Savanna Hoffman
Whether you are a transfer student or an international student, there are a few things to consider when applying to college. Firstly, it is important to note that each college has its own criteria for classifying transfer students, but generally, if you have completed a full year of college or have a certain number of college credits, you will be considered a transfer student. International students whose native language is not English may be required to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS. Additionally, transfer applicants may need to submit transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities. It is also worth mentioning that some colleges only admit transfer students for the fall semester, and the application process for transfer students can be highly competitive. Additionally, some colleges may have specific requirements for transfer applicants with prior coursework or military veterans.
Characteristics of 'Do I apply as a transfer student or international?'
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transfer student definition | Any college credit at all (not counting dual enrollment during high school) makes you a transfer student. |
| Transfer student requirements | Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions, SAT or ACT scores, placement exams, remedial/college preparatory/personal development courses, nontraditional formats at two-year colleges, graduate-level courses |
| International student requirements | Proof of English-language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or qualifying SAT or ACT test score), submission of official transcripts from all colleges attended |
| Transfer application process | Common App for transfer, individual college applications (e.g., USC, Harvard) |
| Factors considered for transfer admission | Academic experience, personal qualities (leadership, creativity, resiliency, intellectual curiosity, independent thinking), extracurricular activities, employment history |
| Financial aid | Need-based financial aid available for international transfer students at some universities (e.g., Harvard) |
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What You'll Learn
Transferring after one semester
When considering transferring after one semester, it is advisable to plan ahead and start the process early. Experts recommend applying months in advance to ensure you meet application requirements and deadlines, which may differ from those for first-year applicants. Contact the specific universities to understand their transfer policies, as some schools may only allow transfer students who have completed one or two years of study. Additionally, be mindful of the potential impact on your financial aid and scholarship eligibility. While some colleges offer financial aid only to first-year international applicants, others provide scholarships specifically for international transfer students.
Before initiating the transfer process, it is essential to evaluate your reasons for transferring and ensure they align with your academic and professional goals. Common reasons for transferring include seeking a better academic fit, improving your GPA, or transferring from a community college to a four-year institution. Transferring can provide benefits such as exposing you to different fields and giving you a head start in terms of time.
The transfer process itself may vary depending on the country and the specific requirements of the institutions involved. In the US, for instance, international students on an F-1 visa must provide written verification of acceptance at another SEVP-certified school and coordinate with their designated school official (DSO) to establish a transfer release date. Maintaining legal immigration status during the transfer process is crucial, and students should follow the instructions provided by their DSO for the timely issuance of their Form I-20. Additionally, any student work authorizations, such as OPT or CPT, from the original school will be canceled on the transfer release date, so careful planning is necessary.
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Transferring from an international college
Understanding Transfer Options
There are three main transfer options available for international students:
- Transferring from a local university outside the US: This involves moving from a university in your home country or another country to a US university. Before considering this option, it is recommended to take English proficiency tests, such as the TOEFL, and any required college admissions exams.
- Transferring from a US two-year community college to a four-year institution: Many international students choose to start their US education at a community college, which offers lower costs, a better initial classroom experience, and support for new immigrants transitioning to life in the US. After completing their associate degree, they transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor's degree.
- Transferring from a four-year US university to another US university: This option allows students to switch to a different four-year institution within the US for various reasons, such as finding a better fit academically or culturally.
Academic and Credit Transfer Considerations
When transferring from an international college, there are important academic and credit transfer considerations:
- Minimum Entry Requirements: Research the minimum entry requirements for the transfer program, including application deadlines and international college credit transfer policies.
- Credit Transfer Policies: Understand how many credits you need to complete at your current university to be eligible to transfer and how many credits will be accepted by the university you plan to transfer to.
- Foreign Transcript Evaluation: For credits earned at accredited universities outside the US, some universities may require a foreign transcript evaluation or course-by-course evaluation.
- Standardized Test Scores: While standardized test scores may be less important for transfer students, your course grades become more critical. Maintaining a good GPA (above 2.5) will enhance your transfer prospects.
Transfer Process and Documentation
The transfer process involves several steps and documentation requirements:
- Begin Early: Start the transfer application process four to six months before classes start at your desired university.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect and organize all the necessary documents, including transcripts from previous institutions, test scores, and any other relevant academic records.
- Academic Transfer: Submit your academic records and credits earned at your current institution for evaluation and determination of transferability to the new university.
- Immigration Transfer: If you are an international student, update your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) information and transfer your SEVIS record to your new school. You will also need a new I-20 form, which is required for re-entry into the US during the transfer process.
- Contact the International Student Services Office: Reach out to the Designated School Official (DSO) at the International Student Services Office (ISSO) for guidance and to provide any additional required paperwork.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Considerations
When applying as an international transfer student, it's important to consider how this may affect your eligibility for financial aid and scholarships. Some colleges and universities offer financial aid only to first-year international applicants and not to transfer applicants. Therefore, it is essential to research the financial aid policies of your desired transfer institutions.
In conclusion, transferring from an international college requires careful planning, meeting eligibility requirements, and navigating the documentation process. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully transition to a US university and continue your academic journey.
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English-language proficiency requirements
For students applying to universities in a country where English is the primary language, demonstrating proficiency in the language is often a requirement. This is to ensure that the student has the necessary skills to succeed in their respective course of study and/or program.
Universities may have different methods to assess the English language proficiency of incoming students. Some common tests accepted by universities include:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT – a minimum composite score of 80 or 90 is often required
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic – a minimum composite score of 6.5 is often required
- GATEWAY English Test (offered on-demand virtually) – a minimum overall score of 495 is required
In addition to these standardized tests, some universities may also require an interview to determine a student's English skills during the application review process. For example, UC campuses like Davis, UCLA, and Santa Barbara may strongly recommend or require additional English proficiency testing for applicants.
Furthermore, students who have studied in an English-medium academic program for several years may be exempt from taking English proficiency tests. For instance, WashU may waive the English proficiency requirement for students who have completed two or more years of study in an English-medium institution in specific countries like Australia and Cameroon.
It is important for prospective international students to review the specific English language proficiency requirements of their desired universities, as these requirements may vary.
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Transferring with a poor GPA
When it comes to transferring with a poor GPA, there are several important factors and strategies to consider. Firstly, it is crucial to understand that transfer GPA requirements typically start at 2.5 but can be as high as 3.0 or even higher for some competitive schools. Therefore, having a GPA of 2.0 may limit your options, but there are still many colleges that accept this score as their minimum requirement. Additionally, you need at least 90 credits to be considered for transfer, and the specific requirements may vary depending on the major you're applying for.
One common challenge for students with a low GPA is obtaining professor recommendations. It is often a requirement for transfer applications, and students with poor grades may struggle to find professors willing to recommend them. This can slow down or even halt the transfer process. It is recommended to be transparent about your previous academic performance and provide an explanation for any issues. Some smaller colleges may be more understanding of poor grades if you can demonstrate that their institution is a better fit for your needs.
To improve your chances of transferring, consider retaking classes to improve your grades, seeking academic counselling, and taking advantage of tutoring services or study groups. Additionally, transferring to a community college first can be a good strategy, as it often has a minimal application process and can help you build a stronger academic record before transferring to your desired four-year institution. It is also beneficial to start planning ahead of time, as transfer applications can have early deadlines.
While it might be tempting to apply as a freshman to avoid disclosing your previous grades, this is generally not advised. Colleges value honesty, and failing to disclose prior college attendance can result in immediate dismissal. Instead, focus on showcasing your unique strengths and experiences through extracurricular activities, employment, internships, and volunteer work. Remember that while a low GPA may pose challenges, it doesn't define your academic potential or limit your growth as a student.
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Applying for financial aid as a transfer student
To apply for financial aid as a transfer student, here are the steps you can take:
Notify Your Current School:
Inform the financial aid office at your current school about your intention to transfer. They can guide you through the necessary steps, ensure your account is settled, and provide information on how your federal student loans will be affected by the transfer.
Update Your FAFSA:
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is crucial for determining your eligibility for financial aid. Update your FAFSA with your new school's information by the specified deadline. Your new school will then provide you with a new financial aid package. Remember that the information required by your current and new schools may differ, so ensure you find out which forms are necessary for your transfer institution.
Review Your New Aid Offer:
After updating your FAFSA, your new school will contact you with a financial aid award letter. Carefully review this letter and understand the terms of any offered aid. The amount of aid may differ from your previous school, as federal student loans have annual loan limits, and your new school may have a lower cost of attendance.
Explore Additional Aid Options:
In addition to federal aid, explore other financial aid opportunities. Some schools offer transfer scholarships, particularly for community college students. You can also apply for aid directly from your desired colleges, state or local governments, or private groups and organizations. Don't forget to review the application requirements for each option.
Complete the CSS Profile (If Required):
The CSS Profile is a financial aid application used by many colleges and universities. Unlike the FAFSA, the CSS Profile has a fee, so ensure it is required before filing. Transfer students may qualify for a fee waiver, so check your eligibility.
Provide Additional Information:
Transfer students may be required to submit additional information, such as high school transcripts and college coursework. Check with your desired transfer institution to understand their specific requirements and gather the necessary documentation.
Remember that timing can also impact your financial aid eligibility. Transferring during an academic year may limit your access to certain forms of aid, so consider the timing of your transfer and try to apply early if possible.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have any college credits at all, you are not a first-time freshman applicant. Any college you apply to will require transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions. A lot of colleges require a threshold of college credits to be considered a transfer student.
The application process and requirements are the same for international students. All transfer applicants, including international students, are eligible to apply for need-based financial aid. International transfer applicants whose native language is not English must submit a TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or qualifying SAT or ACT test score earned within two years of their application date.
Each college has its own cutoff for applying as a transfer student, but a full year in college would indicate a transfer student. Transfer applicants are ineligible for admission if their prior coursework was completed for credit towards a high school diploma.
If your academic record in high school fell short of expectations, completing two years of solid undergraduate coursework at another institution before applying to transfer can help position you as a stronger candidate. Additionally, completing most of your general education requirements before transferring will give you more time to pursue a double major or a major-minor combination.
Harvard College and USC accept transfer students. Harvard accepts transfer students for fall semester entrance only and welcomes a very small number of transfer students each year. USC accepts both sophomore and junior transfer students.
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