University transfers: The low-down

Thu 08 Mar 2018

One of the great aspects of studying the U.S. is the flexibility you have. Transferring is one such option. The transfer system in the U.S. allows you to move from one university to another during your course of studies. Transferring is so common now that over 30% of U.S. students transfer at least once during their time at college.

What is the Transfer Process?

A transfer means starting your studies at one university and then moving to another university before graduation. And when you graduate, you will receive a diploma from the university you transferred to (it does not include the universities you may have attended before). The transfer process is not difficult, but it is important to work with an advisor or counsellor to make sure you get all the information you need.

International students can also make use of the transfer system. If you hold an F-1 visa, you must take the following documents to your current college: written confirmation of acceptance from a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) college, contact information of the new college, and the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS) school code for the new college. Your current college will then help you process your transfer. 

Why Transfer?

There are many reasons students want to transfer. In the past, one of the most common transfers were by a student transferring from a two-year college, such as a community college or junior college, to a four-year college. But now, universities are seeing more students transferring between four-year colleges. The reasons for a transfer can be diverse. A change in circumstances, moving from a public to a private university or vice versa. Moving from a bigger to a smaller college. Transferring to a university that offers specific courses or a major you are interested in. Or simply a change in location or an opportunity to transfer to a more prestigious university.

Transfers are also becoming more common, because universities are making it easier for students to do so. Many accept more transfer credits, which means you don’t have to re-take courses. Some colleges waive fees and honor existing scholarships and some even offer transfer scholarships.

Famous Transfers

Perhaps only known for the institutions they graduated from, but many famous people have used the university transfer system to their advantage. Here are a few famous people you might know. Former U.S. President Barack Obama started his undergraduate education at Occidental College in Los Angeles and transferred to Columbia University in New York. American investor and financial guru, Warren Buffet, started at Wharton Business School in Philadelphia and transferred to University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Creator of Star Wars, George Lucas, started his studies at Modesto Junior College and transferred to University of Southern California to attend the School of Cinematic Arts.

How we can help you

ONCAMPUS is here to help you succeed at a college or university in the U.S. Therefore, if you want to transfer colleges, we can give you step-by-step advice or if you already know where you want to transfer to, we can help you with the process. Let us help you through our Transfer Advising and Transfer Lab services, which are available at ONCAMPUS SUNY centers.