Transferring colleges can feel like an ordeal. Whether you’re in the beginning phases of the process or you’ve already started your prep, you might still be wondering how long it takes. Transferring can be overwhelming. There are a lot of different requirements between schools, different deadlines, and timelines that can be confusing. Understanding the intricacies of the process and potential timelines can help you navigate the process.
Where you transfer from also makes a difference in the process. It makes a difference if you’re coming from a two-year institution or a four-year institution in terms of what the school may or may not accept. The school you’re hoping to transfer to, and the number of credits you’ve earned, will play into the time it will take to transfer. Below, you’ll find out how to transfer colleges and the timeframe you can expect.
Beginning your college transfer process
Figuring out how to transfer colleges can be overwhelming. There are so many moving parts, so many things you need to know before you even start. “How long does it take to transfer colleges?” is one of the most common questions. And the answer is that it depends on a number of factors. Below, we have a suggested guide to help you get started on the transfer process.
One of the best things you can do to set yourself up for success is to start early. It’s recommended that you start the process at least a few months before the deadline. Some students begin planning up to a year in advance. If you have everything gathered and ready to go ahead of time, the actual application process becomes much easier.
Create a list of transfer college options
The very first step in the college transfer process is figuring out where you’d like to go. Make a list of schools you’re interested in applying to, including your top choices and some backups. You want to make sure you have options, so a list of schools with a variety is ideal.
While making the list, be sure to note the application deadlines. Transfer college application deadlines are important to keep track of — missing a deadline could keep you from your dream school. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, transfer application deadlines tend to vary more than regular admissions. Some colleges even offer rolling admissions for transfers, but many have strict, non-negotiable deadlines.
Be sure to check for the minimum credit requirement necessary to qualify you as a transfer student. Some schools have minimums to consider you a transfer, and others will consider you a transfer if you have any college credits. Knowing what schools are looking for will help you be prepared when the time comes to apply.
Explore University of Bridgeport’s transfer admissions process and see how your credits may transfer.
Gather your college transfer materials
The second step is to get everything together. Figure out what materials each school on your list wants for their college transfer process, and put them all in one place. Being prepped ahead of time can help reduce stress and prevent overwhelm, making the transfer process easier overall.
A few of the things you’ll likely need include:
- Transcripts
- Test scores
- Short answers
- Admissions essays
- Letters of recommendation
- List of extracurricular activities
Be sure that you’re familiar with requesting your transcripts from both your current university and your high school. Some schools will request unofficial transcripts if you still have courses in progress, so be sure to have those on hand as well. Official transcripts can take weeks to reach colleges, so request them in advance.
Credit evaluations and timeline
As a transfer student, you’ll work with a guidance counselor to see what credits will transfer. The credit evaluation process can be lengthy. Being familiar with the classes you’ve taken and their similarity to courses at the university you want to transfer to can make this process simpler. Make sure you have the syllabi for the classes you’ve taken, as some colleges may request them.
Some schools will accept transfer students in a single semester, but many need a full academic year. The evaluation process to transfer colleges is what takes the most time. Planning for whether the transfer process takes a year from application or a semester is important. This information is typically easily available on the schools’ websites.
Check program specifications for your chosen degree
Programs within colleges have their own requirements for transfer students. Some require prerequisites before you can actually enter their major. This kind of thing is most common in nursing, engineering, business, and health sciences.
Make sure you’re familiar with the program you want to enter and its prerequisites. Looking at the program’s classes and comparing them to those you’ve already taken can help you earn transfer credit and avoid retaking similar coursework.
Transferring from a community college vs a four-year institution
Transferring with an associate’s degree is going to be the best way to ensure the majority of your credits transfer. Many four-year institutions are designed to accept students with completed associate degrees. It’s a common practice to complete your general education requirements, then transfer to finish your bachelor’s degree.
Many community colleges have programs with local four-year colleges that make the transfer process easier for students. These articulation agreements often outline exactly which credits will transfer. If you’re at a community college, check with your guidance counselor to see what transfer programs you might be eligible for.
Transferring from a four-year institution can be a little trickier, but it is still very doable. Credits may not always transfer one-to-one, especially if you’re changing majors. Consulting with a counselor at your current institution and the one you’re transferring to can make the process a bit simpler.
Start your transfer to University of Bridgeport today
University of Bridgeport makes the transfer process simple. With easy-to-find deadlines and helpful advisors, transferring is seamless.
From credit evaluations to personalized advising, University of Bridgeport is committed to helping transfer students reach their academic goals.
See how our transfer process works! Apply today to finish your degree at University of Bridgeport.