A vertical transfer student plans to transfer from a two-year institution to a four-year institution. Consider the following important questions when identifying schools that you might want to transfer to:
- What institutions offer my desired program(s) of study?
- What size institution do I prefer for my learning style?
- Do I want to attend a public or private institution?
- What is the cost? What financial assistance is available?
- What is the campus setting? Is it rural, city, or suburban?
- Do I wish to attend classes online or in person?
- Do you want to attend classes at night or during the day?
Transfer and articulation of academic credits vary by institution and program. After identifying schools of interest, look at their college catalogs and application information online for course sequencing or transfer agreements.
Armed with that information, your next step is talking to a transfer professional to receive assistance in shaping your decision.
| What is a transfer professional? Transfer professionals work specifically with transfer students to help them navigate the transfer process through admissions, enrollment, and/or through the process of registering for classes. You can find their contact information through the admissions office. Talking to an admissions or enrollment counselor can help you establish a contact person for your transfer path. |
|---|
Select an institution (6-12 months before transfer):
- Review application deadlines and other pertinent admissions deadlines.
- Talk to an admissions counselor and advisor.
- Visit the institution.
Prepare to transfer (3-6 months before transfer):
- Complete/Update the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA).
- Visit the CHE Paying for College web page for information on financing higher education, to include scholarship and grant information.
- Ensure that transcripts and all up-to-date information are sent to the new institution.
- Meet with your prospective student advisor.
Complete the transfer process (1-3 months before transfer):
- Ensure that your final transcripts are sent to the new institution from all of the institutions you have attended.
- If you have any credits from IB/AP, Dual Enrollment, Teacher Cadet, etc., please send in your documentation to the new institution. (Documents may be a certificate, certification, degree, transcript, or letter of enrollment/involvement).
- If you are graduating with an associate degree, apply for graduation.
- Check for reverse transfer policies.
- Register for classes.
- Meet with your new advisor.
- Attend orientation.
To help you keep track of your transfer application process, we have developed a Transfer Application Progress Template for you to download to keep track of your applications. To keep track of your personal records, go to “File → Download → Microsoft Excel” to save and keep track of your transfer progress.