How Do I Transfer Colleges?

How to Transfer Colleges in Seven Steps

Step 1: Determine Your Goals

Before diving into the transfer process, take a few moments to understand why you want to go to a new school. What academic path are you pursuing? Do you want to get more involved in student life? What types of resources best support your success? 

It’s also important to sketch out your short-term and long-term educational, career, and personal goals. Evaluate how they connect and how you can achieve them, so you can create an actionable plan to turn aspirations into reality. 

Understanding what you want your student experience and future to look like can help you choose the right school and share your motivations during the application process.

Step 2: Explore Transfer-Friendly Schools

Now that you’ve outlined your goals, it’s time to explore your transfer options. But it’s important to remember that some schools are more transfer-friendly than others. For instance, CWU, which has a student population of about 40% transfer students, has dedicated programs and resources to smooth out the transfer process. From our Transfer MAPs to Early Transfer Admission+, we create practical, easy-to-follow paths to help every student become a Wildcat. 

When researching a university’s transfer process, be sure to check for:

• Clear credit transfer policies
• Comprehensive support for transfer students
• Rolling or transfer-specific deadlines
• Strong advising and orientation services

We’d also recommend reviewing your institution’s transfer agreements. Often called articulation agreements, transfer agreements create a straightforward process for students transferring credits earned at another institution, ensuring they count toward a bachelor's degree. Review CWU’s transfer agreements.

Additionally, we recommend researching if your state has any state-wide transfer programs. For example, Washington State’s Washington 45 program allows students to transfer up to 45 quarter credits of specific general education courses from a public community, technical, or four-year institution toward general education requirements at any other public and most private higher education institutions. 

Step 3: Meet with an Admissions Counselor

Once you've narrowed down your transfer options, schedule a meeting with a transfer admissions counselor at each school. These counselors are experts in student support and can help you understand exactly how your previous academic credits will transfer and apply toward your new degree. Their guidance ensures you transfer with confidence, knowing your hard work will count.

At CWU, our Transfer Center offers robust pre-admission advising for prospective transfer students in person and online. Whatever your needs, our team can help you start your journey as a Wildcat. 

Step 4: Complete Your Application

Next, you’re ready to begin the application process. Along with completing the online application, you also need to gather supplemental materials. While each school requires a different array of documents, they usually include:

• Official high school transcripts or GED
• Transcripts from previously attended colleges or universities
• Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, etc.) 
• Personal statement or essay
• Letters of recommendation

Step 5: Apply for Financial Aid

As you await your admissions decision, your next step is to apply for financial aid. We recommend that everyone submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), regardless of your financial situation. It can qualify you for competitive grants, loans, work-study programs, and other funding sources that can help lower the cost of your degree and make your education more affordable. Once you receive your aid offer, you have the option to accept or decline it.

For more detailed information on how to apply for financial aid, go to our Financial Aid website.

Step 6: Confirm Enrollment

As your admissions decisions start arriving, the exciting moment comes to choose the institution that you’ll attend. 

After weighing the pros and cons of each option and determining which school best suits your needs, you should confirm enrollment at the university of your choice. The offer letter typically outlines the next steps you need to complete, such as formally accepting the offer and submitting your deposit.

Additionally, you must decline enrollment at the schools you decided not to attend. 

Step 7: Transition to Student Life

Congratulations, your transfer student journey officially begins! Now, you can start customizing your college experience by:

• Meeting with your advisor
• Registering for your coursework
• Attending orientation
• Applying for on-campus housing
• Connecting with student organizations and clubs

Additionally, many schools, such as CWU, have transfer centers dedicated to supporting transfer students' transition to life at a different university. Central’s Transfer Center provides peer-to-peer mentorship, transfer-specific events, and more, ensuring that these students can connect with those who share a similar experience and build a thriving community. 

Transfer Student FAQs

Is Transferring Colleges Hard?

While transferring colleges may take a few additional steps, it doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. Schools like CWU provide plenty of resources available to you as a transfer student, both during the admissions process and once you arrive on campus. To help create a more straightforward process, be sure to take full advantage of these services, do plenty of research, and always ask for help along the way.

Can You Transfer Colleges Mid-Semester​?

While there may be options to transfer mid-semester, this is a rare and often inconvenient option. However, if there are unforeseen circumstances like a medical withdrawal or relocation, it may be the only choice.

Typically, most transfer at the start of a new semester since it aligns with course sequencing and financial aid schedules. 

If you’re considering a mid-semester transfer, please meet with an admissions counselor to explore your options.

How Many Times Can You Transfer Colleges?

There’s no set limit on how many times you can transfer colleges. However, it is vital that you keep this in mind:

• Not all of your credits may carry over from institution to institution, which could result in more time and money spent on taking additional courses. 
• Transferring numerous times may impact your financial aid eligibility. 

Admissions committees may question the number of transfers and inquire further.

Your college transfers should be strategic, helping you reach your goals. Before making another move, carefully consider how it aligns with and impacts your long-term educational path.