Should I Transfer Colleges?

Choosing a college is a big decision. And you invest so much initial time and effort that if your choice winds up an ill fit, you may be reluctant to make a move. But did you know that more than 1.2 million students transferred to new colleges in 2021? If your expectations of your chosen college don’t match its reality, it may be time to make a move. Ask yourself some important questions before you transfer colleges.

Are You Ready to Transfer from a 2-Year Program to a 4-Year Program?

Sometimes a transfer isn’t just about a switch; it’s about an advance. Maybe you enrolled at a community college because you weren’t ready to commit to a four-year program. Or maybe you didn’t think you could do it. Now you know you can! Transferring credits into a four-year degree program can save you time and money. Check to see if the college you’re interested in has a partnership with your community or technical college. If it does, the transfer process will be streamlined, making it easier and quicker to submit your application, transcripts, and test scores, and track your enrollment process.

Will Transferring Colleges Provide a Better Career Path?

You may have enrolled at your current school because you knew exactly what you wanted to do after graduation. But the more courses you take in your major, the more you realize the field is not what you thought it would be. You may be able to switch majors and stay at the same college. But is there a better match?

For example, if you went to a well-known business school in pursuit of a business degree, but now want to be a teacher, is your current school still a right fit? In this case, it may not be wise to simply shift to the school’s education department—if they even have one. You may also want to consider where you’ll teach after you graduate. Your student teaching can be your first network outside of school so it may make sense to go to school where you plan to teach. And one state’s licensing requirements may not match the credentials you’re set to pursue at your current university.

Does Your Current School Provide You with Tools for Success?

Another reason to transfer schools is because you do not feel like your current school has the kind of student resources that will help you achieve and do your best academic work. Does your current school offer free tutoring, a well-staffed Writing Center, and a Center for Career and Professional Development? Does it offer Success Coaches who understand your unique goals and aspirations? If you’re not doing as well as you know you can, it may be because you’re not getting the support you deserve.

Will a College Transfer Help You Find a Better Environment?

College offers the opportunity to try new things and to grow and develop as a person and as a professional. But not all college cultures are the same. Some schools are known more for parties than academics. If you feel your priorities differ from the majority of your classmates, it may be time to research schools that represent the same values you have. Perhaps you want a school that has a mission to serve or one that is faith-based. Look for one that aligns with your belief system, where you will be comfortable being you. It’s nice to know if your studies are difficult, there’s a supportive community that can ease your stress and nourish your spirit.

Has Your Financial Situation Changed?

Covering the cost of tuition may be a challenge, even with financial aid. If your school recently raised its tuition or lowered the amount of financial aid it could provide to you, you may want to review your overall finances. If you transfer to another school in the same state and plan to take in-person classes during the day, you may qualify for a college scholarship that will cover your classes and fees. Be sure you meet GPA requirements and can provide official transcripts, FAFSA forms, and other documentation that may be necessary to apply.

How Difficult Will the College Transfer Process Be?

The decision to transfer colleges may not be easy, but the process should be. At Limestone University, we’ve partnered with Transferology to simplify the admissions process for transfer students. With a Transferology account, you can easily find out which courses and credits you can take with you. We also have transfer agreements with more than 20 technical and community colleges in South Carolina to make it easy for you to turn an associate degree into a bachelor’s. Whether you study business, education, liberal arts, or the health professions, you can find the support to succeed at Limestone University. Click the button to learn more.