
Step-by-Step Transfer Guide
In many ways, the transfer process is similar to the first-time admissions process, but there are some key differences. This guide lays out the key steps to transfer clearly and simply. While this doesn’t cover everything, it will give you a good overview of what’s involved.
Let’s get started!
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The more you can plan ahead, the easier your journey will be. Some students may know exactly what they want to do and where they want to go, and that’s great! For others, it can take more time to make these decisions. The good news is that there’s a lot of help and resources you can tap into to support your planning.
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Explore colleges and careers to determine what is right for you. In addition to majors and programs, you may want to consider size, location, athletics and housing.
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Review the admission requirements for transfer students at the schools you are considering. Typically, these include credit hours, GPA and other criteria.
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Review financial aid and scholarships available for transfer students. There may be more options than you think!
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Make a list of the application deadlines for transfer admission and financial aid, including priority deadlines.
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If you are currently attending a community college, meet with your success coach or advisor to help you finalize your decisions.
Tip: Narrow your decision-making by requesting info, taking a virtual campus tour or scheduling an in-person visit.
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Once you’ve decided where you would like to transfer, it’s easy to submit your application online at ApplyTexas. At some schools, you can also submit your application using the Common App. This step is very similar to the first time you applied for college, but with slightly different requirements for transfer students.
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Schools have different requirements or criteria for admission. For many, you will need to have at least 12 transferable hours and a minimum GPA, and there may be additional criteria depending on the degree you are interested in, so it’s important to check with the school’s website for these details.
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When you submit your application, you may need to pay an application fee. Schools also have different policies for application and/or enrollment fees. Many also grant fee waivers. You can find this information on each school’s website.
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After you submit your application, many schools will require you to set up an account on their portal. This is where you will be able to track the status of your application as well as receive other important information.
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If you need help, contact an admissions counselor where you are applying. They can best answer your questions about their admissions process.
Tip: There are benefits to applying early, by priority deadlines. This can give you more time to find scholarships that you may be eligible for, as well as provide earlier notification of financial aid as well as housing selections.
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Next, it’s time to submit your official transcript. This can be done electronically (which is preferred by many colleges and universities), or by mailing or delivering by hand a printed transcript. Make sure that you request your transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have previously attended or are currently attending.
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In addition to your transcripts, there are some other documents that you may be asked to provide. For example, some schools may encourage you to also send your ACT and SAT scores.
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Once your transcript is submitted, it will be evaluated. It can take from 4-6 weeks to process your application and evaluate your transcript.
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Now’s the time to also start applying for financial aid and scholarships. When you submit the FAFSA, you are automatically considered for other grants. You also may be eligible for other transfer scholarships so be sure to look on the school’s website, your portal account (if you have one) or contact the Financial Aid Office.
Tip: If you have a school portal or email account, be sure to check these regularly for status of your applications, including those for financial aid and scholarships, and other important notifications.
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Congratulations, you’ve been accepted for transfer! Be sure to let the school know you are coming by accepting your admission. Through your portal account and new student email, which in most cases you’ll have set up by now, you’ll receive information on your next steps and what you’ll need to do before attending your first day of classes.
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Prior to enrolling, and if you are under 22 years old, you will need to submit your meningitis documentation (this is a State of Texas requirement).
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Sign up for and attend new student orientation. Some schools have a mix of virtual and in person options for this and it is a requirement at most places.
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Finalize your applications for financial aid and/or available scholarships and get those submitted as soon as possible.
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If you need housing, you should apply for this as soon as possible after you are accepted, to get your preferred selection.
Tip: Remember to send your updated transcript, showing your final grades at the end of your last semester before transferring.
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Resources
No matter where you are in your journey to a bachelor’s degree, our resources can help you stay on track. In addition to the Step-by-Step Transfer Guide and Course Credit Evaluator (Coming soon!), you’ll find handy links and helpful information that make navigating the transfer process easier.