transfer - Great College Advice

College Transfer Process: Life Changing or a Big Hassle?

Jared Hobson — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 10:22:39 +0000

We recently reconnected with one of our former transfer students. We had assisted the student with the transfer admission process, and he sent one of those rare emails where a student reminds us why we wanted to become educators. He raved about his transfer experience and how the decision to change colleges transformed his life. Fortunately this student had a positive transfer experience, but the college transfer process can be tricky.

What questions to ask in the college transfer process

Start Early: The sooner you contact the institution you are thinking of transferring to the better.

Ask what courses you should currently be enrolled in. Some schools want you to have completed as many general education courses as possible.
What are the transfer admission policies? Do they admit January transfer students? Can you transfer in your first-year or do you have to wait until you are a sophomore?
What are the statistics for admitted transfer applicants? Make sure you meet the average college GPA and standardized test requirements.
What do you need to do to improve your profile?
What is the transfer acceptance rate? The transfer admission process at some colleges can be more competitive than the first-year application process.
Completing a transfer application can be just as extensive as completing a first-year application. Find out if the college or university you are interested in uses transfer Common App or do they have a separate application process.
What credentials do you need to submit for the transfer application process?

Consider the potential added costs of transferring to another college

Ask about the availability of financial aid for transfer students. Some schools do have special scholarships available.
Transferring academic credits can have a huge financial impact on your decision to transfer. If all of your current credits are not accepted, you may have to delay your graduation timeline. Find out if your current institution has any credit transfer agreements with schools you are interested in. If not, contact the school you are interested in and see if they have any courses from your current institution that have been previously accepted for credit. This may save you in the long run!
Find out if there is on-campus housing available for transfer students. If not, what is the cost difference for living off campus?

Deciding to transfer is a big decision, but it does not mean that it is the end of your college career. US News & World Report wrote a great article way back in 2009 on President Obama’s transfer experience. The article talks about how transferring may not be for everyone, but it may also take you places you never imagined!

Need assistance with the college transfer process?

The team at Great College Advice has helped many students transfer to the college that ultimately is the best fit for them. Schedule your complimentary consultation today to learn more.

Great College Advice

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Transfer Student Gets Great College Advice

Jared Hobson — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:05:04 +0000

Mark and I first met when I was on a layover at the Denver airport. I went to him for transfer admission help and he went above and beyond in delivering advice, taking both my personal and professional goals into consideration. His background in higher education allows him to offer a wide breadth of knowledge from the perspective of a professor, admissions officer, and parent. My initial consultation with Mark was nearly a year ago yet we still maintain a close rapport.
T.W., Waterville, ME
Student at London School of Economics

The post Transfer Student Gets Great College Advice first appeared on Great College Advice.

Parent Thanks Counselor for Help With College Transfer

Jared Hobson — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 13:24:35 +0000

I have been meaning to write to you to thank you for helping Lexie with her college transfer. Lexie is very happy at Kenyon. She loves her classes, though she’s working very hard, and she made the Mock Trial team and loves that, too. Thought you’d want to know.
I have to admit that when Lexie was a junior and senior in high school, I thought that the few parents who were hiring admissions consultants were the ultimate in helicopter parents. Working with you really changed my opinion about the value of good counseling and good advice. I realize now how flat-out difficult the process really is. Thanks again for all your help in convincing Lexie where she belongs, and then getting her there.
M.R.M
Erie, CO
Parent of Student at Kenyon College, Class of 2013

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Beware of the Turkey Drop

Jared Hobson — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:54:48 +0000

The “turkey drop” can be one of two things. It is often referred to when first-year students return home for Thanksgiving break and break it off with their high school sweethearts. Suddenly the reality of a long distance romance and the temptations of college hit home and they want to return to school without a significant other.
For colleges, the “turkey drop” has a different meaning. Schools have long identified the term with first-year students who struggle with adjusting to their college or university and return home over the Thanksgiving break to announce that they would like to transfer. Several students struggle with homesickness or just feel that college was not everything they thought it would be.
USAToday.com published a story on the “turkey drop” phenomenon earlier this month. The article advises parents to let the student “vent” and realize that doubts are a normal part of the adjustment process. However, if the doubts persists, it is advisable for the student to obtain help. Help can range from speaking to an advisor at the institution, such as an academic advisor, resident assistant or a peer mentor. Formal counseling can also help.
My previous post on the transfer experience can offer insight on the process should a student decide that is the best route for them. Remember that transferring is a big decision and it is important to explore all of your option before you jump to any conclusions and “drop” your current school.

Educational Consultant

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Failing Grades at Community College: Will They Kill Me?

Jared Hobson — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:59:37 +0000

Sometimes people write with personal questions, seeking advice for their particular situation.

I received one today from a student at a community college who had a couple of failing grades. Clearly, the student had finally woken up and figured out that getting Fs was not such a great idea. But with that new understanding, what is a student to do about those Fs?

Here’s the student’s question:

I have 2 Fs in Math 090. This happened when i first started school at a community college. I didnt know how dropping classes worked and i got overwhelmed. Can i still graduate? Can i still go to a university? Should i start over at another community college, and if i do is it possible that those two Fs will be discovered?

And here is my response:

Hi, and thanks for your inquiry.

With regard to graduating from your community college, you need to speak with a student advisor there. I am sure they have academic counselors, and you should make an appointment with one to discuss your Fs. The advisor can tell you what you need to do to graduate, as each college has its own rules. You will likely have to retake the classes to make up the credit (if you haven’t already). Do not be embarrassed. What is, is. You need to know how to proceed from here.

With regard to transferring to another community college, if you plan on transferring any of your current credits to that new college, your Fs will follow you. Unless you start completely over at square one, and do not divulge that you have already attended a college, your Fs will follow you.
I do not recommend this option for ethical reasons. While it’s not good to fail, it’s worse to lie about it. Fortunately, you live in the land of Second Chances.

From this point forward, what counts is how you respond to this mistake. If you retake Math 090 and get a good grade–maybe even an A (because you take advantage of every tutoring service and academic support system at your junior college, and you study like crazy)–then four-year colleges may be inclined to overlook your mistakes. Now, you may not get into Stanford. But with good recommendations, a solid record of success since those dreaded Fs, and other good works in other aspects of your life, you can make a convincing case that you have matured, that you have learned the required mathematics, and that you have made up for your youthful transgressions of the past.

I hope this is helpful.

Regards,
Mark Montgomery
Montgomery Educational Consulting

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