceptions are noted below. While in residence at USC, you are also expected to:

• Complete all upper-division units in your major and minor.
• Complete WRIT 340, a minimum of two Core Literacy GE courses from a Dornsife College department, and any remaining General Education courses not taken before entering USC.
• Take all your fall- and spring-semester courses for credit at USC. Courses may be taken at other institutions only during summer sessions, with limitations.

Exceptions:

Engineering “3+2” Program: Students must complete a minimum of 48 units in residence at USC. Two-thirds of any transferable coursework must be completed at one of USC’s four-year partner institutions.

Bachelor of Architecture: Students must earn at least 80 units at USC. A maximum of 70 of the transferable units for this program may be earned elsewhere.

Transfer Unit Limits

USC limits the transfer of credit in certain categories. You may transfer up to 64 units of credit from other institutions, except where noted.

• Four (4) units each of English as a Second Language, physical education activity courses and music ensemble courses.
• Eight (8) units of dance.
• Twelve (12) units of physical education theory courses.
• Sixteen (16) units of individual instruction in music.
• Other studio and performing arts classes are also limited. Check with your admission counselor.

Courses/Units That Will Transfer

Accredited courses: Coursework completed at, or degrees from, U.S. institutions accredited by the six regional accrediting agencies are generally accepted. Coursework completed at international post-secondary institutions approved by the local Ministry of Education as degree-granting institutions may also transfer.

Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and other standardized examinations: We accept a maximum of 32 units for standardized examinations.

Please visit arr.usc.edu/transfercredit for a list of standardized exams and the course requirements they fulfill.

College courses taken during high school: We accept a maximum of 16 units, included in the 32-unit combined maximum for AP/IB/other exam credits. These courses must be taught by college faculty on a college campus, appear on your college transcript as part of the regular college curriculum and must not be applied to your high school diploma. They can fulfill General Education requirements, but they cannot fulfill the writing or foreign language requirements nor receive equivalence to USC courses.

Courses/Units That May Transfer

Courses in these categories will be considered by petition, and credit is granted on a case-by-case basis. Be sure to keep copies of course syllabi, exams and papers, as we may ask for these in making our determination. Nontraditional formats/time frames: Distance-learning, online courses, concentrated “intensive” sessions, special weekend modules, and other nontraditional course formats and time frames.

Please note that elective units only—not equivalence to USC courses or fulfillment of requirements—are granted for foreign language and laboratory science courses taught via distance learning, TV, or in an online or correspondence course.

Due to disruptions caused by COVID-19, some exceptions may apply.

Courses/Units That Will Not Transfer

Unaccredited institutions: Coursework or degrees completed at U.S. institutions not accredited by a regional accrediting agency.

No degree credit: College extension courses and courses taken at international institutions not credited toward a degree at that college.

Areas of study not offered by USC: These include agriculture, business office procedures, hotel management, food services, industrial mechanics, interior design, fire science, forestry, police academy, and similar professional and technical programs.

Duplicated material: An AP exam and IB exam or college course covering the same material.

Life and work experience: Including portfolio work, continuing education, equivalency examination units, and courses offered by business and governmental agencies (even if evaluated by the American Council on Education).

Placement exams: Courses and/ or unit credits awarded by another institution for placement examinations or credit by exam.

Remedial/college preparatory/personal development: Including mathematics courses below the level of college-level algebra. (Intermediate Algebra, USC’s minimum math requirement for admission, is not transferable.)

Nontraditional formats at two-year colleges: Including independent study, directed study, correspondence courses, internships and travel courses.

Graduate-level courses: Graduate-level coursework taken by undergraduate students.

Determining Your Transfer GPA

USC calculates your transfer GPA on the basis of your grades in all USC-transferable courses, including grades of D and below. Plus and minus grading is taken into account. Expired incompletes, unofficial withdrawals and missing grades are treated as an “F.” Credit/No Credit and Pass/No Pass marks are not included in the transfer GPA.USC does not honor other colleges’ academic “renewal” or “forgiveness” programs that permit students to improve a substandard grade. If you repeat a transferable course for which you earned a grade of D+ or lower, both grades will be included in your transfer GPA. If the grade on the first course was a C- or higher, only the first grade is included.

Your transfer GPA is different from the GPA earned in courses you take at USC. The transfer GPA and your USC GPA are kept separate until it is time to determine if you are eligible to graduate and earn graduation honors, as described in the USC Catalogue .

Academic Standards and Requirements

The USC Catalogue is the document of authority on policy matters, and it changes from time to time. It provides complete information about academic standards governing coursework taken at other colleges, as well as specific requirements for your major field. Please visit catalogue.usc.edu for the most current version.

Students who began college in fall 2015 or after: Students are required to follow these revised General Education requirements if they graduated high school in spring or summer 2015 and their first full-time term of college enrollment was fall 2015 or after (excluding summers).

Students who began college prior to fall 2015: Students who started at any college or university before summer 2015 will follow the GE program in effect prior to fall 2015.

Transfer Tools

Transfer planning brochure.

This brochure will help you navigate the application and transfer process and introduce you to our transfer policies. View the Transfer Planning Brochure .

Interactive Planning Guide

This online resource will help students attending California community colleges determine which undergraduate courses at other institutions will satisfy USC’s General Education courses, as well as the lower-division coursework required for any major. Go to the Interactive Planning Guide .

Transfer Planning Worksheet

This worksheet will help you keep track of the transferable courses you have completed and what courses are still in progress. Download the Transfer Planning Worksheet .

Students who began full-time, college-level work prior to fall 2015 (excluding summer semesters) will need to follow the pre-2015 General Education requirements .

Attend a Transfer Information Session

In this session , an admission counselor will discuss how credits transfer to USC and how to present a competitive transfer application. Sessions are offered in-person and virtually.

Additional Coursework by Major

Find the lower-division, introductory coursework that may be recommended or required for your intended major. Download the Additional Coursework by Major file.

Articulation Agreements: California Community Colleges

These lists indicate the California community college courses that fulfill General Education and other requirements, as well as equivalents to lower-division courses at USC. Visit Articulation Agreements with Community Colleges.

Articulation Histories with Local Four-Year Colleges

Though USC does not maintain formal articulation agreements with four-year colleges, this resource will help you determine which courses have been accepted for transfer in the past. Courses not included on the history have not yet been reviewed and may or may not transfer. Most academic courses from four-year institutions are accepted for transfer credit. Be sure to keep copies of syllabi and coursework in case they are needed for later review by USC. View Articulation Histories .

Undocumented and DACA Students

Information for undocumented and DACA students can be found on our Immigration & DACA Status page.

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University of Notre Dame

Undergraduate Admissions

Transfer Applicants

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Notre Dame aims to admit a limited number of exceptional transfer students each year, who will enrich our campus through their involvement, passions, care for others, and demonstrated academic excellence.

To be eligible for transfer to Notre Dame, students must have completed at least one full academic year in a degree-seeking program at another college or university after graduating from high school. Students who are concurrently enrolled in both high school and college programs should follow our first-year admission process .

Evaluation Criteria

All transfer students must apply to a specific college and major at Notre Dame. To present a competitive application, you should have:

Appropriate coursework for your desired major and outstanding academic performance in those courses.

Completion of required courses for your college with a grade of ‘B’ or higher.

A competitive college GPA. In recent years, the average GPA for admitted students has been 3.75 or higher.

At least 24 transferable credits and a minimum of one year of college enrollment at an accredited institution. Please note that dual-enrollment courses do not count toward this minimum.

An impressive high school academic record.

A well-crafted personal statement that explains your interest in Notre Dame, your academic and professional goals, and how transferring to Notre Dame can contribute to achieving them.

SAT or ACT assessment scores ( optional for 2024 and 2025 application cycles )

For a complete list of required application materials and instructions, please refer to our Application Instructions .

Dates and Deadlines

Spring enrollment.

• Application Deadline: October 1, 2024
• Decision notification between December 1, 2024 - January 5, 2025

Apply for Spring Enrollment

Fall Enrollment

• Application deadline: March 15, 2025
• Decision notification between May 20 - June 14, 2025

Apply for Fall Enrollment

More information about the Fall and Spring Enrollment plans can be found under  Apply .

Major Availability

The consideration of a student’s past academic performance along with the availability of space within their desired major are crucial factors in our decision-making process. The number of open spots in specific programs can vary annually. Some of our sought-after majors such as Neuroscience and Behavior, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Business Analytics, and Finance have very limited availability in a given year. Students who are interested in being considered for more than one program, have the opportunity to indicate an alternate intended major on their application.

Once admitted to a particular major, a student will not be allowed to change to another major at the University without the permission of their dean.

To learn more about each of our colleges and schools, explore their websites:

College of Arts and Letters

College of Engineering

College of Science

Keough School of Global Affairs

Mendoza College of Business

School of Architecture

Course Selection

To learn more about what classes you need to take for your intended major in order to present a strong application, please view our required courses . It is imperative that you have the prerequisites needed for your intended course of study, so carefully review the required curriculum for your intended college and major.

When deciding what additional classes to take, we recommend aligning your course selection with  Notre Dame’s Core Curriculum . The Core is organized around 11 Ways of Knowing and establishes a strong foundation in the liberal arts for all Notre Dame students. Regardless of intended major, interested transfer applicants should prioritize taking: a writing-intensive course such as writing and rhetoric or English composition, and courses in the quantitative reasoning and science and technology categories. These would include courses such as calculus, statistics, natural sciences and physical sciences.

We encourage you to browse our frequently asked questions . We also have additional information for international transfer students .

If you have any remaining questions after reviewing our website, please email [email protected] .

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Transfer applicants have attended another college or university since earning their high school diploma or GED. Transfer applicants are looking to complete a bachelor's degree at CU Boulder.

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Whether you are planning to apply or have already been admitted, find your next step in the admission process for transfer applicants.  

Know the Transfer Timeline

As you begin the transfer application process, follow this timeline to stay on track.

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Before you apply, learn how we review transfer applications and process credit for college coursework.

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If you plan to start your education at a Colorado community college and finish your degree at CU Boulder, the Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree Program might be right for you. Learn about the program requirements, benefits and more.

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Undergraduate Admission Information For:

First-Year Applicants

First-year applicants are in high school, or have graduated from high school but have not taken any college courses after graduating or earning a GED.

Transfer applicants have attended another college or university since earning their high school diploma or GED. Transfer applicants are looking to complete a bachelor’s degree at CU Boulder.

International Applicants

Undergraduate international applicants are students who need a visa to be in the U.S. Apply as a domestic student if you have a U.S. passport or green card.

Readmit Applicants

Veteran Applicants

Undocumented Applicants

CU Boulder counselors are here to help you through the application and answer any questions that may arise during the admission process.

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The University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation, or political philosophy. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. You may  view the list of ADA and Title IX coordinators  and  review the Regent policy .

As a student or prospective student at CU Boulder, you have a right to certain information pertaining to financial aid programs, the Clery Act, crime and safety, graduation rates, athletics and other general information such as the costs associated with attending CU Boulder. To view this information visit  colorado.edu/your-right-know .

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Transfer Applicants

The Boston College community welcomes transfer students to our full-time undergraduate programs. A transfer applicant is any student who has completed minimally nine credits prior to the admission deadline for the semester they wish to apply. Each year, nearly 250 students transfer into Boston College. The majority enter in the Fall semester and a class of approximately 70 students will enroll each January.

The Committee on Transfer Admission reviews each application individually. Primary emphasis is placed on the college record. However, the high school record, essays, recommendations, activities, and work experience are also critical components of the application. In recent years, students most successful in the transfer admission process had very strong records from both high school and college.

Boston College will remain test-optional for transfer students applying for Spring and Fall 2025 admission.

Register for Transfer Eagle Eye Visits! 

Virtual: September 24th at 7PM

On Campus: November 1st at 11AM

Virtual: October 22nd at 3PM

Virtual: November 6th at 7PM

On campus sessions will combine an information session and campus tour. Virtual sessions include an information session and Q&A with current students. All times are in Eastern Standard Time.

Please Note: Boston College does not conduct interviews as part of the admission process.

Transfer Application

The Spring 2025 Transfer Application will be posted in the fall.

**Please note we do  not  accept transfer applications to the Connell School of Nursing for entrance in January.

Selecting an Academic Division

Candidates are required to apply to one of the University's four undergraduate academic divisions: the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, Carroll School of Management, Lynch School of Education and Human Development, or Connell School of Nursing. Boston College strongly encourages students to apply to their first choice undergraduate division, as this can be challenging to change later in the undergraduate process. Students do not have to declare a specific major at this time (with the exception of Nursing). Learn more about  choosing an academic division .

The Office of Undergraduate Admission deeply values the contributions made by a diverse community of scholars. Learn more about Boston College's  notice of nondiscrimination .

Boston College Required Personal Statement

Boston College strives to provide an undergraduate learning experience emphasizing the liberal arts, quality teaching, student formation, and engagement of critical issues. Please provide a statement that addresses your reasons for transferring and why you are choosing to apply to Boston College. (650 word limit)

Standardized Testing

Boston College will remain  test-optional  for transfer students applying for Spring 2025 admission.

Transfer applicants have the option of submitting an ACT (College Code: 1788) and/or SAT (CEEB Code: 3083) as an application credential. If you submit multiple scores, we will superscore the tests for our evaluation.

• Official standardized test results must be sent directly from the testing agency to Boston College. If having score reports sent from the College Board or ACT to Boston College presents a financial hardship, applicants should have their high school counselor contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Alternatives may be explored on a case-by-case basis.

In addition to the ACT or SAT,  international applicants  must submit TOEFL IELTS, or Duolingo English Test examination scores. Learn more about  standardized testing requirements  for international applicants.

It is your responsibility to ensure that we receive all of your standardized testing by the stated application deadlines.

Official Transcripts

The quality of your academic achievement is one of the most important measures of your preparedness for Boston College; special consideration is given to the balance and difficulty of the program you have carried. In addition to the official high school transcript (sent directly from the high school) or Certificate of GED, official transcripts of all courses taken in all semesters at other colleges or universities (post-high school graduation) must be submitted.  Faxed transcripts or transcripts issued to students are not considered official and cannot be accepted .

Official transcripts can be sent via email ( transfer@bc.edu ) or by mail.

Application Mailing Address & Courier Service (FedEx, DHL, UPS):

Boston College Undergraduate Admission 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Devlin 208 Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

Supporting Materials

Boston College requires additional materials to supplement your application and provide context into your post-secondary achievements. All supporting documents are available in your applicant portal.

Letter of Recommendation

An instructor's recommendation is helpful in assessing your academic achievement and your contributions to your school. If you have been out of school for more than one year you may submit a recommendation from an advisor, supervisor or employer for consideration. The recommender you select will be sent a link and instructions to submit their letter of recommendation in support of your candidacy.

Academic & Disciplinary Report

This report is necessary to assess your personal standing at  all  of the institution(s) you have attended on a full-time basis. Complete the personal information section and submit it to the Dean of Students at each institution you have attended full time. Failure to submit all required information and documentation will result in an incomplete application.

If you have a mark on your disciplinary record, we strongly urge you to submit a separate statement explaining the circumstances of the incident.

Mid-Term Report (recommended, but not required)

This report collects information about courses in which you are currently enrolled. Indication of performance in current coursework adds an additional layer of academic history and context to your application.

Application Fee

The application fee or an application fee waiver request* must be submitted in order for your application to be reviewed.

Boston College automatically waives the application fee for any applicant who is eligible to receive a federal Pell Grant

*Fee Waiver Request If submitting the $80 application fee presents a financial hardship for your family and you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may apply for an application fee waiver using our  Transfer Application Fee Waiver Request Form .

Mailing Address

We strongly encourage you to electronically submit your application, fee, and supporting materials. Materials can be sent electronically to transfer@bc.edu . If your school(s) does not support the online submission of the required documents, please use the appropriate mailing address listed below. Application Mailing Address & Courier Service (FedEx, DHL, UPS):

Application Status

You can check the status of your application in your Applicant Portal. It is your responsiblity to check the status of your application and submit any missing documents prior to the application deadline.

Fall Enrollment

Applicants will be notified via email no later than May 20.

Spring Enrollment

Applicants will be notified via email no later than December 15. 

If you were admitted to Boston College as a freshman applicant and chose to matriculate at another institution, you are eligible to apply for spring transfer admission. Please contact transfer@bc.edu for more information.

Special Notice Regarding Application Deadlines

In recent years, a small number of Boston College applicants have faced challenges in meeting our application deadlines through no fault of their own. Natural disasters, political unrest, local school strikes and other unexpected events can add a level of complexity to the college application process. To the extent possible, Boston College is committed to working with students or those writing recommendations to extend deadlines, if necessary. Impacted students should contact us directly to discuss their circumstances.

Transfer of Credit and Course Selection

Transfer of credit policy.

Boston College's transfer credit policies are established by the deans and faculty of each undergraduate division. Course evaluations are completed by the Office of Transfer Admission. In order for courses to be accepted, they must be equal in depth and breadth to courses taught at BC, and a grade of C- or better must be achieved.  Course descriptions for all Boston College courses and information on requirements according to academic division can be found in the University Catalog . 

The maximum number of transferable credits is 60 credits. All transfer students must enroll as full time students and spend a minimum of four semesters at Boston College to earn a degree. If you are interested in part-time studies, please visit the Woods College of Advancing Studies for more information.

Transfer Course Selection Guide

Prospective students often call asking two important questions. First, which courses they should be taking at their current institutions to increase their chances of acceptance to Boston College? And second, which courses would most likely be accepted for credit should they be admitted and choose to enroll at Boston College?

Appropriate course selection is one of the most important factors in presenting a strong transfer application. The following guides are intended to help students interested in transferring to Boston College choose courses at their current institutions. Any questions regarding the selection and evaluation of courses, either before or after enrollment, should be directed to the Office of Transfer Admission at transfer@bc.edu .

If you would like to browse courses that have been approved for transfer credit in the past, please consult the  Transfer Course Database .

If you are entering in with AP, IB, or other types of placement exams, please consult our Advanced Placement page for a list of qualifying scores.

• Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences
• Carroll School of Management
• Lynch School of Education and Human Development
• Connell School of Nursing

Course Selection Guide for the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences

We recommend that students take a variety of liberal arts courses that can be used to fulfill requirements in the core curriculum. Most departments require students to take the majority of their major requirements at Boston College, therefore it is our recommendation that students take only three or four courses in their intended major.

Intermediate proficiency in a foreign language is required for all students in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. We strongly recommend that students pursue a foreign language in their first year of studies if they do not fulfill this requirement through AP exams.

For students that apply after one year of coursework, we recommend that they complete at least 30 credits. For students that apply after two years of coursework, we recommend that they complete 60 credits.  The completed coursework should be some combination of the academic areas listed below:

Mathematics (1 course, 3 semester hours) Calculus, Finite Mathematics, Linear Algebra, or Computer Science

English (2 courses, 6 semester hours) Literature and Writing/Composition

Natural Science (2 courses, 6 semester hours - lab not required for non-science majors) Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Earth/Environmental Science

History (2 courses, 6 semester hours) Modern World History* (1500-1750 and 1750-present)

Fine Arts (1 course, 3 semester hours) Fine Arts, Music, or Theatre (Course must include a reading and writing component)

Social Science (2 courses, 6 semester hours) Economics, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology

Theology (1 course, 3 semester hours) Theology**

Philosophy (1 course, 3 semester hours) Philosophy**

Electives of choice from academic areas that are comparable to the academic areas offered at Boston College.

*US History courses are transferable to Boston College, but they do not fulfill the core requirement in History.

**Two courses are required for the Theology and Philosophy requirements; Boston College requires that students take at least one course (3 semester hours) each of Philosophy and Theology at our University.

Course Selection Guide for the Carroll School of Management

The Carroll School of Management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).  Boston College is unable to accept upper level business courses from institutions that do not hold the same professional accreditation.

For students that apply after one year of coursework, we recommend that they complete at least 30 credits.  For students that apply after two years of coursework, we recommend that they complete 60 credits. The completed coursework should be some combination of the academic areas listed below:

Mathematics (1 course, 3 semester hours) Calculus (or higher) or Computer Science

Statistics (1 course, 3 semester hours)

Economics (2 courses, 6 semester hours) Macroeconomics and Microeconomics

Business Law (1 course, 3 semester hours)

Accounting (2 courses, 6 semester hours) Accounting I and II

Organizational Behavior (1 course, 3 semester hours) Organizational Behavior (or equivalent)

Electives of choice from academic areas that are comparable to the academic areas offered at Boston College.***

***Students in the Carroll School of Management also complete a 3 credit course in Management Ethics that transfer students must complete upon enrolling at Boston College.

Course Selection Guide for the Lynch School of Education and Human Development

Boston College does not recommend that students apply to the Lynch School of Education and Human Development (LSEHD) if they have completed more than one year of study at another college or university, due to the specialized curricula students are expected to follow in this school. Students who have completed more than one year at another college or university should note that it will likely take at least two to three years to complete the LSEHD requirements.

For students that apply after one year of coursework, we recommend that they complete at least 30 credits.  The completed coursework should be some combination of the academic areas listed below:

Electives of choice from academic areas that are comparable to the academic areas offered at Boston College.**

**Students in the Lynch School of Education and Human Development also complete a 1 credit course Professional Development Seminar that transfer students can complete upon enrolling at Boston College

**Please note we do not accept transfer applications to the Connell School of Nursing for entrance in January. 

Course Selection Guide for the Connell School of Nursing

Boston College does not recommend that students apply to the Connell School of Nursing if they have completed more than one year of study at another college or university, due to the specialized curriculum students are expected to follow in this school.

All students entering the Connell School of Nursing will enter as first semester sophomores and will take three additional years (6 semesters) to complete the BSN.

For students who have completed a BS or BA program prior to applying and have all of the coursework listed below, it will take three years to complete our program.

For any coursework that is specific to nursing, students must submit course syllabi to the Office of Undergraduate Admission in order for their work to be evaluated.

After their first year, applicants should have completed ten courses, which must include:

Anatomy and Physiology (2 courses, 6 semester hours) Anatomy and Physiology I and II (with lab)

Life Science or General Chemistry I (with lab) (1 course, 3 semester hours)

Statistics for Health Sciences (1 course, 3 semester hours) Principles of Statistics of Health Sciences (or equivalent)

Six courses: Core or elective courses of your choice. We strongly suggest English Writing and Literature, two Social Sciences, two European or World History, or one course each in Theology and/or Philosophy.

Transfer Student Outreach

Thinking of transferring to Boston College? Take a look below to read more about some of the wonderful students who have transferred to BC.

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Transfer Student Process & FAQ

Transfer Admission Process

Is it easier to apply and enroll for September or January?  The admission process is generally very similar in terms of selectivity for each semester. Selectivity does vary a bit by semester because transfer enrollment figures depend on how many openings there are at the University, which can fluctuate from one semester to the next.  How many students apply for admission? We generally have about 1,700 applicants for September and 400 for January.  If I applied as a freshman and was not accepted, should I apply? As in freshman admission, the transfer admission process is highly selective. Students most successful in our transfer process will be competitive out of high school and have strong college records. Although students are welcome to re-apply, please be aware of the selectivity of our process.

I am in my first semester of college, may I apply? Typically, the earliest students may apply to transfer is during their second semester of college. Our rationale is that we will not have an official college transcript with final semester grades to evaluate by the November 1st application deadline.

An exception to this policy will be made for students who were admitted as a freshman applicant yet chose to attend another institution. If you were offered admission in high school and wish to seek spring transfer enrollment, please contact our office.  

I'm an international applicant. Do I need to submit both the SAT and the English proficiency?  Students whose first language is not English must have a current TOEFL IELTS, or DET score (within the last two years) and either the SAT or the ACT in order to apply. This applies to all international students, even those who attend schools where the primary language of instruction is English. The only way the TOEFL requirement will be waived is if the student scores 650 or above on the SAT EBRW or a 29 or above on the ACT English. If you attended a U.S. high school for at least three years and you are enrolled in a traditional university curriculum without ESOL coursework, an English proficiency exam is not required. If you feel further evidence of your English skills will enhance your application, you are still welcome to send those test scores.

Is it easier to be admitted to one major over another? Students must apply to one of the four academic divisions at Boston College (the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, the Carroll School of Management, the Connell School of Nursing or the Lynch School of Education) and selectivity is very similar across the divisions. We aim to enroll transfer students in numbers proportionate to undergraduate division size at the University.  In other words, Morrissey, as the largest division, typically has the most spaces available to add new transfers followed by the Carroll School of Management, the Lynch School of Education and Human Development, and the Connell School of Nursing. Please be advised that transferring into the Carroll School of Management once enrolled at Boston College is not allowed. The only way to enroll in the Carroll School of Management is to apply directly.  Can I reactivate my application from a previous admission cycle? No. If you wish to re-apply to Boston College, you must submit all new documents and a new application fee.  If I apply as a transfer candidate and do not get in can I reapply in the future? We recommend that a student wait one full year before reapplying, so that they have time to improve their academic record in order to have the best chance of being admitted should they attempt to apply again.  Please note: We do not hold or store past applications; therefore, students reapplying must submit all new documents and another application fee.

Residential Life

Will I get housing as a transfer student? All transfer students are awarded two years of guaranteed on-campus housing as part of their acceptance.

Will applying for on campus housing hurt my chances of admission? No. Students should apply for housing if they wish to live on campus. Your housing request in no way impacts our admission decision. For more information on the Office of Residential Life, click here .

Nursing Transfer Students

**Please note that due to current enrollment trends, we are not accepting transfer applications to the Connell School of Nursing for Fall 2024 entry. Please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission at transfer@bc.edu if you have any questions.**

What kind of undergraduate nursing program does Boston College offer? Boston College offers a Bachelor of Science (nursing) at the undergraduate level through the Connell School of Nursing.

Am I able to attend the undergraduate Bachelor of Science (nursing) part-time? No, the Bachelor of Science (nursing) program is only offered for full-time day students.

Does BC offer a RN to Bachelor of Science (nursing) program at the undergraduate level? No, there is no formal RN to Bachelor of Science (nursing) program. However, students with an RN may apply as transfer students.

Do you allow nursing transfer students? Yes. Boston College enrolls a very small cohort of nurses to the Bachelor of Science (nursing) program in the fall semester only. We usually enroll approximately three to five nursing students each fall, depending on how many openings are available. Several times in the last few years we have not admitted any students to our nursing program because it was at capacity.

I have already earned a Bachelor's degree from another college or university. May I apply to Boston College for a second bachelor's degree (nursing)? Yes, the Bachelor of Science (nursing) program is the only program for which we allow students to pursue a second bachelor's degree. Please note that it will take 3 years to graduate with your Bachelor of Science (nursing).

Students Attending International Colleges and Universities

Is a course evaluation required? While not required, we encourage any applicant transferring from a foreign college or university to submit an official course-by-course evaluation of university transcript(s) completed by a credential evaluation service with  NACES  membership.  This information helps us review your academic history in the context of the US system.

Most Searched

Common questions, transfer applicants.

If you have attended any institution of higher education (on any basis, for any length of time) following graduation from high school, you will need to apply as a transfer applicant and submit official transcripts from all of the colleges that you have attended. If you are admitted to U-M, you can choose whether to use your previous colleges' credit to satisfy graduation requirements from the University of Michigan.

The University of Michigan Office of Undergraduate Admissions handles transfers for the  College of Literature, Science, and the Arts  and the  College of Engineering . For information about transferring to  other U-M schools and colleges , please contact their Admissions representatives directly.

Learn More at a Virtual Transfer Spotlight

Students interested in learning more about transferring to U-M are invited to register for a Virtual Transfer Spotlight session to learn about admissions requirements and speak with current student(s).

Register to attend a Virtual Transfer Spotlight

Review all our admission requirements and deadlines for a student who has earned college credit after receiving a high school diploma. 

Here are the essay questions for the Common Application, along with the specific University of Michigan essays. 

A summary report for the last five years of new undergraduate transfer student applications/admissions/enrollment; class level at enrollment. Based on fall semester data.

How to check your application status online.

In order for your course work to be considered transferable to the University of Michigan, it must meet these certain criteria.

Resources for Community College Students wishing to transfer to U-M.

When you transfer to Michigan, you'll find daily opportunities for growth, engagement, leadership, and for fun.

Students can explore everything you need to know about transferring to U-M, including info on academic programs, tuition, and more.

Transfer applicants

Apply to VCU as a transfer student using the VCU applicant portal.

Application overview

The instructions in this section are for domestic transfer applicants, including U.S. citizens, permanent residents, refugees/asylees and undocumented students. If you are a non-immigrant currently residing outside of the U.S. and plan to come on an F1 or J1 visa, or a non-immigrant currently residing in the U.S. under a visa, please visit the international undergraduate applicant page  for instructions.

Transferring made easy

VCU's Transfer Center is here to help. Connect with us to learn which of your previously earned credits may transfer to VCU, set up a transfer advising appointment, or find out which higher ed institutions have admissions agreements with VCU.

Visit the Transfer Center

Application instructions

New transfer applicants.

If you are a new transfer applicant to undergraduate programs on the Monroe Park Campus, you must choose the application that corresponds with your intended term of entry in the  VCU applicant portal (example: Fall 2023, Spring 2024, etc.)

Former VCU students

Former VCU students are deemed returning applicants and must complete the application for readmission in the  VCU applicant portal if they have:

• Not attended VCU in a degree program for three or more successive fall and spring semesters
• Been suspended from VCU
• Attended another college or university since attending VCU, and three or more successive fall and spring semesters have passed

Considerations

Guaranteed admission agreements.

VCU has entered into guaranteed admission agreements with the Virginia Community College System, Richard Bland College and College of Southern Maryland. VCU also has specific program articulation agreements with some VCCS colleges and RBC. All VCCS students must complete a  letter of interest to be eligible for guaranteed admission agreement benefits.

Visit VCU's Transfer Center site for details on guaranteed admission agreements and VCCS transfer agreements .

Be ready to pay the application fee

The online application fee is $75 and must be paid via credit card when submitting your application. Do not submit cash, checks or money orders. The fee is nonrefundable.

All VCU applicants are required to submit an application fee. If you are financially unable to pay the application fee, a waiver can be requested. Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and submit appropriate documentation when requesting a fee waiver. Visit your applicant portal for details about how to request a fee waiver.

Follow these application guidelines

• Submit only one application for a specific semester (i.e., one application for Spring 2024).
• Be sure to apply to only one undergraduate degree program.

If you need to make changes to your application once it’s been submitted, find out how to make updates . Do not submit more than one application — if you do, only the first will be processed.

When to expect our admissions decision

Admissions decisions will be posted in your  VCU applicant portal . Transfer applicants who submit all materials by March 17 for fall admissions will receive a decision by May 1, otherwise decisions are sent on a rolling basis until enrollment capacity is met. Find additional admission decision posting dates on the application status page . 

Transfer links

• Transfer credit checker
• Application requirements
• Application checklist
• VCU applicant portal

Find answers in our  FAQs

Have questions about the application process? Explore our frequently asked questions.

Transfer Students

• Admissions Requirements
• Deadlines & How to Apply
• After You're Admitted
• Transferring Credits
• Military Students
• NC Community College Students

We’re excited you’re interested in joining our Seahawk family!

You may have started your academic journey elsewhere, but you’ll find the education you’ll receive at UNCW is like no other. Here we transform lives.

Transfer Overview

You are considered a transfer student if you:

• graduated from an accredited high school or obtained a General Education Diploma or an Adult High School diploma AND attended another postsecondary institution after graduating from high school.
• served in the U.S. military at least two years. Learn more.
• are graduating from a Cooperative Innovative High School with an associate degree. (You also have the choice of applying as a first-year student.) Learn more.

You are not considered a transfer student if you:

• plan to enroll in the fall term and attended college for the first time in the prior summer.
• are dually enrolled through the Career and College Promise
• attend an early college that is not a Cooperative Innovative High School .

If you are not considered a transfer student, find out more information on how to apply here . If you are considered a transfer student, find more information about how to plan, apply, and enroll below. We encourage you to contact our team if you have questions. We look forward to assisting you with your educational goals!

Additional resources:

• Connect with your Transfer Counselor
• Transfer Student Campus Tours
• Transfer In-Person and Virtual Events
• Honors College Pathways for Transfer Students