There are a number of reasons why a student may decide to transfer colleges. Maybe their first college doesn’t offer the program that best supports their career goals. Or, perhaps their original choice didn’t provide them with the student services or academic counseling they needed to succeed. It could simply be that they don’t like the location of their initial school, and require a different setting to thrive. Whatever your reasons, if you’re not happy with your current college, there’s no reason you have to stick it out. But the process of transferring colleges can be overwhelming. Right now, you may be wondering, “How does transferring colleges work?” and “What do I need to know?” Before taking the leap and transferring to a new school, it’s important to have all the facts. Here, we’ll answer common questions about transferring colleges.
What Are The First Steps to Take When Transferring?
The first step to take prior to transferring is to learn what your prospective college requires of its applicants. Visit your desired school’s admissions office or transfer page, set up an appointment with an admissions officer, and make sure to take notes. Figure out which of your college credits will transfer over and whether your future school will accept Advanced Placement credits, International Baccalaureate classes, or standardized college tests.
When Should I Transfer Colleges?
You’ll be glad to know that there isn’t really a right (or wrong) time to transfer schools! You should know that your future school will need both your high school and college transcripts to consider you for admission. Additionally, if you wait until after your junior year to transfer, you may need to take repeat courses, as some of your degree-specific classes may not transfer over. If you decide to change majors after transferring, you may need to take additional credits in order to earn your degree. An academic adviser can help figure out which credits can transfer and what gaps you may have in your schedule.
Ultimately, the best time to transfer is when you are ready to make a change. There are any number of reasons why you might want to transfer schools. For example, if your current college doesn’t provide you with the resources you need to succeed (e.g. academic advising, financial aid, or career counseling), you may want to consider seeking a school with better opportunities. You may also find that your interests have changed and that your current school doesn’t offer the degree you’re now considering pursing. This is a great reason to change schools. Whatever your reason, if you need to make a change, then it’s a good time to transfer schools.
When is the Deadline to Apply?
Depending on the school, your transfer deadline may be shifted around. At University of Bridgeport, you should apply in advance of the date of the term you’d like to begin your studies. Attend a transfer webinar in order to learn more about deadlines and requirements for your program of interest. You are considered a transfer student if you’ve finished 12 or more semester hours at a regionally accredited college or university, with grades of C or higher. In order to graduate from University of Bridgeport, you’ll be required to finish your last 30 semester hours at UB. A maximum of 66 credits of your degree may be awarded from a two-year college and 90 credits from a four-year institution.
Am I Eligible for Financial Aid?
Undergraduate students can apply for financial aid prior to matriculating. Interested students can submit a FAFSA as early as October 1. The deadline for Connecticut residents is February 15 to qualify for state funding. Additionally, University of Bridgeport provides transfer students with merit-based scholarships. Transfer students who want to qualify for a scholarship must be enrolled as a full-time student, maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and participate in their major area’s professional student organization.
What are the Program Options for Transfer Students?
Often, the goal of transferring schools is to find a program that better aligns with your interests and goals. With that in mind, transfer students can choose from a variety of degree programs. It is important to do your research and find a school that not only offers your program of interest, but also that supports you as you enter and work through the program.
At University of Bridgeport, there are a number of programs that are appropriate for students looking to transfer schools. Whether you are interested in health sciences or business, psychology or general studies, you are bound to find an engaging, career-focused program that can set you up for success. Here are just two of the possible degree programs available to transfer students, which are also among the most popular for incoming transfers:
Nursing BSN
If a career in nursing is of interest, there’s good news! University of Bridgeport allows transfer students to enter the bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) program.
However, transfer students who are interested in earning a degree in Nursing are required to complete the following credits prior to matriculating:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Lifespan Development
- English Composition
- Psychology
- Chemistry
- Algebra
- Sociology
This nursing degree path prepares students for a career as a registered nurse at a hospital, nurse manager, nursing director, nurse educator, public health nurse, and more. It is designed for students without prior nursing experience or credentials.
Dental Hygiene
Careers in Dental Hygiene are high-paying and highly fulfilling. Students interested in transferring into the Dental Hygiene program at University of Bridgeport are required to take the following prerequisite courses before beginning their program:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Composition and Rhetoric
- Intro to College Algebra/Statistics
Upon completing a degree in Dental Hygiene, students will have the health literacy necessary to promote holistic health and educate the community. They’ll have developed the clinical skills necessary to provide care to dental patients and potentially even manage a dental practice.
Getting Started
Now that you know how transferring colleges works, the question is: Is your current school working for you? Or, is it time for a change?
Students who are unhappy in their school needn’t feel pressured to stay that way. Now that you know how to transfer schools, you can make sure to choose a college or university that better fits your needs. Find a school that provides the academic program you want to pursue, offers its students academic support, and affords a setting that fits your lifestyle. With your personal criteria met, you’ll have all you need to have a more fulfilling and satisfying college experience.
Interested in transferring to University of Bridgeport? Learn more about the admissions requirements for transfer students, here!