If movies and TV shows are to be believed, the 'typical' college experience begins at age 18, lasts four years, and involves just one school. This is far from the reality for most of today's students, however.
These days, many college students switch schools partway through their academic careers. Unfortunately, while some regard this as an opportunity to refine their college experience and gain the specific knowledge and skills they need, they're often second-guessed by friends and family members. This can make them rethink the very idea of transferring.
The college transfer process shouldn't be avoided simply because it seems strange or unusual. In reality, it's a perfectly normal approach to making progress towards graduation. The sooner misconceptions about transferring are put to rest, the sooner students can carve the unique paths through college that serve them best.
Transferring Colleges: More Common Than You Think
When your friends choose to remain put, transferring schools may seem like an unusual or even strange choice. In reality, however, this approach is far more common than most students realize. Data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center suggests that over one-third of college students eventually switch schools. Of those, nearly half transfer on multiple occasions.
A variety of factors underscore the growing prevalence of college transfers. For many students, it's simply built into their postsecondary trajectory, particularly if they choose to begin with community college. Others may realize, upon taking a few classes, that they'd like to shift their academic focus. In some cases, this means switching schools.
Transfer rates are especially high among non-traditional students, who may need to enroll elsewhere as they move for reasons related to work, family or even military obligations. When transferring, many of these students seek flexible solutions that allow them to take more classes online or during the evening.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
Even if you understand the prevalence of transferring in today's evolving college environment, the process can still feel intimidating. With a little preparation and support, however, transferring colleges may prove surprisingly easy. Follow these suggestions to ensure a smooth transition:
Choose Strategically
A successful transition is more likely if you know why you're transferring and what, exactly, your new college will offer that was lacking in your previous program. As such, it's important to identify the reasons behind your transfer early on.
If you're like many students, you'll transfer with the sole intention of getting involved in a prestigious subject or program that was lacking at your prior institution. Other students emphasize college culture, transferring as soon as they find a school with an atmosphere they find appealing.
It helps to understand the overarching reason for your transfer, but it's also important to select a college that will allow you to retain as many previously earned credits as possible. This will limit the need for retaking classes, thereby keeping you on track for graduation.
Participate in Orientation Programs
Welcome week might seem like a freshman-only affair, but it's just as helpful for transfer students. After all, the routines and resources you took for granted at your previous college may no longer be available at your new school.
Orientation will clue you in on local opportunities that might otherwise take you months to discover on your own. This is also your chance to build connections—an essential that may prove more difficult to accomplish once you dive into your busy schedule.
Take Advantage of Transfer Student Resources
Ideally, your new college will provide a variety of services and resources specifically for transfer students. These opportunities will help you navigate an unfamiliar environment while also building strong friendships with other students in your situation. Locate these resources early on so you can take advantage of them throughout your first semester at your new college.
Financial resources are also worth examining. Many colleges offer scholarships and grants specifically target transfer students. These can ease any economic barriers that might otherwise make students think twice about switching schools. Inquire about these opportunities early on to determine the role that tuition and other expenses will play in school selection and your eventual transition.
Find a Mentor at Your New College
Mentorship is valuable throughout the entirety of the college experience, regardless of whether you end up transferring. This support can prove especially helpful as you navigate the ins and outs of your new school. Your mentor should be thoroughly familiar with your college and willing to provide insight into a variety of details that can make your life easier. Ideally, this person can also be a source of emotional support if you ever feel frustrated or overwhelmed.
A variety of people can serve as college mentors. Many students turn to academic advisors, who help them navigate everything from course selection to internship applications. Others connect most with coaches, resident hall directors, or faith leaders. Mentors can be found by reaching out as you form connections or, if you prefer, by getting involved in a targeted mentoring project.
Join Campus Clubs
If you can spare time for extracurricular activities, make an effort to join a club or team that fits your interests and schedule. It doesn't matter if you can only be involved for a semester or two—you'll still broaden your horizons and make new friends while letting off steam in between classes and studying. The more you're able to engage with such groups, the more you'll feel like an integral member of the college community.
No matter your reasons for transferring, it's important to find a college environment that feels welcoming—and one that encourages you to meet your full academic and professional potential. The process will require a significant amount of paperwork and a dose of courage, but it'll all be worthwhile as you find a college that instantly feels like home.
If you’d like to learn more about professions that enable you to serve wholeheartedly and faithfully in your life’s work or want to learn more about a biblically-based, Christ-centered education at Geneva, we’d love to chat with you. For more information on how Geneva College can help you pursue your education goals, please phone us at 855-979-5563 or email admissions@geneva.edu.
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Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
Oct 19, 2020
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