Prepare for a Successful College Transfer

There are many reasons that a student might transfer colleges. The decision might stem from a change in academic major or financial circumstances, or a realization that a particular school just wasn’t the right fit.

If you’re considering making a switch, the following tips and advice will help guide the way.

1. Transfer Admissions Aren’t Always More Competitive

The acceptance rate for transfer students was 62.6 percent for the 2012-2013 academic year, according to research from the National Association for College Admission Counseling. That’s only slightly below the first-time freshman average acceptance rate of 64.7 percent.

2. Know Which Schools Attract Transfer Students

If you’re worried about being an outsider, check out this U.S. News Education list of schools with the most transfer students. The data show that it’s far from uncommon for students to make a switch.

3. Map Out a Plan Ahead of Time

Students planning to transfer — especially those coming from a community college — shouldn’t expect the process to be quick and easy, school officials have told U.S. News. Students can prepare for this by reaching out to academic advisers, professors and internship offices at target four-year schools as early as they have an idea they may transfer.

8. Make Sure to Understand Articulation Agreements

Some states’ community college systems advertise prearranged admissions agreements with local four-year universities. But the transition between these programs isn’t always seamless, and students should make sure that any classes they take at two-year programs will transfer to their intended colleges, experts have told U.S. News.

4. You Can Find Scholarships

Free money doesn’t discriminate. There are a number of college scholarships dedicated to assisting transfer students.. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, for example, offers up to $40,000 a year to each of 85 students who are making the move from a community college to a four-year university.

10. Specialized Financial Aid May Be Out There

Some colleges also give transfer students access to specialized financial aid. The NACAC 2014 State of College Admission report noted that 53 percent of survey respondents have dedicated grants set aside for these students.

5. Some Schools Seek Transfers

Even the most well-researched college search can end with a student deciding to transfer. And the 2013 NACAC report states 58 percent of four-year colleges say transfer students will be an important part of their recruiting strategy over the next three years. The ultimate goal is to find the right college or education fit.

6. Make On-Campus Housing a Priority

It can be a challenge for transfer students to feel like they’re part of their new community. Living on campus is one way to help transfer students feel more connected, make friends and get up to speed at a new school, students told U.S. News in 2011.

7. Get Involved at Your New Campus

Along with living on campus, new transfer students should research extracurricular activities and clubs at their target schools. Getting involved has many benefits, including building a sense of community, former transfer students say.

9. Attend Orientation

College orientation isn’t just for incoming freshmen. Research if your intended schools offer orientation for new transfer students, as these programs are valuable ways to ease the transition and get settled in a new space. NACAC data show that 72.1 percent of schools offer separate transfer students for orientation.

Explore More About Transferring Colleges

Visit the Best Colleges section of U.S. News Education to stay updated on the latest information for prospective transfer students. And be sure to follow U.S. News Education on Facebook and Twitter for daily tips and advice aimed at prospective students.

More from U.S. News

Tips for International Students Looking to Transfer Schools

3 Students Who Can Benefit From the Community College Transfer Path

Transfer Students: 8 Things You Need to Know

10 Things Prospective College Transfer Students Need to Know originally appeared on usnews.com