Things You Should Know While Transferring Colleges

Transferring colleges may seem irksome, but it is also surprisingly common. About 1 in 4 college students change schools. Most students transfer because they are unhappy at their present school, they decide to change majors and their present school does not offer it or does not have that strong a program, students moving from a two-year college to a four-year college or maybe because of some financial reasons.

But before you transfer, there are certain options that should be considered which are discussed below.

 Academic Considerations

 Talk to the admission officer about the following:

• Ask how transferring could affect your expected graduation date.

• Find out what credits from your current college will transfer over.

• If you are transferring to enroll in a specific program, understand all the requirements needed for acceptance.

• Your GPA from your original school usually does not carry over (the credits might transfer, but not the grade).

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Financial Considerations 

 How will transferring affect your finances?

• If you are receiving financial aid from your present school, it will NOT transfer over to your new school.

• Entering the admissions process later than the other students can make it more difficult to receive good grant aid.

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Student Loans

 What you should know about loans when transferring?

• You must reapply for financial aid by filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) with the new school’s information.

• Even if your EFC (Expected Family Contribution) is the same, you might not receive the same financial aid you had previously because the calculating aid varies from school to school.

• Before accepting an offer to a new school, you should know exactly the financial package offered.

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The key is to begin early

• Maintain strong grades if you are planning to transfer

• Get any recommendation letters needed early

• Write down all important dates for application deadlines.

• Once you decide to transfer, notify your present college’s financial aid office that you will be transferred, so they can cancel your financial aid and contact your student loan lender to inform them of your transfer and provide them any information they need.

Once you stop attending your old college, you will have a 6 months grace period before your loans go into repayment. Depending on your lender, you may be able to defer payments as long as you are a full or half-time student. You can also talk to your current financial aid office and lender to determine your repayment options.

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Get A Head Start

• Meet with your current college advisor to identify schools and programs that you are interested in.

• Identify the college’s guidelines and policies for transfer students.

• Schedule a campus visit and meet with the transfer and financial aid counselors.

Once you transfer, attend any orientations offered, get involved on campus, meet with your professors and academic advisor. Enjoy the new experience!

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Conclusion

If the transfer is unplanned, some credits will not transfer and you may have to retake classes to meet requirements. Your cost of education may also increase. You may have to spend more years in college and your entrance into the workforce may be delayed. But if your transfer is planned, your transition to 4-year college will go smoothly and all your credits will transfer. Your cost of education may be lower as the credit hour cost at the community college is lower than a 4-year college. You will complete a bachelor’s degree in a timely manner.