How to transfer colleges successfully: What to expect and how to prepare
Learning how to transfer colleges starts with understanding each university's transfer admission requirements, submitting your application materials, evaluating how your credits will transfer and planning your academic pathway. While every university has its own process, preparing early can help make your transfer process much smoother.
What are transfer student requirements?
Transfer student admission requirements are the criteria you need to meet to be admitted to the university you want to transfer to. Common requirements include:
- Having a particular minimum GPA
- Having a certain number of transferable credits
- Having an associate degree
See ASU’s transfer student admission requirements to get an idea of what universities ask for.
Complete your transfer application
Once you decide on the university you want to transfer to, follow the application steps on its website. Application steps usually include:
- Submitting the application before the deadline
- Sending your official transcripts
- Submitting any required essays or documents
- Completing the FAFSA
- Applying for transfer scholarships
Connect with an academic advisor as early as possible to help you keep your transfer process on track. Be sure you understand the admission requirements for both the university and your intended major, keep track of deadlines, and stay on top of GPA requirements. The earlier you plan, the fewer obstacles you'll encounter down the road.
How are transfer credits evaluated?
One of the most important aspects of transitioning to a new university is knowing how your college credits transfer. After all, you want to get credit for all the courses you’ve taken so far.
Universities evaluate your previous coursework to determine which college credits transfer and how they’ll apply to your degree program. Having your college credits evaluated early gives you a clearer picture of which courses count toward your degree. It can also help you avoid taking classes that won't apply to your program, saving you time and money.
For example, ASU’s MyPath2ASUⓇ tool helps students from regionally accredited community colleges see how courses transfer and identify which courses to take before transferring so they can stay on track toward their intended major.
Do all my credits transfer?
Many likely will, but some may not. That’s why it’s important to have your college credits evaluated early — that way, you can avoid taking courses that won’t transfer or be applied to your major. It’s also why it’s important to map out the courses you need to complete before you transfer.
Questions to ask before transferring:
- Which of my credits will count toward my degree?
- Am I on track for my intended major?
- Will I need additional prerequisite courses?
Prepare for your transition to a university
Many transfer students feel a little behind socially when they get to their new university. It might feel like students on campus already have established friendships, know their way around, and are familiar with campus services and resources.
Here are a few ways you can make the social side of your transition smoother:
- Attend transfer orientation to meet new students and learn about campus resources.
- Join student clubs and meet people with similar interests.
- Attend professor office hours to introduce yourself and get to know your instructors.
- Visit tutoring, career and academic support offices early so you can become familiar with them.
Completing your college degree
Preparing ahead of time can help make your transition to a university much smoother. If you run into obstacles (nearly everyone does), just remember why you transferred in the first place: to earn your bachelor’s degree and prepare for a great career or graduate school. Transferring may feel like starting over, but it’s actually a sign that you’re progressing on your academic journey.
Successfully transferring to a university takes planning, organization and an understanding of the college transfer process. By reviewing transfer admission requirements, evaluating how your credits transfer, meeting important deadlines, and connecting with academic advisors early, you'll be well prepared to continue working toward your bachelor's degree.