College Transfers
Relocation, New School, Starting Over, University
In This Guide:
Ideally, you apply to college, attend the school of your dreams, graduate and begin a fulfilling career. But sometimes, the school you end up at may not be the best fit. Perhaps you started at a 2-year college but prefer to be at a 4-year school. Maybe you want to switch majors and your current school doesn’t offer the program you need. Whatever the reason, transferring to a new school can make any student anxious about what lies ahead. Here’s what you might say to assuage those frayed nerves.
They Might Be Thinking:
- Should I transfer schools?
- Do I want to transfer schools?
- Why do I want to transfer colleges?
- Will I find a suitable college for me?
- Will I enjoy being at this new college?
- Will I acclimate well to my new environment?
- Where should I start searching?
- Do I want to remain in-state or transfer out-of-state?
- Will I be able to receive financial aid at the next college?
- Will I be able to find a college with my specific degree plan interests?
- Do I already have a support group (i.e., family, friends) near another college?
- How much is the tuition?
- Can I take a campus tour or virtual campus tour?
- Does this college have my sorority/fraternity?
- What is the college social life like?
Words That Might Be Encouraging:
- I’m sure you will be able to receive financial aid. Just contact the financial department and they’ll be able to help you.
- I encourage you to request a campus tour. This will give you a better idea of what the college is like.
- Feel free to call the university. Ask the admissions office any questions you may have.
- Research the academic programs to see if the college has a program similar to your current program.
- Online college Facebook groups are great sources, in case you want a personal opinion.
- You have a variety of options to choose from.
- Researching university platforms is a great way to gain a better perspective of interested colleges.
- If you need a friend to accompany you on college tour trips, just let me know.
- You deserve to be happy in the college of your choice.
- How great would it be if you could make a difference in the college you transfer to?
- Be your own personal advocate.
- Transitions can be rough, but once you get the hang of things, it’s smooth sailing from there.
- Find a school that allows you to be YOU.
- Many colleges offer transfer clubs/dorms, to encourage mutual connections.
- Don’t be afraid to get involved with organizations/club activities, social events, etc.
Words That Might Be Discouraging:
- Transferring colleges can be a stressful process.
- Sometimes college credits don’t transfer over, so you may need to repeat some courses.
- Repeating courses means it might take you longer to finish your degree.
- Financial aid may not be available for transfer students.
- You’ll have to make new friends; that's always hard.
- It may be difficult to make friends as a transfer student, because most friend groups are formed during freshman year.
- You may get stuck taking a freshman course because you are a transfer student.
- It will be hard to join an already-formed sports team.
- You could feel lonely when attending college in a state with no family or friends.
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