Transferring colleges is far more common than many students realize. People transfer to save money, find a better academic program, move closer to home, or simply find a better fit. Whether you're moving from a community college to a university or from one four-year school to another, a successful transfer depends on planning. This guide walks you through the process step by step.
Common reasons to transfer
- Completing an associate degree and continuing toward a bachelor's
- Finding a major your current school doesn't offer
- Reducing costs or receiving better financial aid
- Family, health or personal circumstances
- Wanting a different campus size, location or culture
Before you start the process, consider whether the issue can be solved at your current school — for example, by changing majors, housing or your social circle. If transferring is the right move, plan early.
Step 1: Research transfer-friendly schools
Transfer admissions work differently from first-year admissions. Look at:
- Transfer acceptance rates, which can be higher or lower than first-year rates. Many colleges publish these in their Common Data Set.
- Transfer agreements between your current school and target schools. Many states have articulation agreements and guaranteed admission programs for community college students who meet certain requirements.
- Transfer credit policies — how many credits the school accepts and minimum grades required.
- Residency requirements — most colleges require you to complete a minimum number of credits at their institution to earn their degree.
- Transfer student support such as orientation, housing and dedicated advisors.
Step 2: Make sure your credits will count
Credit loss is the biggest risk in transferring. A course might transfer only as an elective, which doesn't help you finish your major. To protect your credits:
- Use the target school's online transfer equivalency database to see how your courses transfer.
- Choose courses that satisfy general education and major prerequisites at your target school.
- Keep syllabi for every course — you may need them to appeal credit decisions.
- Earn strong grades; many schools only transfer courses with a C or better.
- Ask a transfer advisor at the target school to review your plan.
Step 3: Know what transfer admissions looks for
For transfer applicants, your college GPA is usually the most important factor. Depending on how many credits you've completed, colleges may also review your high school transcript and test scores. They also look at:
- Completion of prerequisites for your intended major
- Your transfer essay explaining why you're transferring and why this school
- Recommendations from college professors
- Activities, work experience and responsibilities
Step 4: Write a strong transfer essay
Focus on your academic goals and what the new school offers that your current one doesn't. Be positive — don't criticize your current college. Explain what you've learned, how you've grown, and how the specific programs at the target school will help you reach your goals. Our guide to writing a “Why this college?” essay applies here too.
Step 5: Track deadlines and applications
Transfer deadlines are often in the spring for fall entry, and some schools accept transfers for spring terms as well. Many colleges accept transfer applications through the Common App for Transfer, while others use their own systems or state application portals. Request official transcripts from every college you've attended, including any dual-enrollment courses from high school.
Step 6: Plan your finances
- Update your FAFSA to add your new school.
- Look for transfer scholarships. Many universities offer merit awards for transfer students, and honor societies like Phi Theta Kappa connect community college members to scholarship opportunities.
- Check financial aid limits. Federal aid has limits, including a lifetime limit on Pell Grants. Losing credits in a transfer can use up aid eligibility faster.
- Compare net prices between your current school and target schools.
Step 7: Make the transition smoothly
Students sometimes experience “transfer shock,” a temporary dip in grades during their first term at a new school. To ease the adjustment, attend transfer orientation, meet your new advisor early, use tutoring and get involved in campus life. Look for transfer student organizations — connecting with others who've made the same move can help you feel at home quickly.
Your transfer checklist
- Identify target schools and transfer agreements.
- Check credit equivalencies before registering each term.
- Maintain a strong college GPA.
- Ask professors for recommendations.
- Submit applications and transcripts before deadlines.
- Update your FAFSA and apply for transfer scholarships.
Starting at a community college? Read our guide to community college vs. a four-year university.
