the college transfer guide
DESCRIPTION
Everything you should consider before transferring to a new school.TRANSCRIPT
The College Transfer GuideEverything you should consider before transferring to a new school
Why Transfer?
Most students transfer because
• They are unhappy at their current school
• They decide to change majors, and their current school doesn’t offer it or doesn’t have a strong program
• They were rejected from their first choice school
• Financial reasons
• Moving on from a two year college to a four year college
Before You Transfer
Consider the following:
• Academic Considerations
• Financial Considerations
• Student Loans
Academic Considerations
Talk to the admission officer about the following:
• Ask how transferring could impact 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
Financial Considerations
How will transferring impact your finances?• If you are receiving financial aid from your current school, it will NOT
transfer over to your new school
• Merit based scholarships tend to go incoming first year students first
• Entering the admissions process later than other students can make it more difficult to receive good grant aid
Student Loans
What you should know about loans when transferring:
• You must reapply for financial aid by filling out the FASFA with the new school’s information
• Even if your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the same, you might not receive the same financial aid you had previously because different schools have different ways of calculating aid
• Before accepting an offer to a new school, you should know exactly the financial package offered
Preparing for Transfer
The key is to begin early
• Meet with your current college advisor to identify schools and programs that you are interested in
• Identify the school’s guidelines and policies for transfer students
• Schedule a campus visit and meet with the transfer and financial aid counselors
Applying to Transfer
• Maintain strong grades if you hope to transfer
• Get any recommendation letters needed early
• Write down all important dates for application deadlines
Transfer Process
Once you decide to transfer
• Notify your current school’s financial aid office that you will be transferring, so they can cancel your financial aid
• Contact your student loan lender to inform them of your transfer and provide them any information they need
Repayment
Once you stop attending your old school, you will have a 6 month 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
• Talk to your current financial aid office and lender to determine your repayment options
Get A Head Start
Once you transfer
• Attend any orientations offered
• Get involved on campus
• Meet with your professors and academic advisor
• Enjoy the new experience!
Want more information?
For more information regarding student loans and financial literacy visit:
www.custudentloans.org/college-resource-center/