How to Transfer Colleges: A Step-by-Step Guide from a Transfer Admissions Insider
If you’re unsure about your current college experience, we’re here to help—whether that means making things work where you are (see our roadmap for college success and our college success coaching services—both offer personalized guidance to help students build confidence, momentum, and community at their college) or exploring new options that fit you better (see our transfer college admissions services).
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The decision to transfer isn’t always easy, but it can be a powerful step toward a more fulfilling college experience.
It’s a brave choice—one that asks a student to walk away from their first college home and take a leap of faith amid many unknowns. It’s also an active, bold move toward finding a better fit. Transfer students often arrive at their new institutions with direction, commitment, and a strong sense of purpose. As a result, they may be among the most extraordinary members of their new college communities. I’ve had the privilege of working with transfer students from every angle—advising them as a college dean, evaluating their applications as an admissions board member, and guiding them through the process as a counselor.
One of my most rewarding experiences was working with an international student who transferred from the University of Wisconsin to Wellesley College. She was a computer science (CS) major and one of my advisees when I was a professor in the department. I remember her once saying to me, “One day, I will either be president of my country or this college.” And I believed her. I still do. I can’t wait to see which!
Transfer students like her remind me just how extraordinary, driven, and full of possibility these students can be. Whether you’re just beginning to explore a transfer or already deep in the process, this step-by-step guide will help you navigate each stage with clarity and confidence.
If you are considering transferring, we can help.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Colleges
1. Should I Transfer Colleges?
Take stock of your current experience. Are you unhappy because of something that could change—like getting more involved on campus or switching majors—or is it a deeper mismatch in values, academics, or environment? Talk to advisors, professors, or a college counselor (like us at Lantern!) to clarify your reasons for considering a transfer. Even going through the transfer process can be a helpful way to clarify what matters most—and what environment will help you thrive.
2. Research Where You Might Want to Go
Once you’re clear on why you want to transfer, start identifying where you might thrive. Build a list of schools that align better with your goals, learning style, and environment preferences. Consider academic offerings, advising structures, size, location, and culture—and look beyond name recognition to focus on places where you’ll feel supported and engaged.
Explore each school’s website—especially the transfer admissions section. To stay on top of important details, consider reaching out to the admissions office that oversees transfer applications. They can clarify policies, deadlines, and academic offerings—and help ensure you’re working with accurate, up-to-date information. This research will help you create a more focused list—and avoid surprises later on.
Some colleges also host virtual information sessions just for prospective transfer students—these can be a great way to get clarity on programs, credit transfer, and campus culture. You might also explore current student blogs, forums, or social media to hear real perspectives.
3. Check Transfer Eligibility
Before you invest time and energy into applying, make sure you're eligible to transfer. Some schools require a minimum number of completed college credits, specific GPA thresholds, or particular course prerequisites. Also keep in mind that not all schools—or all programs within a school—accept transfer students. For instance, some majors may be closed to external applicants or only accept transfers during certain times of year.
Most colleges require transfer students to complete at least 50% of their degree at the new institution, which means students with a large number of completed credits may not be eligible to apply—or may be required to spend two full years regardless of their standing. Check each school’s specific policies to make sure your timeline and goals align.
4. Understand Financial Aid and Credit Transfer Policies
These vary widely by institution. Many colleges do not offer the same aid packages to transfer students as they do to first-years. Likewise, schools differ in how (and whether) they accept transfer credits. Some schools provide a tentative transfer of credit estimate after admission to help you decide whether to enroll. Others offer a transfer credit portal or database that allows you to explore how your courses may transfer in advance.
Do the schools you’re considering provide these resources? If not, reach out directly to the registrar’s office or transfer credit evaluator to clarify what you can expect. Understanding these policies early can help you avoid unexpected costs or delays in graduation.
For example, one new Tufts University student I worked with as dean lost all her AP credit when transferring from Villanova University—Villanova granted credit for scores of 3, but Tufts did not. These details can affect a student’s class standing and graduation timeline, so it's critical to dig into how credits will transfer.
5. Finalize Your List
Now that you’ve researched your options, understand your eligibility, and have a sense of transfer credit and financial aid policies, it’s time to finalize your list. Prioritize schools where you see strong academic, social, and financial alignment—and where you’ll be excited to build your next chapter. Most transfer applicants apply to a smaller number of schools than they did in high school. Include a range of selectivity so you have options.
Once your list feels focused, you can begin to plan your application strategy with confidence.
6. Create a Transfer Application Organizer
Keep a spreadsheet or document to track requirements for each school—deadlines, required forms, recommender status, essay prompts, and application platform. This helps prevent last-minute scrambling and keeps your process organized.
7. Create the Necessary Transfer Application Accounts
For most private and selective colleges, you’ll apply via the Common App for Transfer. Some public universities may use different systems, such as school-specific portals or state-wide applications.
Set up your accounts early—this allows you to preview each school’s requirements, see what materials are needed, and avoid any surprises close to the deadline. Take note of how each school handles things like recommendations, transcripts, or midterm reports, which may be submitted through the platform or separately.
8. Examine Each School’s Application Requirements
Every college has its own set of transfer requirements and deadlines—sometimes even by major or department. Some schools require SAT/ACT scores, while others are test-optional. You may be asked to submit course syllabi, a College Report, midterm grades, or major-specific materials such as a portfolio or audition.
Read each school’s instructions closely, including any fine print on their transfer admissions and academic department pages. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to contact the admissions office. Make a checklist for each college so you can stay on top of deadlines and required materials.
9. Request Instructor Support Early
Many transfer applications require letters of recommendation from one of your college instructors and midterm evaluations (brief updates from your instructors on how you're doing in their courses) from your current instructors. Approach instructors early—ideally those who know your work well and can speak to your strengths. When you make the request, share your reasons for transferring, your academic goals, and the schools you’re applying to. This context helps them write a more meaningful recommendation.
Some colleges also require a College Report or institutional form completed by your academic advisor or dean. Check each school’s requirements and give everyone involved plenty of time to complete their materials.
10. Gather Required Documents
As you prepare to submit your applications, make sure you’ve collected all required materials. These typically include:
Your official college transcript (requested through your college registrar)
Your high school transcript (usually requested from your high school guidance office)
Standardized test scores, if required (sent via College Board or ACT or self-reported, if allowed)
Letters of recommendation (usually from college instructors)
Any additional forms such as the College Report or midterm evaluations (midterm grades provided by instructors)
Some of these can take time to request and send, so start early and track what each school requires. Make sure your recommenders know where to submit their letters, and verify that your transcripts are sent to the correct addresses or platforms.
11. Write Your Essays
Most transfer applications ask why you want to transfer and what you hope to achieve. Be honest and specific, but stay constructive—focus on what you’ve learned from your current experience and how a new environment will better support your goals.
Avoid blaming or overly negative language; admissions officers want to see maturity, self-awareness, and thoughtful planning. Describe what excites you about your target schools and how their academic offerings, community, and opportunities align with your interests.
Some schools may also include additional prompts—such as questions about your major, contributions to campus, or academic preparation. Read each prompt carefully and tailor your responses accordingly.
12. Submit Your Applications and Wait
Most fall transfer deadlines are in March, but some schools may have earlier or later dates—especially for mid-year entry. Not all schools offer mid-year admission, so if you are applying to transfer in the middle of the academic year, check whether your target colleges have a spring transfer option. Then, track each school’s deadline and confirm that all materials (transcripts, recommendations, reports) have been received.
Once your applications are in, fall admissions decisions often come out between April and June, sometimes on a rolling basis. Use this time to reflect on both possibilities: staying where you are or starting fresh. Either path can lead to growth and success.
13. Make Your Final Decision: Stay or Go?
After receiving decisions, revisit your initial reasons for considering a transfer. Has anything changed? Have you gained clarity about your needs, goals, and priorities?
Some students discover through this process that staying is the right fit after all. Others feel confident that a new environment will better support their growth.
If you’re unsure, take time to reflect. Revisit the colleges that admitted you. Attend transfer information sessions, talk to current students, and compare how each option aligns with your academic and personal goals.
Whether you choose to stay or go, this process can lead to greater self-awareness—and set you up for a stronger college experience.
14. Prepare for a Smooth Transition
If you choose to transfer, begin taking steps to ensure a strong transition. Most colleges will provide detailed instructions—follow them closely to complete key tasks such as securing housing, registering for courses, submitting credit evaluation requests and final transcripts, and attending orientation (if your new institution offers a dedicated orientation program for transfer students). Meet with an academic advisor to confirm how your transfer credits will apply toward your degree so you can map out your academic path with confidence. If you're unsure how to navigate this transition, our college success coaching offers tailored support to help you adjust both academically and socially.
Beyond logistics, give yourself space to prepare emotionally. Joining a new campus partway through college can be exciting—and a little overwhelming. Reach out early to your new advisors, join online communities, or look into clubs and events that match your interests. Taking small steps to connect can make a big difference in how quickly you feel at home.
My Insights as an Admissions Board Member
As a former member of the Board of Admissions at Wellesley College, I reviewed over a thousand transfer applications and saw how institutional priorities shape outcomes. Transfer decisions are often made after the incoming first-year class is finalized, and the goals can change from year to year. Some years, schools may admit transfers to balance class sizes, meet budget targets, or increase enrollment in underrepresented majors. Students interested in high-demand fields like computer science may face tougher odds, while those pursuing under-enrolled disciplines may have a clearer path.
At Wellesley, during one transfer cycle, the College’s computer science department asked the admissions team not to admit any new transfer students intending to major in CS, as the department was already stretched too thin to meet the needs of current students. In another cycle, the College weighed whether to admit midyear transfers based on how many students would be studying abroad—and the number of available beds available in residence halls. These examples show how institutional priorities, from academic capacity to housing logistics, can quietly shape transfer outcomes—which helps explain why transfer admissions decisions can be so unpredictable.
It’s also worth noting that the transfer process can be highly unpredictable. At Wellesley, there were years when the target incoming transfer class was fewer than five students. In other years, it reached as many as 30. These swings reflected evolving institutional needs and resource constraints, and they underscore just how unpredictable transfer admissions can be.
In some cases, admissions committees may prioritize students for whom a transfer could be truly transformative—such as community college students completing their associate’s degree or those seeking a new start after personal or academic challenges. These values-based decisions often reflect a school’s mission and access priorities.
Financial aid policies also differ: some schools do not offer need-based or merit aid to transfer students at all. That makes it especially important to understand costs and funding options early in your process.
What Do Admissions Officers Look for in a Transfer Application?
Admissions teams evaluate transfer applicants on several academic and personal dimensions. While requirements vary by institution, here are some of the most commonly valued components:
Strong academic record. Admissions officers value both solid college grades and coursework that demonstrates readiness for your intended major.
Strong letters of recommendation. Ideally from college instructors who can speak to your academic performance and potential.
Rigor of coursework. Admissions officers assess whether the student has challenged themselves and taken courses aligned with their intended major.
High school record. This is more heavily weighted if you’re applying to transfer after only one or two semesters of college. With more college-level coursework, the high school record becomes less central.
Standardized test scores. These may be required or optional, depending on the institution.
Personal essay(s). Thoughtful, well-written responses that demonstrate maturity and a clear academic purpose.
If you’re unsure about your current college experience, we’re here to help—whether that means making things work where you are or exploring new options that fit you better.
My Insights as a College Dean
At Wellesley and Tufts, I’ve supported countless students exploring the possibility of transferring—both as an academic advisor and a dean. My admissions background gives me a clear view of how decisions are made, but it’s my work as a dean that has shown me the lived realities students face when navigating the transition: the logistical complexities, academic adjustments, and emotional uncertainties. I’ve also worked closely with students experiencing serious academic or personal challenges—including probation, disciplinary action, or a leave of absence—to help them evaluate whether staying or transferring is the right path forward.
Often, students feel uncertain or disconnected but aren’t sure if transferring is the right move. I help them unpack their concerns and explore ways to make their current environment work—through joining clubs, taking classes at nearby institutions, or deepening connections with faculty and peers.
At Wellesley, I often encouraged students to expand their college experience by tapping into opportunities across the broader academic community. Many took classes at Olin College of Engineering, Babson College, or MIT—and some even joined MIT clubs, like the Ballroom Dance Team. Hundreds of Wellesley students enrolled in MIT courses each semester, spending time on its campus and becoming part of its academic community. For some, this kind of cross-registration and engagement was transformative—opening up access to new subjects, new friendships, and a renewed connection to their college journey. Some students ultimately choose to stay and flourish, while others transfer and thrive in a new setting.
I’ve even seen students return to their original college after transferring away—realizing they had undervalued what made that environment unique. At Wellesley, I worked with four students who transferred out—only to transfer back in. Interestingly, they had only gone to two colleges between them: Cornell University and Brown University. In each case, they realized they had underappreciated the undergraduate-focused experience that Wellesley offered.
I saw this at Tufts as well. One student transferred to Claremont McKenna College and returned. Another left for Wesleyan University and later came back to Tufts. I even had one Tufts student call me just one week into his first semester at Notre Dame. He asked if he could come back. He hadn’t realized he’d need to take two theology courses to earn his engineering degree. This anecdote underscores just how important it is to fully understand degree requirements and culture before making a move.
These cases remind us that the process of leaving can clarify what a student truly values—and sometimes, their first college turns out to be the best fit after all.
Beyond those personal realizations, there are also practical questions that shape the transfer decision—especially how prior coursework will apply at a new school. Helping new transfer students understand how their external coursework applies to a new school’s degree requirements is another core part of my work as dean. I regularly assess how courses from other institutions align with degree requirements and advise students on how their credit will (or won’t) apply. I’m often the one who provides admitted transfer students with their preliminary transfer credit evaluations—an essential resource to help them decide whether, and how, to enroll.
My Insights as a College Counselor
At Lantern College Counseling, I guide students through every phase of the transfer process: building balanced lists, writing persuasive essays, assessing credit transfer, and making final decisions.
One student I worked with transferred from Vassar College after discovering a strong interest in urban studies. He wanted a more robust urban studies program and a college located in a city—one that would allow him to connect his coursework with the surrounding community. I helped him identify and apply to five institutions that met these criteria—New York University, Brown University, Tufts University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Columbia University. He was admitted to two. People are often surprised that the two schools that admitted him were the most selective of the group: the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University! His outcomes reflected the influence of institutional priorities; these were both need-blind schools for transfer admission, and he was a student who required need-based financial aid.
As someone who has helped students apply, evaluated their applications as a board of admissions member, and supported them through orientation and advising, I bring a full-circle perspective to this work.
What Else You Need to Know About Transferring
Even with careful planning, transferring comes with some complexities and potentially some surprises. Here are a few key realities to keep in mind:
Each school’s process is different. Application deadlines, required materials, transfer credit policies, and decision timelines can vary widely.
Support structures for transfers range widely. Some colleges offer dedicated orientation programs, housing options, and advising for transfer students—others do not.
Transfer students usually need to complete at least 50% of their degree at the new institution. This can limit options for students with many completed credits or advanced standing.
Mid-year transfers face unique challenges. The social and academic adjustment can be harder when joining a college community in January.
Structured majors like engineering require extra planning. Sequential coursework and rigid degree requirements can complicate transfer timing and credit alignment.
Institutional priorities shape decisions. Admission outcomes can reflect internal goals (such as filling seats in under-enrolled majors or limiting over-subscribed programs), not just academic merit.
Choosing to Stay—and Thrive
Some students go through the transfer process and realize their current college is the right place after all. Choosing to stay isn’t a sign of giving up—it’s a powerful decision to re-engage with intention and make the most of where you are.
At Lantern, we offer college success coaching to help you build a more rewarding experience—right where you are. Whether you're looking to strengthen your academic foundation, find your community, or explore new directions, we can help you gain clarity, build momentum, and thrive.
Your Transfer Journey, Supported
Over the course of my career—as an Admissions Board Member, College Dean, and College Counselor—I’ve supported students at every stage of the transfer journey—from early questions to final decisions and beyond.
If you're considering transferring—or just want to explore your options—Lantern is here to support you every step of the way. That might mean transfer advising, academic crisis support, or college success coaching—wherever you are in your journey, we’re here to help.
Our expert counselors can help you thrive at your current institution or find a new college home where you can be more happy and successful.
