Making College Transfer Decisions

College students have many good reasons for transferring to a different school, some which are known from the beginning and others that develop once a student has started school. Since transferring schools is a lot of work and can have negative consequences, students should look at alternatives before making this decision. Students who change schools often must go to school longer to complete their degree, may find it difficult to settle in socially and may have difficulty getting into courses since existing students are often allowed to register for classes early.

Below, some reasons why students consider transferring schools are discussed, along with alternatives to be considered.

Planned Transfers

Two-year to four-year transfer - Due to ever-increasing tuition rates, a fast growing transfer scenario is based on the desire to save money but still earn a bachelor's degree. Students complete their first two years at a reasonably priced two-year school and then transfer to a four-year school to earn their bachelor's degree. As this becomes more common, four-year schools may not be prepared to accomodate all the students that want to transfer in as juniors, resulting in lower acceptance rates. To avoid surprises when applying to transfer, students should research the transfer acceptance rates at their target school and find out if the school expects to be able continue at that rate if applications increase.

Four-year to four-year transfer - Another way students are saving money is by starting at a less expensive four-year school and then transferring to a more expensive, well respected school for the final two years. While this approach can work for many students, some schools are becoming wary of this practice and are decreasing the numbers of students they will allow to transfer in as juniors from four-year schools. Students may want to consider making the investment in the higher-end school from the beginning, assuming they are accepted.

Unplanned Transfers

Students choose to transfer to another school once they've begun their education for many different reasons. Below are some common scenarios which lead to transfers and some things students should consider before making this big decision.

Change in financial situation – When a student's family's suffers a financial setback such as a job loss or illness, students may think they need to change to a less expensive school. Before making a decision, all financial aid options should be researched since a drastic change in financial situation can result in a substantial increase in the amount of aid offered. By talking to the school's financial aid office, a student may find that they can get additional financial aid which will make staying at the school feasible.

Change in career goals – Understandably, high school seniors are not always equipped to make a decisive choice about their future career. Once in college and taking classes, students may find their career interests have become clearer and their choice of major is no longer suitable. At large universities, it is usually possible for a student to change to their desired major. But for students at smaller schools, this realization could lead the student to think about transferring to another school. They should first consider whether there are any majors or minors offered which could lead to the same or simliar goal, even if it's not their ideal.

Academics are a poor fit – Some students may find the level of academic work is too difficult or too easy. Rather than assuming all the school's programs are the same, students should question whether the nature of their major is the cause of the poor fit. In many cases, students can change majors within the school to one that is more aligned with their abilities. But in some cases, the school they are attending doesn't offer a good alternative and so the student needs to transfer to a different school.

Social opportunities are a poor fit – Attending college is much more than an academic experience for students. Finding fulfilling friendships and extracurricular activities is a major part of the overall development of many traditional students at this time in their lives. If this aspect of a student's college experience is lacking, they often look to transfer schools. Before making this decision, a student in this situation should fully explore campus activities and organizations they haven't considered before. Just one new experience can completely change a person's social circle and how they spend their free time.

Resources

Student Aid on the Web – Information about all federal financial aid programs.

U.select - This is an online tool for transfer students to research schools and how courses will transfer.

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