Savanna Hoffman
Whether or not universities require interviews as part of the admissions process for transfer students varies between institutions. For example, while Stanford University offers optional interviews, Georgetown University makes them mandatory for first-year applicants but optional for transfer students. Similarly, larger state schools tend not to include interviews in their transfer admission processes, whereas smaller private schools or liberal arts colleges may request an interview to better understand your reasons for transferring and gauge your fit with their institution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Whether universities ask transfer students to do interviews | It depends on the university. For example, Stanford University, Georgetown University, and Brown University offer optional interviews for transfer students. |
| Whether interviews are part of the evaluation process | It depends on the university. For example, Harvard's interview is evaluative, while Cornell's interview is informational. |
| Whether interviews are required for admission | Interviews are usually not required for admission. For example, Stanford University states that declining an interview will not negatively impact the admission decision. |
| Who conducts the interviews | Interviews are often conducted by alumni. |
| Where interviews take place | Interviews are usually conducted in a local area, such as a cafe or library, or virtually. |
| Whether interviews are formal | Interviews are usually informal and do not require formal preparation. |
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What You'll Learn
Smaller private schools often request interviews
The interview process for transfer students varies depending on the college or university to which you're applying. Smaller private schools or liberal arts colleges often request interviews with prospective transfer students, whereas larger state schools tend not to include interviews in the transfer admission process. This is due to the larger applicant pool at bigger universities.
When preparing for an interview, consider key points about why you want to transfer, what makes the school a good fit for you, and how you intend to contribute to the community. Grades are the biggest factor in transfer applications, so be prepared to discuss your academic performance and any relevant extracurricular involvements. Interviews can be evaluative, with interviewers assessing your suitability for the college, or informational, providing an opportunity for you to learn more about the school.
Some colleges may provide helpful suggestions for questions you might be asked on their websites, allowing you to practice your responses beforehand. While some interviews may be evaluative, keep in mind that they also provide a valuable opportunity for you to learn more about the college and ask questions. Alumni interviews are common, allowing you to gain insights into the college experience and learn more about the institution from a student's perspective.
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Interviews are not usually part of the process for large state schools
The interview process for transfer students varies depending on the college or university to which they are applying. Transfer admissions can be more inconsistent than first-year admissions, resulting in fewer established norms or procedures across all schools. Interviews are not usually part of the transfer admission process for many universities, particularly larger state schools, due to the large number of applicants.
Smaller private schools or liberal arts colleges, on the other hand, may request an interview, either on campus or with alumni, to better understand the candidate's reasons for transferring and to assess their suitability for the institution. It is worth noting that, in most cases, the interview (if offered) is not a mandatory component of the transfer application process. Nonetheless, if a school extends an interview opportunity, it is advantageous to seize it.
Transfer students should be aware that the acceptance rate for transfer students is generally lower than for freshmen applicants. Therefore, it is crucial to plan ahead and be well-prepared, just as one would when applying to a four-year school as a high school student. Aside from writing essays, transfer students may need to participate in interviews and visits, and it is beneficial to be ready to explain their reasons for transferring. While some students have no choice but to transfer, such as those completing community college transfer programs or those in the military, others may have more discretionary reasons for doing so.
When applying to schools, it is important to keep in mind that certain reasons for transferring will be viewed more favourably than others. Grades are the most critical factor in transfer applications, so it is essential to maintain strong academic performance. Transfer applications often require mid-year reports, where current professors evaluate the student's performance and predict their final grade. Despite having prior college experience, transfer students do not have an inherent advantage due to the lower transfer rates compared to freshman admission rates. Thus, it is crucial to devote time and effort to refining one's application.
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Interviews may be evaluative or informational
Whether or not universities require interviews as part of the transfer admissions process varies across institutions. Larger state schools, for instance, may not include interviews due to their large applicant pools. Smaller private schools or liberal arts colleges, on the other hand, may request an interview with alumni or on campus to understand your reasons for transferring and assess your fit with their institution.
If a university offers interviews, they can be evaluative or informational. An evaluative interview, like the one conducted at Harvard, is considered in admissions decisions. During an evaluative interview, you may be asked to elaborate on your background and achievements and reasons for transferring. This type of interview is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the college. It is beneficial to prepare for evaluative interviews by practicing responses to common interview questions and formulating thoughtful inquiries for your interviewer.
An informational interview, like the one conducted at Cornell, is meant solely to teach you about the school. While this type of interview may not directly impact your admissions decision, it is still important to prepare and ask questions. You can express your enthusiasm for the college and demonstrate your qualifications during an informational interview.
Regardless of the type of interview, it is your responsibility to set it up. Interviews can take place in various locations, such as a local café, library, or the interviewer's home. Alumni volunteers typically conduct these interviews, and they may share stories about their experiences at the university. Remember that interviews are a two-way exchange, allowing the university to learn more about you beyond your written application and providing you with insights into the institution.
While interviews can be a valuable component of the transfer admissions process, they are often optional. For example, Stanford University and Georgetown University offer optional interviews with alumni volunteers for transfer students. Declining an interview at these institutions will not negatively impact your admission decision. However, if a university offers you the opportunity to interview, it is generally advantageous to accept, as it can enhance your application and demonstrate your interest in the school.
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Grades are the biggest factor in transfer applications
The process of interviewing transfer students varies across universities. Larger state schools, for instance, tend to exclude interviews from their transfer admission processes due to the large number of applicants. In contrast, smaller private schools or liberal arts colleges may request an interview to better understand your reasons for transferring and to gauge your fit with their institution. Interviews may be conducted on campus or with alumni. However, even at institutions that offer interviews, they are typically not a required part of the transfer application process.
Regardless of whether an interview is required or optional, it is beneficial to prepare for one, especially if you are applying to smaller, private institutions. You can start by checking the transfer admission page on the university's website, which will often indicate whether they offer interviews to transfer applicants. You can also reach out to the admissions office for more tailored advice. Preparing in advance will help you feel more comfortable and confident during the interview. Consider key points about why you want to transfer, what makes the school a good fit for you, and how you intend to contribute to the community.
While interviews can be a great opportunity to make an impression, grades are the biggest factor in transfer applications. Transfer acceptance rates are typically lower than freshman admission rates, so it's important to maintain strong grades at your current school. Transfer applications often require mid-year reports, where your professors will evaluate your performance and predict your final grade. Therefore, you should continue to perform well in your current classes and address any issues that may be causing you to struggle academically.
In addition to grades, universities consider various factors when evaluating transfer students. They want to understand your reasons for transferring, so it's important to articulate this clearly in your application and during interviews. While you should be honest, avoid speaking negatively about your current school. Instead, focus on the positive aspects that your new school can offer. For example, you can mention that you were seeking a thriving arts community that your current school lacks. Overall, demonstrating a strong reason for transferring will make you a more appealing candidate.
Aside from interviews and grades, transfer applications may involve essays and visits to the university. Being prepared to answer questions about your reasons for transferring will strengthen your application. It's important to remember that some reasons for transferring are considered more "good" than others by universities. Planning ahead and following through on your intentions will help you navigate the transfer process successfully.
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Interviews can be conducted in-person or virtually
Whether or not universities ask transfer students to do interviews depends on the university in question. For instance, larger state schools often do not include interviews as part of the transfer admission process due to the large applicant pool. In contrast, smaller private schools or liberal arts colleges may request an interview to better understand your reasons for transferring and to gauge your fit with their institution. Interviews for transfer students at Stanford University and Georgetown University, for example, are optional.
Interviews can be conducted in person or virtually. In-person interviews can take place at a local café, library, or the interviewer's house. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, many colleges that previously required in-person interviews now offer virtual alternatives. Some schools, such as Brown University, request applicants to submit a two-minute "video portfolio" instead of an interview.
Alumni often conduct interviews, and they can take place anywhere in the world. If you live in a city or country where no alumni interviewers are available, the interview will typically be waived, and this will not negatively impact your admission decision.
If you are preparing for an interview, it is a good idea to practice your responses to common interview questions. You should also prepare some thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer. During the interview, you can expect to discuss your experiences, goals, academic interests, and extracurricular involvements. Remember that the interview is a great opportunity for the university to learn about you as a person beyond your written application.
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Frequently asked questions
The interview process for transfer students varies depending on the university. Interviews for transfer students are not common for larger state schools due to the large applicant pool, but smaller private schools or liberal arts colleges may request an interview to understand your reasons for transferring.
Check the university's website for their transfer admission requirements. You can also contact the admissions office to ask about their transfer application process.
Interviews can be evaluative and considered in admissions decisions, but they can also be informational, meant solely to teach you about the school. If an interview is offered, it is beneficial to take the opportunity. However, declining an interview will not negatively impact your application.
