The decision to transfer colleges is a highly personal one, with students choosing to do so for a wide variety of reasons. Whether you are looking to change majors or prefer a school closer to home, you want to know that your academic success will not be compromised. According to Inside Higher Ed, about 75% of administrators at both two- and four-year colleges agree that transfer students perform just as well or better than students who began their college career at their schools.
Before deciding which school to transfer to, reflect on your academic goals and personal learning style, as this will help you select the best college for your needs. Below are just a few reasons why students transfer colleges:
One of the top reasons that students choose to transfer schools is because the receiving school offers academic programs that better align with their needs and goals. For example, at Nebraska Methodist College (NMC), many of our transfer students apply for admission because they wish to pursue a career through our healthcare degree programs.
In addition, students sometimes find that the school where they are currently enrolled does not align with their personal values or offer the lifestyle they expected. Thus, they may choose to transfer schools for personal reasons, such as:
College is a time for growth and exploration, and some students enroll in a degree program that ultimately proves not to be suitable for them. In the event that you decide to change majors or choose a new career path, you may need to transfer schools to enroll in the program that is the best fit for you. In particular, if you are considering a healthcare career path, you will want to opt for a school that specializes in healthcare degree programs and offers hands-on learning opportunities that allow you to develop critical clinical skills.
Before beginning the transfer application process, do your due diligence. The specific steps will vary from one school to another, with each college having different requirements for student admission, credit transfer and documentation.
As you consider which college to transfer to, these are a few questions you should ask:
The number of credits you are able to transfer and apply to your degree requirements at your new school may vary based on the program in which you are currently enrolled and the major you plan to pursue after transferring. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), transfer students in the United States lose an average of 43% of their credits when transferring, largely because they do not understand which credits will be considered relevant to their new degree program. By taking the time during the application process to explore how your individual credits will transfer, you will be better equipped to make a thoughtful and informed decision.
Carefully contemplate the curriculum of the prospective degree program to ensure it aligns with your career goals. For instance, if you are considering a career in healthcare, you might transfer to a college that specializes in healthcare degrees.
It is crucial to transfer to a school that provides you with the support you need to be successful. Ask admissions counselors directly about the following and don't accept vague answers:
The degree requirements for healthcare programs are distinct from those in other fields. If you are transferring into a healthcare program, be sure to take a closer look at the transfer admission and credit transfer process.
Not all credits transfer equally. In healthcare programs, the distinction between general education credits and major-specific credits matters a great deal. Here's how to think about it:
Your transfer application tells NMC's admissions committee and other admissions teams who you are, where you've been, and where you're going. Here's how to make it count:
A clear, concise personal statement can offer a glimpse into who you are and why you want to transfer colleges. According to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, you can write an effective personal statement by:
Don't be afraid to share your story within your personal statement or essay. Transferring colleges is common and nothing to shy away from. Incorporate anecdotes providing insight into your personal growth journey and illustrating that you are ready to begin this next chapter.
The materials required for your transfer application may vary based on the school. Generally speaking, transfer students should include the following in their application packet:
NMC builds support into the transfer process from day one. When you transfer to NMC, you get:
Once you've been admitted, your first semester sets the tone. Do these three things early:
After selecting your classes for the new semester, reach out to your professors and instructors in advance. Let them know that you are new to the campus network and open to meeting to discuss ways you can be successful in your chosen program.
As you embark on your new chapter, take the time to set clear, realistic and measurable goals for your academic experience. Continue to work closely with academic advisors to track your degree progress and ensure you are meeting all requirements (like clinical experience).
Transferring colleges is a major decision for your education and career. Now is the time to decide: is transferring the right choice for your academic and career goals? Two things worth keeping in mind as you decide:
When you are ready to make the switch, it's important to know how to transfer colleges. The transfer requirements and application process may vary from one college to another.
At NMC, we offer a simple, streamlined process for our transfer students. Our admissions coordinators will work closely with you to ensure you are able to easily navigate the transfer student admissions process.
NMC offers a straightforward, transparent transfer process that is designed to eliminate the uncertainty that keeps many students from making the move they know they should. Here's how to start: