Knowing Where to Transfer
As transfer acceptances begin to roll out, it is now time to evaluate all your options and actually decide which school to attend! While this is exciting, it can also be a little overwhelming - being presented with good options can still be stressful after all! Fear of missing out and wondering if you have made the right decision for yourself, among other things, may come up for you during this decision process. As a transfer student myself, I completely understand what this process looks like since it wasn’t that long ago that I too was in your position! I want to share with you some of the questions that I asked myself which helped me make this decision, and offer some tips that might help you figure out the best school for you!
Now, let’s get into the questions!
Where do you want to live?
Where a university is located may play a significant role in your transfer decision. Is it too far away? Not far enough away? Do you actually like the area and the campus? What about the culture on campus? Perhaps you should even consider the weather! Knowing what type of environment you’re looking for can help you pinpoint which school fits those characteristics.
In addition, the cost of living may be something to take into account. While the cost of attendance is a common topic, considering the living expenses in a particular area is something that is often overlooked. Perhaps do a bit of research on housing and living expenses as a part of your decision making process.
Does your school offer transfer resources?
If a transfer community or access to transfer specific resources is important to you, then this is something you should take into consideration. I was very motivated to find a strong transfer community, and actively looked for a school that supports its transfer students through things such as mentorship, tutoring, financial support through transfer specific scholarships, and other community building opportunities such as transfer specific housing.
What does financial aid look like?
Perhaps one of the more obvious things to take into account is whether or not the schools you got into are offering you financial aid. While the cost of education is a hotly debated topic today, it is nevertheless an important aspect to consider. Does your school offer you a financial aid award? Is it enough to make you feel comfortable attending their school? What about scholarships - are there any that you can apply to?
Do you need health insurance?
Does your university offer guaranteed healthcare coverage for its student? While financial aid may cover part or all of your health insurance while in school, there are some plans which will require payment out of pocket. If you are a younger student, it may be more cost effective to stay on your parent’s insurance, but for those 25+/re-entry students out there, school sponsored health care might be a good option for you!
Do you have a family?
As a transfer student, you might be in a different situation than most college students - you might have a family to look after! If you’re a student parent or maybe a caretaker for other family members, taking distance or relocation into consideration is definitely going to be an important factor in deciding where you would like to go.
What does your program look like at that school?
Take a look at the past course options within your major or program in order to get a feel for whether or not there are classes you will enjoy taking. Schools can vary in focus (for example, UC Berkeley is a little thin in the biological anthropology department), so if there is an area you’re interested in, that is definitely something to take into account.
You also might also want to consider what the program looks like in a more general sense - is there flexibility within the requirements? If you want a more holistic and foundational approach to your education, maybe aim for a school that requires that you take courses from multiple areas of your degree, as well as upper division courses outside of your major. If you’re aiming for a more in-depth approach, then it might be more important to aim for something that is focused on one thing in particular! (For example, I chose an Anthropology degree over an Archaeology degree because I wanted the breadth approach rather than depth)
Is there guaranteed housing for Transfer Students?
Some schools offer guaranteed housing for transfer students while others do not. If building community and being close to campus is important to you, perhaps consider the housing options and how that may effect your first year experience.
If you are worried about finding housing in a particular area because of housing issues or cost, then this is something to keep in mind. Guaranteed housing can offer a sense of security during a transition that can be a little overwhelming! If this is something that you aren’t worried about, then taking a look at the rental options in the area is a good way to get a feel for what your options are and the cost of rent so you can factor housing into your budget. Check out University Housing Facebook groups for further info!
So that was a lot of questions! I completely understand that this may be a little overwhelming, but hopefully giving you some questions to think through can help you determine what it is you’re really looking to get out of your transfer experience! If you are having a difficult time answering these questions, here are just a few more things you can do that might help you answer them, and lead you to a decision.
Go to open houses to get a feel for what the campus is like (During COVID, many schools are offering virtual open houses!)
Visit campus if you can to get a feel for the climate and environment
Watch YouTube videos of students who go to those schools
Reach out to current students for informational interviews
Attend panels by current students to get your questions answered
Remember that regardless of where you end up, your college experience is going to be unique and self-directed. Education is what you make of it and no matter which school you choose, they will be lucky to have you!