Universities Dislike Student Transfers: Why The Negative View?

Students transfer universities for a variety of reasons, including financial obligations, family circumstances, and a desire to find a university that better suits their academic, social, and career goals. While transferring can be a positive move, it is not always viewed favourably by universities. The acceptance rate for transfer students is generally lower than for first-year students, and transferring can result in losing credits and having to repeat courses, which can be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, students may face challenges such as finding new accommodation and re-applying for student finance. Therefore, it is essential for students to carefully consider their reasons for transferring and plan ahead to ensure a smooth transition to their new university.

Students may lose credits and have to retake classes

Transferring from one college to another is a common occurrence, with around one-third of students transferring colleges before graduating. However, transferring colleges can be complicated and costly, and students may face various challenges in the process. One significant challenge is losing credits and having to retake classes.

When transferring from a two-year community college to a four-year college or university, students may find that many of their previously earned credits do not count toward their degree at the new institution. This is known as "credit loss" and can occur due to various factors. One reason is the difference in academic standards and rigour between community colleges and four-year institutions. Four-year colleges may deem the courses at community colleges as less rigorous and, therefore, reject the transfer of credits. Additionally, students may exceed the cap on transferable credits, leading to credit loss.

Another reason for credit loss is the lack of articulation agreements or partnerships between the transferring and receiving institutions. Some colleges and universities have established partnerships to facilitate credit transfers, ensuring that certain classes are accepted by both institutions. However, in the absence of such agreements, students may face challenges in getting their credits transferred.

Furthermore, there can be issues with transferring credits, especially in specific programs like STEM. Credits earned in STEM fields may expire within ten years due to the rapidly evolving nature of scientific and technological advancements. As a result, students transferring colleges after a significant time gap may find that their STEM credits are no longer valid.

Additionally, the transfer of credits can be complicated by the different accreditation statuses of the institutions involved. Regionally accredited institutions, which are typically state-owned or non-profit academic institutions, usually only accept credits from other regionally accredited colleges or universities. In contrast, nationally accredited institutions, which tend to be for-profit or vocational schools, often accept credits from both regionally and nationally accredited schools.

The consequences of credit loss can be significant. Students may have to retake classes they have already passed, extending their time to graduation and increasing their financial burden. In some cases, students may run out of financial aid before completing their degree due to the extra time required.

To minimise the risk of credit loss, students should carefully research the transfer policies of their desired colleges and seek guidance from academic advisors. Planning for the transfer early on and choosing courses that are more likely to be accepted for transfer can help ensure a smoother transition between institutions.

Transferring can be costly

Transferring universities can be costly in several ways. Firstly, there are the financial costs. Students transferring from a two-year community college to a four-year university often find that many of their previous classes do not count towards their new degree, meaning they have to pay for extra time at the new institution to retake classes and graduate. This can also result in students running out of financial aid before they are able to graduate.

Transferring can also be costly in terms of time. Students who have to retake classes will take longer to graduate, and if they are only able to study part-time while working to fund their extended time at university, this will further slow their progress.

There are also opportunity costs to consider. Students who transfer may find that they have to repeat their first year at the new university, or that they are unable to transfer any credits at all and have to start their degree again from scratch. This means that they will graduate later than they would have done otherwise, delaying their entry into the world of work and potentially losing out on earnings.

Transferring can also be costly from an administrative perspective. Students may have to pay for the remainder of accommodation costs that they signed a contract for, unless they can find someone else to take their place. They may also have to pay back some of their student loan, depending on when they leave their course.

Finally, transferring can be emotionally costly. Students may feel that they have failed in some way by not completing their degree at the institution where they started, and may worry about how this will look to future employers.

It can be difficult to get accepted as a transfer student

It is important to note that being a transfer student is beneficial and helpful for many people, but it is not necessarily easy. The acceptance rate for transfer students is generally lower than it is for freshmen applicants, and there are many challenges that transfer students may face.

Transfer Student Requirements

Transfer student requirements can be tricky to figure out, as many college application guides are written with freshmen in mind. It is important to do extensive research on each institution of interest before applying to transfer.

Good and Bad Reasons to Transfer

Colleges will view some reasons for transferring more favourably than others. Good reasons for transferring are similar to good reasons for applying to college from high school, such as liking an academic program a school offers, seeing attendance as helping your ultimate career goals, liking their mission as a college, your current school not offering the program you want, or your current school not being a good "fit". Reasons that colleges might frown upon include not getting along with your roommate or struggling to keep up with classes.

Credit Loss

One of the biggest obstacles transfer students face is credit loss, when students take classes that never end up counting toward a degree. This can be a result of poor advising, or four-year colleges' varying rules for evaluating transfer credits. This can cause students to take longer to finish their degrees, costing more in tuition, and can even cause them to drop out.

Relearning Classroom Norms and Faculty Expectations

Attending a new school could feel like starting all over again. Transfer students will have to adapt to a new normal, as everything that was learned in the last year or two will not be the same.

Understanding Campus Norms

Every campus community has a distinct campus culture, and it will take time for transfer students to learn the campus norms and implied expectations.

Joining Friend Groups

Finding a friend group can be challenging, especially if the friend group is already established.

Low Amount of Credits Transferring

When transferring to a new institution, all the credits for the classes taken at the previous institution may not transfer due to variations in course curricula between institutions.

Repeating Classes

Transfer students may have to repeat classes that have already been taken at the previous university due to differences in course equivalency.

Extending Graduation Date

Having to repeat classes will cause transfer students to push back their expected graduation date and not graduate with their original graduating class.

Lengthened Financial Commitment

Repeating classes will lengthen the financial commitment to the institution, and the longer a student stays in college, the more money it will cost.

Transferring may not increase the time it takes to graduate

Transferring colleges may not increase the time it takes to graduate. However, it is important to note that transferring credits from one college to another can be complicated and, in some cases, may result in a delay in graduation. Here are some factors to consider when transferring colleges to ensure that you stay on track with your graduation timeline:

Plan Ahead

It is crucial to start planning your transfer as early as possible. Meet with your college adviser when selecting classes each semester to ensure that the courses you choose will transfer to your desired four-year university. Signing up for a transfer program at a two-year college can also help you transition smoothly and save time and money.

Understand Credit Transfer Policies

Not all credits earned at a two-year college will automatically transfer to a four-year university. Each college has its own requirements and credit transfer policies. It is important to research and understand the specific policies of the colleges you are considering transferring to. Some colleges may have articulation agreements, which are partnerships that ease the transfer process and ensure that certain classes are accepted.

Maintain Good Grades

Good grades are essential for a successful transfer application. If you are struggling academically at your current college, be prepared to explain the reasons and demonstrate that you are taking steps to improve. Maintaining good grades increases your chances of a successful transfer and can also help you meet the minimum GPA requirements for your desired four-year university.

Choose the Right Transfer School

When choosing a transfer school, consider factors such as transfer credit policies, cost, campus environment, academic programs, and student life. It is crucial to select a school that aligns with your academic and career goals and ensures that you can graduate within your desired timeline.

Seek Advising and Support

Transferring colleges can be a complex process, and it is essential to seek support when needed. Reach out to transfer advisers at both your current college and the four-year colleges you are considering. They can provide valuable guidance, answer questions, and help you navigate the transfer process successfully.

By following these steps and planning ahead, you can increase your chances of transferring without delaying your graduation timeline. Remember to research the specific policies and requirements of your desired colleges, as they may vary.

Transferring may not solve the problem

While transferring colleges can be a smart move for many students, it's important to recognise that it may not be a cure-all solution. Transferring colleges can be a complicated and costly process, especially for students moving from two-year to four-year colleges. Here are some reasons why transferring may not solve your problems:

Administrative hurdles and credit transfer issues

One of the biggest challenges of transferring colleges is dealing with administrative hurdles and credit transfer issues. Many students experience frustration when their previous classes and credits don't count towards their degree at the new college. This can result in having to retake classes, extending the time and cost of completing a degree. It is important to carefully research credit transfer policies and plan ahead to minimise these issues.

Low GPA and poor grades

Students with a low GPA and poor grades may find it difficult to transfer to another college. Transferring often requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher, and some competitive schools may have even higher requirements. If your cumulative GPA falls below a certain threshold, it can be challenging to raise it due to the weight given to past poor grades. Additionally, some colleges may require you to be in good standing academically and not on academic probation or suspension.

Difficulty making friends and adjusting to a new environment

Transferring to a new college can be emotionally challenging as you may feel overwhelmed by the process of uprooting your life and starting over. Making friends as a transfer student can be difficult, as established friend groups may already exist, and you may feel left out of conversations. It takes time and effort to adjust to a new campus, navigate administrative processes, and form strong connections.

Limited transfer student support

While some colleges offer extra support for transfer students, such as orientation or special housing, this is not always the case. Transfer students may miss out on important resources and information, feeling lost and unsupported during the transition. It is crucial to seek help and utilise available resources to navigate the transfer process successfully.

Unfamiliarity with new campus and surroundings

Transferring to a new college can be intimidating, especially if the campus is large and unfamiliar. Transfer students may struggle to navigate the physical campus, online platforms, and administrative processes. Taking time to orient yourself, utilise campus resources, and connect with advisors can help ease this transition.

Frequently asked questions