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How To Write a Resume as a Transfer Student

Writing a resume as a transfer student isn’t always easy. In this no-nonsense guide, we answer your questions about what to include — and what to leave out.

2 years ago   •   4 min read

Writing a resume is hard enough without throwing a spanner in the works — like, for example, if you transferred colleges mid-degree.

The good news is, while writing a transfer student resume can be a little trickier, it also has some definite advantages. Transferring schools shows that you’re motivated and not afraid of hard work, especially if you transferred to a better school or more demanding program. Here’s how to make the most of that on your resume.

How to write a transfer student resume

• Format your education section as normal — include the name of the schools you attended, your degree and major , and any relevant minors .
• As a transfer student, you’ll have two schools to list. Put the school you graduated from at the top and your previous school underneath (see our example below).
• (Optional) Include additional details, like your GPA, student activities, internships , awards, study abroad , and relevant coursework.
• Once you’re done, run your resume through a free ATS resume scanner to make sure you’ve hit all the major talking points recruiters are looking for.
• Bonus: In your cover letter , address the fact that you transferred schools and emphasize any skills you demonstrated while transferring.
• Give your reason for transferring colleges only if you have a good one. Wanting to focus on a specific concentration only offered at your transfer school is a good reason; wanting to graduate form a higher-ranked school is not.

Transfer student resume example

Here’s an example of what a transfer student resume should look like:

Stanford University , Stanford, CA — May 2024 (expected) Bachelor of Engineering in Biotechnology Glendale Community College , Glendale, CA — 2019-2020 GPA: 3.8/4.0

If you’re a current transfer student or recent graduate and you want to include a more detailed education section, consider using the following:

Yale University School of Law , New Haven, CT Juris Doctor, expected May 2024 University of New Haven School of Law , West Haven, CT Completed First Year of Legal Studies, 2020-2021 GPA : 3.8/4.0 (1L Rank: 3/223) Honors : Cuban American Bar Merit Scholarship; invitation to Florida Law Review Activities : John Marshall Bar Association, 1L Section Representative

Here’s a full resume sample the works for an internship, job application, or transfer student application:

For more college transfer student resume examples, check out our entry-level ATS resume templates , available to download via Google Docs or PDF.

What to know when writing a transfer student resume

Do i need to list both schools on my resume.

This is optional but recommended. You should list both schools if:

• You previously attended a school with good name recognition
• You want to include activities, honors , or accomplishments from your previous school
• You graduated from a community college with an associate degree and want to list it separately

On the other hand, it’s a good idea to only list your graduating school if:

• You transferred to a much more prestigious school
• You don’t want to list both schools
• You’re a more experience hire and want to keep your education section as short as possible

Do I need to list my combined GPA or just the one from the graduating school?

This depends on how you’re listing your education. If you’ve only included the school you graduated from, it’s fine to just list your GPA from that school. If you’re listing both schools — especially if your GPA was higher at the school you transferred from — you can list your combined GPA.

Do be aware that some schools have different GPA standards — when transferring between schools, the safest thing you can do is to list your GPA and what it was out of, for example, 3.8/4.0. In any case, listing your GPA is completely optional and you should only include it if it’s above 3.5.

If you’re wondering what else, like your GPA, honors and minors should be included or left off your transfer student resume, upload it to the tool below — it’ll scan it and let you know which of these belong on your resume and which ones to remove.

What not to include in a transfer student resume

Don’t go into details about specific courses at each school or what credits were transferred. Hiring managers don’t care about every detail of your education — just the broad upshot. The only thing you need to list is which years you attended each school.

Where do I put my education section?

If you’re a current transfer student or recent graduate, or if you went back to school as part of a career change: At the top of your resume.

In all other cases: Below your work experience .

Should I list transfer student details as a mid-level or senior hire?

If it was a substantial part of your education, sure! There’s no harm in keeping both schools on your resume, as long as you keep your overall education section short. Once you have a few years of work experience under your belt, omit the finer details like coursework, student activities, and GPA.

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Transfer Student resume example

Are you looking to transfer? Then you need a resume that showcases your current qualifications and experiences.

But if you’re not sure where to start, that’s OK. Make use of our writing guide below, which is packed with top tips and helpful advice.

There is even a transfer student resume example to inspire your own.

Guide contents

Resume templates 

Transfer Student Resume Example

This example Transfer Student resume gives you a general idea of how to structure your own resume, along with the type of content you need to include.

Sticking with this resume format will help you to get noticed by employers and ensure that they can quickly see the benefit of hiring you.

Now, lets walk through a step-by-step guide on how to write your own winning resume.

Transfer Student resume layout and formatting

Your resume layout and format will play a big role in helping hiring managers to take notice of your resume and stay glued to it.

Shoot for a simple yet professional look to ensure you make a strong first impression, and organize the page in a way that is easy for readers to digest the information.

The following formatting tips should help.

How to format your resume

• Length: Keep your resume to 2 pages or under. You’ve probably heard that recruiters and hiring managers don’t have lots of time to read every resume, so keep yours brief if you want to ensure that they read all of the important info in yours.
• Font & text : Simplicity and a pleasant reading experience are crucial if you want to highlight your most valuable skills to recruiters. Use a clear font (avoid fancy ones) and break up the text in your resume with bullet points to ensure information can be easily consumed.
• Design & layout: Your resume should look appealing – but don’t overlook functionality when it comes to design. Organise the page into clear sections using bold headings and borders.
• Photos: You are not obliged to add a photo to your resume in the USA, but it can be a nice way of adding some life to the document.

Quick tip: Achieving a professional look for your resume can be difficult and time-consuming. If you want to create an attractive resume quickly, try our quick-and-easy Resume Builder and use one of their eye-catching resume templates.

Resume layout

Include the following sections when you write your resume .

• Name and contact details – Make it easy for employers to contact you, by putting these at the top.
• Resume summary – An intro paragraph sitting at the top of your resume, summarizing the reasons why you should be hired.
• Skills section – A short snappy list of your most important skills, that can be quickly digested
• Work experience – Reverse chronological list of your previous jobs – voluntary work and college placements can be included if you have no paid experience.
• Education – List your qualifications and professional training.
• Additional info – An optional section for things like hobbies and interests.

Here’s what you should include in each section of your resume.

Resume Contact Details

Keep your contact details short to save resume space and include the following.

• Name and profession title
• Cell phone number
• Location – Add your local area such as Silicon Valley or New York , unless you are looking for work in a different location
• Email address – Keep it professional and don’t use an old address that you thought was cool in high school, but now looks a bit embarrassing.

You can add a link to your LinkedIn profile if you have one – you do not need to include personal details like date of birth or marital status.

Transfer Student Resume Summary

Start your resume with a bang by adding a powerful summary to the top, summarizing your most valuable skills and experience.

This short paragraph is your chance to show recruiters why you are a perfect fit for the job and encourage them to read more of your resume.

3 tips for creating a resume summary that will get noticed:

• Keep it concise: Your summary is intended to be a high-level introduction to hook readers’ attention, so keep it brief (4-7 lines) – save the details for later in your resume.
• Tailor to target jobs: Ensure your profile makes an impact by matching it closely to the requirements of the job description, copying as many key terms as possible.
• Don’t use cliches: You might be a “ highly motivated go-getter who thinks outside the box” but generic meaningless cliches like that don’t tell employers much about you – stick to factual information in your summary.

Example resume summary for a Transfer Student

What info to include in your transfer student resume summary.

• Summary of experience: What type of organizations have you worked at? What types of roles have you done and what have you contributed to your previous university?
• Relevant skills: Highlight your skills which are most relevant to the course or University you’re hoping to transfer to, to ensure that recruiters see your most in-demand skills as soon as they open your resume.
• Vital qualifications: If your transfer requires any qualifications such as a professional course or a college degree, mention it briefly in your summary.

Quick tip: Choose from hundreds of pre-written summaries across all industries, and add one to your resume with one-click in our quick-and-easy Resume Builder . All written by recruitment experts and easily tailored to suit your unique skillset and style.

Core skills section

Next, you should create a bullet pointed list of your core skills, formatted into 2-3 columns.

Here, you should focus on including the most important skills or knowledge listed in the job advertisement.

This will instantly prove that you’re an ideal candidate, even if a recruiter only has time to briefly scan your resume.

Top skills for your Transfer Student resume

Awards and honors – Showcase these here, such as making the Dean’s List or honor role, being President or VP or a society or student board or winning an event or tournament.

Volunteer experience – Include your voluntary/charitable experience, as it’s important to show the reader your extracurricular activities.

Internships – Highlight previous internships and how they relate to your field of study.

Certifications – If you’ve gained certifications in specific skills that are pertinent to your field of study, include those here.

Publications in a student journal – Highlight any publications you hold that are related to your field of study, with a link if possible.

Quick tip: Our quick-and-easy Resume Builder contains thousands of in-demand skills for every profession that can be added to your resume in seconds – saving you time and greatly improving your chances of landing job interviews and getting hired.

Resume work experience section

So, you’ve got the recruiter interested with your catchy summary… Great work.

Now it’s time to show them the impact you make in the workplace by listing out your previous jobs and what you achieved in each one.

If you have tons of experience, you can condense this part down to the last few years – if you are junior, then you should include as much possible (even volunteering and school work placements)

Structuring your job descriptions

It’s easy to overwhelm readers when writing about a job you have been doing for years or even months.

Break the information up like this to keep it simple for recruiters to understand.

Job outline

Start with a 1-2 sentence outline of the role, summarizing what the goal of your position was, who you reported to (or managed) and the type of organization you worked for.

Key responsibilities

Next, write up a punchy list of your daily duties and responsibilities, using short bullet points.

Describe how you apply your skills and contribute to the running of the employer’s business – highlighting skills which are applicable to your target jobs.

Key achievements

Show employers the value you can bring to them by adding a few achievements to your jobs.

Whether you’ve saved the company money or improved an internal process, let recruiters know

Add some numbers to give readers a real scale of the impact, e.g. “reduced call wait time by 10%”

Example job for Transfer Student resume

Volunteer as the Vice-President for the mental health action group at Tamar College, Save Our Students, elected by members of the society to organise events, raise money and pressure the local council to support student wellbeing across Arizona.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and distribute resources for students about where and how to access help
• Work with the President and Committee to devise and co-ordinate fundraising events to raise money for society outreach activities and to raise money for mental health charities
• Organize, promote and deliver college and state-wide events, including panels, online seminars, conferences and art projects
• Lead the organizing committee of the inaugural Mental Health Matters student conference, which was attended by 2,100 students from across Arizona in June 2021

Quick tip: Create impressive job descriptions easily in our quick-and-easy Resume Builder by adding pre-written job phrases for every industry and career stage.

Education section

Near the end of your resume add your education section

Experienced candidates should keep it brief and focus on professional qualifications – and junior candidates can include high school diplomas, college degrees etc.

Additional information

The bottom of your resume is a place to add any “additional info”

Any other info that didn’t fall into any of the previous sections can be added here.

If you have hobbies that are related to your profession or any awards or publications – add them here. You can also add things like studying abroad .

Writing your Transfer Student resume

Writing a Transfer Student resume can be challenging but following the steps above will ensure that you land plenty of interviews.

If you want to speed up the process and use an attractive professional template, try out our quick-and-easy Resume Builder .

Good luck with your job search!

College Application Resume for 2024 [With Examples, Tips & Template]

They say college is the most exciting time in a student’s life and we couldn’t agree more! 

The only thing standing between you and your dream university, though, is a college application resume.

You open the resume document, get ready to start writing…

And nothing comes out! After all, how can you even make a resume when you haven’t worked a day in your life?

Worry not - you don’t need any work experience to write a compelling college application resume. In this article, we’re going to teach you just how you can do that!

What Should a Resume for College Application Contain?

• 5+ College Application Resume Formatting Tips
• How to Write a Resume for College Applications?
• 3+ College Application Resume Tips

College Application Resume Template

So let’s dive in! 

Before we get into the knits and grits of writing a resume for college application, let’s first do a quick review of what your resume should contain: 

• Contact information , including your full name, address, phone number, and professional email.
• A resume objective , where you state the goal of your college application resume.
• Education section , where you list the history of your grades and exam scores.
• Relevant activities , including any work experience you might have.
• Skills relevant to a resume for a college application, e.g. soft skills such as active listening, interpersonal skills, communication skills, or hard skills such as public speaking, MS Office, or computer skills.
• Additional sections , such as awards and honors.

6 College Application Resume Formatting Tips 

Before we dive into the nits and grits of CV making, let’s talk about formatting. Here are our top tips on how to format your college application resume: 

• Choose the functional/skills-based resume format. This format is perfect for those who lack work experience , as it focuses more on your skill-set. If you DO have some work experience, though, then you can opt for the chronological format.
• Keep your college application resume one page long . As a rule of thumb, this is the optimal length for a resume—professionals with 10 years worth of work experience stick to the 1-page limit, so there’s no excuse for someone with little to no work experience to go overboard.
• Add plenty of white space , especially around your resume’s margins. It will make your resume look less cluttered and more reader-friendly.
• Include clear section headings and use the same heading for each section.
• Use an easy-to-read font. Some resume fonts (such as Ubuntu or Overpass) are resume friendly—professional-looking, easy-to-read, and yet modern. Others, like Comic Sans, are just one big NO.
• Save your college resume as a PDF. You might be used to Microsoft Word, or even think it’s the safest alternative, but MS Word has a good choice of messing up your resume format if opened in different computers or operating systems. PDF files, on the other hand, remain the same no matter what computer opens them.

How to Write a Resume for College Applications? (With Examples)

Once you’ve got the formatting done right, it’s time to get to writing your college application resume.

In this section, we’ll walk you through that process, starting with:  

#1. Order Your Contact Information the Right Way 

As we already mentioned, your college application resume should start with your contact information. 

These are your contact information section must-haves :

• Full name and address
• Functional phone number where you can be reached.
• Professional email address, preferably consisting of your first and last name.

And here’s what this looks like in practice: 

Sharon White

123 Main Street

New York, NY

Phone Number: 553-123-1234

Email: [email protected]

#2. Write an Attention-Grabbing College Resume Objective

A resume objective is a 2-3 sentence long paragraph that should communicate your motivation for getting into college or for studying a specific major.

As such, a well-crafted resume objective can instantly attract admission officers to read the rest of your college application resume. 

There is, however, a right and wrong way to write a resume objective.

A convincing resume objective is:

• Tailored to the university/major you’re applying to, instead of looking like a one-fits-all kind of statement that you can use to apply to several colleges.
• Highlights the achievements that give you an edge over the competition.  

The following example does that right: 

Aspiring journalist with a knack for creative writing looking to deepen their knowledge through NYU’s renowned Journalism track. Founder of my high school’s first online newspaper, the ‘Daily Prophet,’ which now has over 2,000 subscribers. Hardworking, with a grade A average in social sciences and commitment to improving. 

Now compare it to the following resume objective, which although articulated looks like a one-fits-all kind of statement that you can just insert into several college applications. 

Very committed high-schooler with a calling for social sciences. With an SAT score of 1400, a passion for psychology, and experience as a peer counselor, I am confident that my hard work and motivation will shine through as a college student. 

See, the resume objective is your chance to show exactly why you want to attend that college, right from the start. 

So, even if you don’t have many achievements to highlight, make sure to personalize your statement by expressing a genuine interest in your application.  

#3. Put Weight on Your Education

Taking into consideration that, as a student, you most likely lack significant work experience, your education is the first thing admission officers will look at. 

As such, you should give your education its due importance in your college application resume. 

For starters, make sure to include this must-have information:

• Your high school’s name and location
• The date of your graduation

In addition, though, combine that with some relevant achievements that can make your education pop out. 

Let’s take a look at two examples. The second student has simply listed out the essential education information, whereas the first has taken their education section to the next level. 

Dunnellon High School FL

2017 - 2021

• 3rd place at the International Mathematical Olympiad 
• Vice-President of the Science Club
• SAT Scores: 1350 (650 Verbal, 700 Math)
• SAT Scores: 1400

#4. Showcase Relevant Activities

Extracurricular activities have a great number of benefits when it comes to your college application resume. Most importantly, they:

• Demonstrate you who are outside of the classroom
• Provide an opportunity to showcase your skills

Any activity and/or interest related to the college you’re applying to has a place on your college application resume,  but you don’t have to necessarily stop there. 

Any kind of interest, field, or activity where you’re good at can be of benefit to your application. 

That’s because it can prove that your interests are not focused solely on your favorite subject or desired career path and that you are engaged and well-rounded . 

So, don’t just list your college resume activities dryly (e.g. “reading” or “swimming”). Instead, be specific and creative about your interests, and rest assured that you will get extra points for diversity and commitment. 

Don’t believe us? Compare for yourself how the activities sections of two different students look like: the first has put minimal effort into it, whereas the second has put his A-game into writing it.

• Passionate about science
• Co-founder of the Astrophysics Club

Activities 

• Two-times winner of my high school’s Science Fair
• Co-founder of the Astrophysics Club, finalists of the MIT-founded THINK challenge
• Swimmer from an early age and member of my high school’s swim team during junior and senior year 
• Traveling; I have so far visited 10 countries and 15 states in the USA. 
• Photography, with a focus on architectural photography. 

#5. Highlight Your Work Experience

Now, if you’ve spent your summer holidays working any type of job for teens , that means that you also have some work experience under your belt. 

Although work experience is not necessary when you’re applying for college (meaning that you won’t get left out of college if you don’t have any), it does help to include it if you have it. 

Here’s how to list work experience in your college application resume:

• Start with the company name (e.g. if you worked at Starbucks), your job title, and the period you worked there. 
• Put your job title first if you worked, say, as a high-school tutor or camp counselor. 
• Include 1-2 of your main responsibilities in bullets. If you have achievements to show for, however, make sure to put them first.  

Let’s see how that works in a practical example.

Starbucks Coffee 

• Awarded employee of the month for 3 months straight
• Fielding customer complaints and questions
• Maintaining good customer service and speedy delivery

Even if the above position isn’t related to the student’s desired field of study, the work experience still highlights some of their skills such as commitment, time management, effective communication, and motivation.  

#6. Include Your Skills 

Skills—we all got them, but not everyone knows how to demonstrate them effectively in a college application resume. 

There are two things to consider when you include skills in your college resume:

• Know the kind of skills that are relevant to your major/field.
• Prove your skills, instead of just listing them 

Let’s show you how that works through practical examples:

• Time management
• Critical thinking

Are these great skills for a college applicant? Sure! 

But anyone can claim to have those skills (and frankly, most people do).

Rather than just listing these skills, you want to also back them up with achievements and experiences like so: 

• Attention to deadline: managed to update the high school’s online newspaper daily
• Leadership: successfully led a team of 6 reporters.
• Creativity: won the 2021 Young Writers competition 
• Self-motivation: founded the high school’s first online newspaper

Now, this is a skills section on a college application resume that proves you deserve a spot in your favorite university.

College application resume skills 

Wondering which skills to include in your college application resume? Here’s a list to draw some inspiration: 

Soft Skills

• Good judgment 
• Open-mindedness
• Communication  
• Self-motivation
• Interpersonal skills
• Active listening
• Problem-solving

Hard Skills

• Computer Skills
• Programming
• Public Speaking

#7. Use These Additional Sections

If you’ve followed all our tips till now, congrats - you’re around 90% into creating a top-notch college application resume.

Now, let’s talk about how you can take that to 100%!

In addition to the conventional resume sections we’ve covered till now, you can include the following to help you stand out in a sea of other applicants:

• Awards. Here, you can list any awards won in competitions (spelling, art, storytelling, math, etc). 
• Volunteer experience . Did you clean up your town, or maybe you volunteered at an animal rescue center as a high school student? Any kind of volunteering can help your college application resume because it shows you’re a responsible community member. If it’s somehow related to your field or future major, that’s a big plus. 
• Projects. Be them individual (e.g. you built a website from scratch, or started an informational podcast), or school-related (e.g. an art portfolio for a class, or a history documentary), projects can show that you’re passionate and creative. 
• Sports. Poet Juvenal said “ a healthy mind in a healthy body. ” This means that physical exercise is an important part of mental and psychological well-being (which is why sports in a college application resume make all applicants look good). Do you excel at specific sports? Include them in your resume!. 
• Languages. Being fluent (or even just a beginner) in a foreign language is another plus for a prospective college student. Make sure to show it in your college application resume. 

5 College Application Resume Tips

Finally, here are some of our college application tips that didn’t fit anywhere else in the article:

• Be direct and to the point. Your college application resume is not the right place to show how many SAT-level words you know. Keep your language simple, direct, and to the point. Let your achievements and results speak for themselves. 
• Don't lie about your academic background or accomplishments. Lying about the awards you’ve won or your achievements won’t get you into college. More often than not, admission officers will see through your lies by asking behavioral interview questions . 
• Proofread your college application resume.   Spelling and grammar mistakes can make you appear like a less serious applicant. Imagine telling recruiters that you have great SAT scores and GPA but having spelling mistakes in your resume. Kind of contradictory, isn’t it? To avoid these kinds of mistakes, use spelling and grammar apps such as Grammarly and Heminway . 
• Have one or more people look at your resume before you send it out. There are kinds of mistakes that Grammarly or Hemingway cannot catch. To avoid such mistakes, have one or more people that know you give your college application resume a look. 
• Emphasize specific achievements over general responsibilities. As mentioned before, emphasizing your achievements over your responsibilities is the best way to set yourself apart from other candidates. The reason is that your achievements effectively show how well you handle responsibilities and they are uniquely yours.

Making a resume from scratch can take what feels like ages—especially if it’s your first time doing it.

You’ve got to tweak the formatting. 

You make a change at MS Word and the layout falls apart in front of your eyes. Or you end up using a bland and outdated template. 

Well, you don’t have to worry about any of these things with Nóvóresume’s free resume templates . 

With 8 free templates to choose from - college application resume included - you don’t have to worry about anything other than inputting your information.

Let our resume builder do the rest! 

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap on college application resumes. We hope to have made the process of writing yours easier and even more enjoyable. 

For good measure, let’s go over the main points we covered: 

• Your college application resume should contain the following sections: contact information , personal profile , education section , relevant activities , your skills , and additional sections , such as awards and honors. 
• In terms of formatting, the functional resume template fits your college application best. Additionally, make sure to keep your resume one page long and save it as a PDF. 
• Write a resume objective that doesn’t surpass 3 sentences and that clearly communicates your motivation for getting into college and your most relevant skills. 
• Make sure to give your education section its due importance by being thorough about your grades, SAT scores, and achievements. 
• Don’t forget to list all your relevant activities and passions, as well as soft and hard skills.
• Instead of writing your college application resume from scratch, use one of Nóvóresume’s ready-made templates to save yourself time and effort!  

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Transfer Student Series: Résumé Tips for Transfer Students in 2020

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Maybe you have finally encountered your dream internship opportunity, or maybe you are just trying to take the next step on your career path. No matter what the reason is for working on your résumé, you should be proud of yourself for making time for your professional development! For transfer students, résumé writing can be a bit different from résumé writing for traditional students. When should you list your previous institution? Should you include your work experience? Are recruiters only looking for student activities? In this article, I will answer some of your burning questions and provide you with some tips to craft your résumé in a way that tells your unique transfer story to employers.

Taking Inventory of Your Resources

• Pull up all previous versions of your résum é  so they’re ready to go. If you haven’t written one before, that’s fine too! 
• Make a list of all jobs, volunteer work, skills, and other experiences you can think of. You are going to want to have as many options as possible when tailoring your résumé for each unique situation. 
• Check out our Résumé and Cover Letter Guide . This PDF packs in a ton of important information on formatting, categories, writing bullet point statements, how to apply to a position, and so much more. Be sure to read through this while crafting your document.
• This Résumé Sample Binder is also available for you, with over 50 sample résumés to reference. You can even use the Table of Contents to sort by major and content area. 
• You can actually talk to a human being: Schedule a 20-minute Résumé Critique appointment with us at the Center for Career Development, or schedule a Career Coaching appointment with a staff member for a more in-depth conversation about your career goals.

When to List your Previous Institution

Image from Canva.

There are a few factors to keep in mind here. Ultimately, the degree you are pursuing at UConn is likely going to be the highest level of education you have achieved up to that point. However, there are a handful of reasons you might want to include your past education on your résumé:

• You earned a relevant degree or certificate . If you believe this achievement is something that might be relevant to the position you are applying for or will help you stand out, by all means, include it. For example, if you earned an Associate in Science in Business Administration and are pursuing a marketing career, you might want to show that off.
• You received academic acknowledgments . Perhaps you are looking for a job in the field of mathematics and you want your potential future employer to know that you were awarded multiple prestigious math achievement awards at your last college.
• You want to list relevant coursework . If you took unique or relevant courses at this institution that a recruiter will want to know about, list that institution and add a Relevant Coursework section. See Pages 38-39 in the Résumé Sample Binder for Examples.

If your UConn degree is more relevant to your career goals or if there isn’t anything specific about your past institution you want the person reviewing your résumé to know, feel free to skip it. Every inch of space on your résumé is precious! If you do choose to include your past school, just be sure to list your institutions in reverse chronological order (i.e., newest first, oldest last).

Deciding Which Experiences to Include

Every experience you have had is a valuable experience. I truly mean that. On top of that, if you are someone who worked before or while you were starting college, that shows something unique about you. In my case, I went to community college part-time while I worked a couple of retail jobs before I transferred to UConn, and I could not be happier with the professional development I took away from those experiences. Just a small few of the transferable skills I took away include: Creativity, Analytical skills, Interpersonal skills, Problem-Solving, and Teamwork. Check out page 6 in the Résumé and Cover Letter Guide to identify some of your own transferable skills. Having some real-world work experience can help you to stand out, and in some cases might even give you a leg up.

At the end of the day, your résumé is your document, so you get to choose what you include. Keep in mind that you have an abundance of resources available to you, that there are a variety of factors that go into whether or not you include your previous institution, and that every experience is a valuable experience. It is important to remember to tailor your résumé to each unique opportunity. Maybe showcasing your interpersonal skills from a retail position will be important when applying to positions that involve working closely with others, but not as relevant when applying to a software coding position. Résumé writing is a process that lasts as long as your career, so it will go through as many makeovers as new positions you apply for. Use your résumé to tell your unique story and to show an employer why you are perfect for the position.

Office Hours: 8AM – 5PM Career Coaching Hours: 8AM – 5PM * Evening appointments vary by semester. * If you require an accommodation to utilize any resource or to participate in any event, please contact our office.

(860) 486-3013 career@uconn.edu

Center for Career Development Wilbur Cross Building, Rm 202 233 Glenbrook Road U-4051 Storrs, CT 06269

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6 Tips for Your College Application Resume

Your resume will be an important part of your career life, serving as a catalog of your professional accomplishments, experience, and achievements. But even before you’re a full-fledged working adult, it’s still a good idea to start building your resume.

Many high school students use this space to record and describe their accomplishments, such as awards, volunteer and paid work, prestigious program participation, and more.

So, if you’ve taken the time to create a resume, can you submit it to colleges to augment your application? In some cases, yes. Keep reading to find out how to craft the ideal resume for colleges.

Which Schools Allow You to Submit Your Resume?

The schools allow you to submit your resume via the Common Application. This list is not exhaustive; it includes the top 20 universities and liberal arts colleges that allow you to do so.

•     Brown University
•     Claremont McKenna College
•     Cornell University
•     Dartmouth College
•     Johns Hopkins University
•     Northwestern University
•     University of Pennsylvania
•     Vanderbilt University
•     Vassar College
•     Washington and Lee University
•     Washington University in St. Louis

Should You Submit Your Resume?

It’s a good idea to submit your resume if there is important information you’re unable to include on the rest of your application, such as professional experiences or special projects.

If you don’t have something new to say, then you shouldn’t include a resume. That is, you shouldn’t regurgitate information the adcom can find elsewhere on your application. You can, however, use it as a space to expand on or illustrate accomplishments if you don’t feel you’ve been able to in the activities section or your essays.

How to Write a Resume for College Applications

1. include information you feel isn’t represented elsewhere..

As you’ll find in your career, not every experience relates to the opportunity you have at hand. When you enter the job market, you’ll learn to tailor your resume to specific positions based on how your work history relates to them. This is true of your college applications, too. For each experience you include, consider how it bolsters your overall profile — and only add the ones that do to your resume.

First, here’s the essential info you should include on your resume:

• Name and email address (no need to include your actual address)
• Education/high school info, like your GPA and test scores 

Other info you may include:

• Special projects related to your interests (if you’re a writer, this could be a list of pieces you’ve written with a description, or if you’re a programmer, you could also describe your projects).
• Publications (scientific, literary, etc.)
• Non-traditional coursework or academic activities (legitimate online certificates/courses, academic programs, etc.)
• Extracurriculars, hobbies, and skills and interests
• Professional and work experience
• Family responsibilities

2. Don’t rehash your activities section.

Again, don’t use this space to regurgitate information you’ve presented elsewhere on your application. Instead, it should be a space to share unique facets of yourself that don’t fit into other places.

For example, perhaps there’s a specific job you held that you couldn’t properly describe in the activities section. You can use this space to elaborate on the responsibilities you held. Or, as mentioned in the previous section, you can describe specific projects you’ve completed related to your interests. This is especially helpful for more self-driven pursuits, like independent writing.

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3. Keep it brief (one page) and easy to read.

Your resume should be concise. Since you probably haven’t accumulated a significant amount of experience as a teenager, you should keep it to one page (if you’re an adult student, that’s a different story). At the same time, avoid using teensy font and ultra-slim margins to cram everything into a single page — the resume should be easy to scan and read. Remember: be selective to ensure you have enough room.

Part of making your resume readable means formatting it such that it’s presentable. Use space to your advantages, along with a clear system for organizing the information; the traditional format is chronological, but you may choose to use an alternative format instead. Use headings, too, and make sure your formatting is consistent throughout.

4. Use active and specific language.

Use the active voice when cataloging your achievements. You should also be offering clear evidence. If you can, use numbers and facts to support your experiences.

For example, rather than saying, “Started tutoring business,” you might instead write, “Built a tutoring business by recruiting 15 student tutors and initiating a social media campaign targeting students in need of STEM support; personally worked with 25 students, who improved their GPAs by an average of X points.”

5. Talk yourself up, but don’t be dishonest or unreasonable.

Some students are eager to share their accomplishments. If you’re ever going to talk yourself up, this is the time to do it. You can’t be shy or reluctant to, well, brag a little. Other students will be talking themselves up, and you don’t want it to appear as though you don’t have anything to show for yourself.

At the same time, be careful of hyperbolizing your achievements. Colleges can easily verify the facts on your resume. If your accomplishments seem unfathomable, it will raise a red flag. This will lead colleges to question other aspects of your application, too.

Just as you should with the rest of your application, you’ll need to proofread your resume many times to catch any errors or typos. You should also read it over for clarity and to ensure that it’s as concise as it can be.

If you can, get another set of eyes on your resume before you upload it to your application. A peer, teacher, or guidance counselor can help you make sure your achievements are coming across the way you want them to and that you’re presenting yourself authentically.

Looking for more general guidance on the college application process? CollegeVine is here to make it as seamless as possible. Our free platform allows you to see your chances of acceptance, get essay feedback from peers, and hear from experts in daily livestreams. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account to get started.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to transfer colleges successfully: complete guide.

College Admissions

Transferring colleges can be a very difficult decision to make, but you need to find the college that is the right fit for you even if it means transferring. Whether you're trying to transfer from a 2-year school to a 4-year school or from one 4-year university to another, this article is to help you on your journey to transfer!

Why Transfer?

There are many valid reasons to transfer, and before you apply to transfer, you need to figure out what your reason is. The school you're applying to transfer to will want to know why you are choosing to leave:

• Did you not fit in with the other students? If so, did you try to fit in? Did you join any clubs, teams or Greek life? Did you attend events?
• Do they not have your desired program of study? Did you decide to switch majors and your school does not have your new major? Did you apply undecided and realize you have a passion for a specific major your school does not have?
• Did you graduate from a 2-year program with an associate's degree and now want to pursue a bachelor's?

These are all very valid reasons to transfer. If you are looking to find a college to transfer to, I recommend using the College Board College Search Portal to help you find the right college for you. This portal allows you to search by school size, location, major, diversity, if transfer credits are accepted, and by many more options. If you felt like your school is too small, search by school size to find a larger university, or if you want to be a fine arts major, search by major and find a school with a fine arts program. Whatever you are looking for, before starting your search, make sure you qualify to transfer.

Do I Qualify to Transfer Schools?

Most universities require that you have completed at least 8 courses at another university to qualify as a transfer student; otherwise, you must apply as a freshman.

So long as you have those credits, most schools will let you apply to transfer as either a sophomore or junior (some schools let applicants apply to transfer in either the spring or fall; others only let applicants transfer in the fall) to find out a school's exact policy, search "[College Name] transfer policy" in Google.

Note: high-school students, who dual enroll at a local community college during high school, still apply as freshmen, not as transfer students.

How Hard Is It to Transfer?

It depends on the school. If you want to know a school's specific transfer rate, search "[College Name] Transfer Acceptance Rate."

At some schools, it is more difficult to be admitted as a transfer than as a freshman; while at others, it may be easier to be admitted as a transfer. Some schools only admit transfers if students admitted as freshman choose to dropout or take time off, leaving very few spots for transfer applicants. Other schools plan to take transfer students, holding spots for these students.

Some schools may take more transfers because these applicants are stronger, having proved their academic prowess at a 4-year or 2-year college institution. Other schools have lower qualifications for transfer students in order to fill up their classes (and make the most money). Transfer students are not factored into the school's freshman admit profile (or their overall admission rate); both of which are published and are typically used as assessments of the school's prestige and academic rigor.

Also, transfer applications are often need-aware such as at Brown University , meaning that a transfer applicant's ability to pay for tuition, room and board is factored making an admission decision. Whatever the school's reason, the difference in freshman admission and transfer admission is striking.

Check out the transfer admission rates for Harvard and Notre Dame: Harvard University takes about 15 transfers per year out of about 1500 applicants (1 % admit rate for transfers vs. 5.9% for freshman) while Notre Dame takes about 230 out of 880 applicants (26% admit rate for transfers vs. 15% for freshman) . You can check out transfer statistics on several schools from the 2017 fall class here .

What Is the Transfer Application Like?

Some schools may vary slightly from this format, but in general, the transfer application is very similar to the normal college application. The transfer application includes

• Common Application including Personal Statement and Supplement
• Transcripts, High School and College
• Mid-Year Report (different from the normal college application)
• SAT or ACT Score (most schools)

Letters of Recommendation

• Major Specific Requirements: Portfolio, Resume, or Additional Writing Sample (only for certain majors at certain schools)

To check a school's specific requirements, search "[College Name] Transfer Application." I will delve into more on each of these components below.

Personal Statement and Supplement

These are two of the most crucial parts of your transfer application. As I said before, you need to tell your story of deciding to transfer, and this is your opportunity . If you do not tell it in your personal statement and/or supplement, the admissions officer will not know why you should be invited to attend their school. Be open and honest about why you are deciding to transfer and why you NEED to transfer. Try to explain why their school is truly your perfect fit.

If you don't believe me, here's a quote from the Yale University Admissions Office :

How do you explain how their school is your perfect fit? Here is a sample mini-transfer personal statement:

In addition to the personal statement, most schools require a supplementary essay (usually much shorter than the personal statement), and in the supplement, you have to address a school specific question. Typically, the supplement asks, "Why Our School?"

You really need to have a great answer for that question. These two essays (the personal statement and supplement) are very similar, but there is an important distinction between the two. The personal statement needs to show who you are through a story and explain why you, as you are, want to transfer or did not belong at your former school (as I did above in the example). On the other hand, the supplement needs to explain for what academic reason you want to transfer .

Here is a transfer supplement prompt for the UC Schools such as UC Berkeley and UCLA:  

Again, the focus is on you and your uniqueness, why you as you are, don't fit in at your school. What personal reason do you have for transferring? Were you at a school that was too small for you? Too big? Did you not fit in with the students at that school? Did you visit a friend at at UC school and realize you fit in there?

Here is the transfer supplement prompt for Boston College:  

This is a standard transfer prompt. To answer it, you'll need to address both why you want to transfer and why Boston College specifically is the school you want to transfer to. Be sure to fully explain your motivations and the reasons behind your decisions.

Always answer personal statement prompts as specifically as you can. Do not be general or vague.

BAD for supplement essay: I want to attend NYU because your school is better than my school.

GOOD for supplement essay : I want to transfer to NYU because I have discovered my passion for fashion journalism through my fashion blog that has 100,000 subscribers. My school has no journalism program, and NYU's is the best program for fashion journalism in the country. I know NYU would help me achieve my dream of becoming editor of a fashion magazine.

Transcripts

In addition to the personal statement and supplement, you'll need to provide a transcript from your high school (just as you did for college applications) and a transcript from your college . If you're applying from a 2-year school with a completed Associate's degree, your transcript from college must show all of your grades and that your Associate's was received. If you are applying after completing 1 semester at a 4-year university, you cannot send in your transcript until you receive your first semester grades, so that the school can take those grades into consideration.

Note: Don't give up on your classes at your current school when you decide to transfer. These grades are EXTREMELY important. If you get B's at your school and are applying to a more competitive and academically challenging school, the admissions officer may question how you will do at their school. You also cannot give up on your classes once you submit your application.

Mid-Year Report

The Mid-Year Report is a grade report you send to the schools you are applying to in the middle of the spring semester (typically April 1). From the UPenn Admission Office: "You will need to print out the form, available through the Common Application, and ask each of your professors to provide a mid-term grade (the grade they would give you if they were to give you a grade at that point in the class) and a signature."

In the report, all of your current spring semester professors fill out a paper predicting your FUTURE grade in the class and have to sign off on it. You read that right. You have to ask your spring semester teachers to give you a grade prediction and to sign off on it. This can be extremely intimidating, but again is another important part of your application.

Again, this is why you can't slack off in your classes at your current school. You need to get the best grades possible to better your chances to transfer. Try to form close relationships with your spring semester teachers . They will be much more willing to slightly inflate your grade (A- to A) on this prediction report if you are an active participant in class and if they like you. Trust me; these professors will be willing to slightly inflate your grade on this sheet to help you transfer if they like you, as this is not guaranteeing what they write will be your actual grade.

Again, you cannot give up on your classes at your current school when you decide to transfer. If you got A's first semester and B's on your mid-year report, the admissions office might question how you will fair at their school. They do also consider SAT or ACT Scores.

SAT or ACT Score

Some schools may not require you to send these scores, but most universities do require transfers from other 4-year colleges to send their SAT or ACT scores. If you are applying from a 2-year school with a completed Associate's degree, some schools require you to submit your SAT or ACT score while many others don't.

You should find the university's policy on SAT/ACT scores for transfers when you search for the school's application requirements. Again, to find a school's specific requirements, search "[College Name] Transfer Application."

For students applying from 4-year universities, your SAT/ACT score will definitely play a role into whether or not you are accepted, but it is not weighted as heavily as in freshman admissions. When you applied as a freshman, the admissions officers didn't know how you would do at a 4-year university, so they used your score as a measure of that. However, now they have your college grades and can see how you are performing at a 4-year university. If you have straight A's in all of your biomedical engineering classes but got a 30 on your ACT, the A's seem very impressive and make the 30 less meaningful.

Should You Retake the SAT/ACT If You're Applying to Transfer?

You can, but I would only recommend it in certain situations. Your SAT/ACT score is only valid for 5 years, so if your score is older than 5 years, you will be required to retake it. To decide if you should retake the SAT or ACT, find out the 25th/75th percentile scores for admitted students . The 25th/75th percentile scores means that 25% of the students attending have a score at or below that number (this is below average). 75th percentile means that 75% of students have a score at or below that number. In essence, the 25th/75th percentile covers the middle 50% of all students admitted to the school.

If you score at the 75th percentile for any school and have great grades from your current college , you have a great chance at getting in. If you're at the 25th percentile , you'll need to have a strong application to boost your odds of getting in.

To find the 25th/75th percentile scores for current students at the school you are applying to, search "[College Name]" freshman admission profile" or "[College Name]" ACT" or "[College Name]" SAT."

Let's say, you are applying to transfer to an Ivy (most 25th/75th percentile scores between 34-36 ACT or 750-800 on all sections of the SAT). As I said, your grades are more meaningful than your test score on your transfer application, but that being said if your grades are not perfect (A's and B's) with a test score below 31 on ACT or below 2100 on SAT, I would consider re-taking the test to try to improve your score and improve your chances of being admitted.

If your college grades are all A's and your score is within the school's 25th/75th percentile score, you do not need to retake the SAT or ACT.

Most schools require that you submit at least 2 letters of recommendation from college professors or teaching assistants .

Some schools prefer the letters to come only from professors and not teaching assistants.

You will find a school's policy on letters of recommendation when you search for the transfer application requirements. You are NOT supposed to reuse your letters of recommendation from your high school teachers. You need new letters from college professors or teaching assistants.

Make sure you are forming relationships with your professors and teaching assistants. You need them to like you enough to be willing to write you a letter of recommendation. Go to their office hours! Participate in class! Study! You need their help. If they don't have a relationship with you, your letter will most likely turn out pretty mediocre. For more guidance on your letter of recommendation, check out our other article Who Should I Ask to Write My College Recommendation Letter?

Major Specific Requirements

If you are applying to a specific major or program (such as film, acting, dance, art, music), you may also be required to submit an additional application component such as a portfolio or do an audition . Find out by searching for the specific program you are applying to, search "[College Name] [program] Transfer Application" such as USC Film Transfer Application.

Make sure to also check the deadline for your program. Oftentimes, arts programs (theatre, film, dance, music) will have earlier deadlines than the general university transfer deadline.

For help with your major specific application requirements (if you're applying to film school), check out our other article, How to Get Into Film School by a USC Alum . Now that we have covered all components of the application, let's talk deadlines.

Application Deadlines

Schools have transfer application deadlines ranging from December 1 to March 1 for Fall admits, or November for Spring admits . When you search for the school's specific requirements (search "[College Name] Transfer Application"), you will find the deadline.

Again, make sure to also search for the specific program you are applying to , search "[College Name] [program] Transfer Application." Oftentimes, arts programs (theatre, film, dance) will have earlier deadlines than the general university transfer deadline.

Make sure to create a schedule for yourself working back from the timeline .

I recommend completing the first drafts of your personal statement and supplement at least one month before the application deadline , so you have time to review and rewrite.

Ask teachers to write letters of recommendation at least 2 months in advance of when the application is due. Send transcripts and scores as soon as possible.

Check the transfer requirements to see when the last available ACT or SAT testing date is. According to Yale, "Scores from the February ACT or the March SAT test date should reach [the admissions office] in time for consideration," but this may vary from school to school, so check the schools you are applying to.

Once you submit your application, your journey is not over.

Decision Letters and Making the Decision to Transfer or Stay

You will receive your decision letters typically in Mid-May for Fall Admission . You typically have only a few weeks to make a final decision. Before making the decision to transfer, consider this

• Will transferring make you happier?
• By transferring, will you be more likely to achieve success in your chosen field?
• If you need financial aid, will you receive financial aid?
• Will you be able to complete your degree on time? How many of your units will transfer? How many of your units will count towards your degree? Will you need to spend extra time and money to complete your degree?
• Most schools only let you transfer up to 2 years of credit, so if you applied to transfer in your junior year, you would most likely be restarting as a junior at the next school. Are you okay with that?

I also recommend creating a pros and cons list for your current school and the transfer school . I know it may sound old-hat, but it works! Once accepted, you want to make sure transferring is the best decision for you.

Remember that when you transfer, it may take time to make friends at your new school. Try to get involved and go to school sponsored events to help meet people and make your transition easier.

Another PrepScholar writer transferred schools, and she said at times it can feel like being a stepchild or like being someone who married into the family. However, she and the other transfer students bonded; her closest college friends ended up being the other transfer students. She is so happy she transferred. Transferring can be a great experience! Just don't be shy and get out and meet people!

Points to Remember

• Think about why you want to transfer and convey that to the admissions office through your personal statement and supplement.
• Work very hard in your current classes (participate and go to office hours), so that you have good grades on your transcript, and you have professors who are willing to write you letters of recommendation.
• Consider whether or not you want to retake the SAT or ACT (if you need to send your scores for your transfer application)
• Check application deadlines and set up a schedule to complete your application on time.
• When your decision letters come, really think about whether transferring is the best choice.

What's Next?

Nervous about your recommendation letter? Learn about who you should ask to write it and check out our template for a good letter.

Concerned your GPA is not good enough to transfer? Learn what is a good GPA or bad GPA for college.

Not sure where you'd like to transfer? We'll help you find the right college for you .

As an SAT/ACT tutor, Dora has guided many students to test prep success. She loves watching students succeed and is committed to helping you get there. Dora received a full-tuition merit based scholarship to University of Southern California. She graduated magna cum laude and scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT. She is also passionate about acting, writing, and photography.

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Application guide for transfer students

Get tips and best practices for putting together your best application.

What is Common App for transfer?

Common App for transfer is an online application that makes applying to college faster and easier. Through a single platform, you'll be able to search for and apply to any one of the more than 600 colleges that accept Common App for transfer. Whether you're applying to transfer from another 4-year institution or community college or looking to continue your path towards a degree by re-enrolling, Common App for transfer can help you get to where you want to be.

Gather materials

The info you’ll need to start your application

Filling out your application takes time.

And if you have to keep interrupting your progress to find information, like a certificate for a continuing education course or the address of your last internship, it can take even longer. Get a head start by collecting this information before you begin.

Below are some materials you’ll need to gather in order to fill out Common App for transfer.

• Some programs you apply to might ask you to provide this information. You can see what each program on your list requires in the College Coursework area of the Academic History section.
• You also have the option to add any continuing education courses you have taken.

Some programs will ask you to report these test scores. You can check the testing policy of the programs on your list in the Program Materials section.

On Common App for transfer, you have the option to share your experiences, things like research, internships, volunteer work, and more. This is the place to show colleges what makes you unique.

Create an account

Take the first step in the application process

Creating an account is simple.

• Provide your name and contact information.
• Make sure you use an email address you check often, as this is how Common App and colleges will get in touch with you.
• Choose a username and password.
• Review the Terms and Conditions.

Then click "Create my account" to finish the process.

Before you’re taken into the application, you’ll be asked to complete your Extended Profile. This includes information designed to tailor the application experience to you.

• College credits you will have earned when you enroll at the college you’re applying to
• The degree status you will have earned
• Your degree goal for the program you’re applying to

After answering these questions, you’ll be taken into the application. Congratulations! You’re ready to get started.

Counselor tip

Use an email address that you check regularly.

Colleges may need to get in touch with you regarding your application.  

Add programs

Add the programs to which you will apply

Now that you’ve created your account and explored schools that accept Common App, it’s time to start adding some programs to your application.

The Add Program tab is where you’ll find and add these programs. If you already have a college or program in mind, you can search by college name at the top of the page. You can also use the filters to search for programs based on different criteria.

• Program availability
• Application fee

You can select as many or as few criteria as make sense to you. As you select each filter, the program list will update automatically.

To see more information about a particular program, click on that program’s name. An overlay will open with information like the program’s contact information, website links, testing policies, and more.

Adding programs is simple. All you need to do is click the plus icon next to the program’s name.

To see which programs you have already added, click "Selected Programs” at the top of the page. Here you can also remove programs from your list, if you choose.

Engage supporters

Get letters of recommendation and school forms

In addition to your application, many colleges ask for additional documents to be submitted by recommenders on your behalf.

There are four types of recommenders you can invite: Personal, Professional, Academic, and High School Official.

Each program has different recommendation requirements. In order to see a program’s recommendation requirements, go to the program’s section in the Program Materials and proceed to the Recommendation tab of that program. (If a program does not require recommendations, you won’t see the Recommendations tab.)

On the Recommendations tab you’ll find helpful information including:

An "Add Recommendation" button to begin inviting recommenders

The types of recommenders the program requires

The number of each recommendation type they require and how many they allow — for example, a program might require 2 academic recommendations, but will allow up to 4

To invite recommenders:

Select the type of recommendation you'll be requesting

Enter the recommenders name, email address, and a desired due date for the recommendation

Provide a personal message or notes for your recommender (This can be anything you want; you could use it to thank your recommender in advance, provide context for the request, share instructions, etc.)

Choose whether to waive your right to access this recommendation in the future and check the affirmation statements

When you’re ready, click “Save this Recommendation Request” to complete the process. Your recommender will receive an email invitation with instructions on how to proceed.

Transcript collection

Submit your college coursework, if required

Some programs may ask for official or unofficial transcripts. Others may not ask for any at all.

You can see programs’ transcript requirements in the Academic History section under Colleges Attended or College Coursework.

If you’re applying to a program that requires official transcripts, you’ll need to download the Transcript Request Form. You can access this form in the Colleges Attended section. You’ll notice that your information will already be entered on the form. All you need to do is print and deliver it to the registrar of the college(s) you have attended.

The college you attend may send transcripts differently than outlined in the Transcript Request Form. Common App for transfer also accepts electronic transcripts from Parchment and National Student Clearinghouse. 

If your school uses a different service, transcripts should be mailed, instead of sent electronically. Be sure to include your full Common App ID # when entering the Common App mailing address.

If a program asks for unofficial transcripts, you can upload your transcript in the Colleges Attended section.

Some programs may not request unofficial transcripts within the Academic History section. Instead, they may allow you to upload an unofficial transcript in their Program Materials section. Be sure to check to see if there is a College Transcript upload option in each programs’ Documents tab .

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How to Transfer Colleges

After a long, challenging application process, you’ve finally arrived on campus. You’ve selected your classes, signed up for some clubs, and even met a few people that you get along with. But for whatever reason, your college still doesn’t feel like the best fit for you. With one quick Google search for “how to transfer colleges,” you’ve stumbled upon this college transfer guide.

So, if you’re wondering how to transfer colleges, you’ve come to the right place. You may be a community college transfer wondering if the school you have in mind is one of many transfer-friendly colleges. Or, maybe you’ve made up your mind and are looking for some transferring colleges advice.

Transferring colleges can be daunting. In this college transfer guide, we’ll break down the ins and outs of the college transfer process. That way, you can feel prepared to take the leap no matter where you’re transferring from.

In this article on how to transfer colleges, we’ll go over:

What are good reasons to transfer colleges.

• Navigating transfer applications
• GPA requirements for transfer applications
• Transferring to elite colleges (e.g. Harvard, Cornell, Stanford)
• What universities look for in a transfer student, and much more!

For answers to all these questions and tips on how to transfer colleges, keep reading our college transfer guide.

Can I transfer from one university to another?

If you want to know how to transfer colleges, you might have questions. Firstly, you may wonder, can I even transfer from one university to another? Simple answer: yes!

Most students who transfer colleges will do so after one or two years at their initial institution. After this point, it becomes more difficult to transfer colleges. Some credits might not transfer, and you may not be able to complete a degree at a school with different requirements within four years. In fact, many schools do not accept applications from students who have already completed two full years of postsecondary education. 

Understanding the college transfer process

The transfer process will look different at different schools. So, it’s important to do your research on the school’s policy before moving forward with transferring colleges. For instance, some schools might have different guidelines on when during the year you can transfer. Others may have certain GPA or credit requirements.

Additionally, some schools have a less selective process than others. These schools are considered more transfer friendly colleges. Some colleges, like UC Davis , have a more holistic and selective process for first year applicants than they do for transfer students. At these colleges, meeting the minimum academic requirements is the most important step in the transfer process.

Transferring from a community college

If you’re wondering, “how can I transfer to a four-year public university from a community college?” you’re not alone. Many students from community colleges transfer to four-year public universities.

If you’re planning on being a community college transfer, see if your college has a dedicated transfer center. Many community colleges have advisors who can help you through the process to transfer colleges. These advisors can help you find transfer friendly colleges and complete your application for transfer from one college to another. 

Other ways to transfer colleges

Students at community colleges aren’t the only ones who transfer colleges. If you’re thinking of transferring colleges simply because you’re unhappy at your original institution, that’s okay!

Remember, there are many reasons why you might want to transfer colleges. Maybe the courses offered aren’t specialized enough for your intended career path. Or, maybe the campus social life is too quiet or too focused on greek life. Maybe you even won the lottery and now want to attend one of the most expensive colleges in the U.S.! 

There are countless reasons you may be considering transferring. In the next section of our college transfer guide, let’s talk about some good reasons to transfer colleges. 

Maybe your worry isn’t “how to transfer colleges” but “ should I transfer colleges,” While looking for transferring colleges advice, remember it’s a personal decision, and ultimately that decision is up to you. If you aren’t sure what to do, keep reading for some insight as to why some students choose to transfer.

There are many reasons why students might want to transfer colleges. Initially attending a community college and wanting to transfer to a four-year public university. Dissatisfaction with the classes offered for your college major. Your extracurriculars for college, the social setting, financial reasons—the list goes on. Even as early as the first semester , you might know that you want to transfer colleges.

Your school doesn’t serve your academic interests

One reason to transfer colleges is that your current college doesn’t have the programs you need for your chosen major . Say your college major is mechanical engineering, and you’ve dreamed of 3D printing your own devices. However, the university you’re attending doesn’t have a 3D printer. 

Or, let’s say you want to study a less common college major such as Russian affairs. Like Derrick Staten , you might consider transferring to Stanford to take advantage of their unique resources. The Stanford U.S.-Russia Forum, the Hoover Archives, and the Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies. You won’t find resources like these at every school!

If you find the department for your chosen college major doesn’t meet your needs, don’t panic. It may just mean it’s time to consider transferring colleges. 

Your interests have shifted

Maybe the reason you’re thinking “should I transfer colleges?” is because your interests have changed or developed. If you applied undecided, you may realize you want to pursue a degree not offered by your college.

Another reason can be the type of degree you want to pursue. Many community colleges are only two years, and you will graduate with an Associate’s Degree rather than a Bachelor’s. If you want a Bachelor’s Degree, you may need to become a community college transfer.

Your school isn’t the right fit

Many students consider transferring colleges simply because they feel the college they selected isn’t the best fit for them. Maybe you only applied to schools in the northeast because you had a great summer experience there. Then, you learn that the constant deluge of rain, sleet, snow, and cloudy days seriously dampens your mood. Or, maybe you and all your friends got into the same liberal arts college. Then, once you got to campus, you drifted apart and realized you only attended that school because of peer pressure.

If you feel a bit out of place, just remember to give your first college a fair chance. Many students feel homesick during the first semester and don’t make friends immediately. Those feelings alone are normal and may not be reason enough to embark on the difficult process of transferring colleges. 

Your financial situation has changed

Students also may be wondering how to transfer colleges for financial reasons. Your financial situation could have changed at home, or the college could have made changes to your financial aid package. If so, you might consider transferring to a less expensive college. That way, you can still get a stellar education while paying a lower tuition cost.

If you’re transferring colleges for financial reasons, always make sure to read the financial aid policies of the institution you’re looking to transfer to. (If you’re generally stressed about how to pay for college, we have resources to help you navigate the funding process).

Is it a good idea to transfer colleges?

We’ve covered the basics of how to transfer colleges. However, you might still be wondering whether it’s a good idea for you.

For some students, transferring colleges can ensure you graduate from a college that serves your needs. If the reasons to transfer colleges listed above resonate with you, that might mean that you should transfer.

Don’t focus on prestige

However, some students just want to transfer colleges to attend a more prestigious school, like Harvard or another Ivy. If you are applying to Harvard or Yale as a transfer, make sure to think hard about whether you are transferring colleges for reasons of prestige alone.

Transferring colleges is a lot of work: completing transfer applications is essentially like completing college applications again. Don’t let prestige or rankings influence you into transferring. The most important factor in deciding whether to transfer colleges is whether your college is the best fit for you!

Even if transferring ends up being the best choice for you, there are still challenges within the college transfer process. Read the next section of our college transfer guide to learn more about whether it’s hard to transfer universities. 

Is it hard to transfer universities?

You’ve learned a bit more about how to transfer colleges. But, you might still be wondering: how hard is it to transfer colleges? 

Transfer processes differ a lot from institution to institution. So, the process might be more difficult depending on where you decide to transfer to. However, you’ve navigated college applications once, so this is a challenge you can definitely handle!

Understanding transfer acceptance rates

Overall, there is a slightly lower average acceptance rate for transfer students than there is for first-time freshmen. Most Ivies also have significantly lower acceptance rates for transfer students than they do for first-time students. Notable exceptions to this include Cornell, Dartmouth, and Columbia.

While some prestigious schools like Cornell and Columbia might be considered transfer friendly colleges, others will be more selective. For a school like Harvard, the transfer acceptance rate is even lower than their already low first-year acceptance rate. If you’re trying to be a Harvard transfer, you’re up against a 0.8% acceptance rate. If you dream of being a Stanford transfer, like Derrick Staten, know the Stanford transfer acceptance rate is 0.02% .

Do your research

Make sure you do your research on how to transfer colleges. To navigate the process to transfer colleges, you must stay organized and get started as soon as you can. This means being aware of the deadlines , requirements, and policies of your school and the school you wish to transfer to. Remember that you’ll be applying to transfer colleges while continuing to take classes. Keeping up with your workload can be a challenge, so be sure to manage your time wisely.

Lastly, transferring colleges can potentially be socially stressful. Not everyone will necessarily be supportive of your decision to transfer colleges. You might have to deal with criticism from your family and peers as you choose the right path for you. People might offer you unsolicited transferring colleges advice, but don’t let others’ opinions discourage you. So, be sure you fully understand how to transfer colleges and have considered all your options. Then, if you’re sure you want to transfer colleges, you can be confident as you start the transfer process. 

Now let’s look at more specific transferring colleges advice—how to complete your transfer application.

What is a transfer application?

A key part of how to transfer colleges is understanding the transfer application. The transfer application is an application you’ll complete in order to transfer colleges. 

Just like with regular college applications, many transfer applications are done through the Common App . However, not all colleges use the Common App. Rather, some colleges will ask that you complete your transfer application on a separate portal.

Different transfer applications will have different requirements. Generally, your application for transfer from one college to another will request some or all of the following materials listed below.

General Transfer Application Requirements

• Common or Coalition Application
• Writing supplement 
• SAT/ACT scores
• College/Registrar/Dean’s Report
• Two recommendations from college instructors
• Official college transcript
• Official high school transcript
• Application fee

Make sure to double-check the requirements for each college on your list. The UCLA transfer application might have different requirements than a Stanford transfer application. A Harvard transfer might embark on a different process than a Rice University transfer.

Beyond the application, different universities require different college transfer credits. That means some credits might not carry over from your first school to your transfer school. This varies from school to school, so be thorough in your research on your school’s particular requirements.

The transfer essay

A key difference from your first set of college applications will be your essay. Your college transfer essay will likely touch on topics and experiences not covered in your previous essays.

For example, in your college transfer essay, you might be asked to write about your experience in college so far. Additionally, you will almost certainly need to state your reasons for transferring colleges. Remember, your college transfer essay is a chance to express yourself and let the admissions committee get to know you. So, make sure that you spend enough time brainstorming and writing your essay .

Highlight your accomplishments in college

When completing your college transfer application, think of it as your previous college applications plus your college experience so far. For example, you should balance your college resume with your high school accolades.

Your college resume should include your college GPA, college major, and any awards or leadership positions you’ve had at college. In addition to your college resume, you’ll likely need letters of recommendation from college professors instead of high school teachers. 

How do college transfers work?

In this section, we’ll outline in detail how to transfer colleges in five steps:

• Researching colleges.
• Building your college list
• Confirming your credit transfers
• Completing your application
• Investigating financial aid

1. Researching colleges

The first step in the process to transfer colleges is research. Without doing research on schools, you will not adequately know how to transfer colleges.

Look up each college and its transfer application requirements. Keep in mind all of the deadlines, as these will often be different for transfer students than first-year applicants. Additionally, investigate the resources available for transfer students: does the school offer orientation programs for transfer students? Do transfer students receive housing like first-years? What does the financial aid process look like? (Keep in mind that your financial aid package will not automatically apply at your new school). Some universities might even require a college application letter .

Research is one of the most important steps in understanding how to transfer colleges. So, make sure you spend time learning about different transfer friendly colleges.

2. Building a college list

The next step in understanding how to transfer colleges is to build a transfer college list .

In your senior year of high school, you likely applied to 10+ colleges. However, as a transfer student, you should aim for a more limited list. Not only should you feel confident you would like to attend every school on your list; you should also feel confident you’d like to attend it more than your current college.

3. Double-check your credit transfers

To know how to transfer colleges, you need to know how many credits you have earned at your first institution. Then, you need to check whether the school you wish to transfer to will accept your credits.

Look at which college transfer credits will apply to your target institutions. Different schools have different policies around college transfer credits, so be discerning as you research. College transfer credits might also influence the admissions requirements at different schools. 

4. Complete your college transfer application

Now, here’s the biggest step in how to transfer colleges: completing your application. To understand how to transfer colleges and how to fill out your transfer application, visit each school’s admissions website.

In many cases, the transfer application will be available through the Common App. However, this is not always true. A notable exception to this standard is the UC s. If you’re filling out a UC transfer application, you go through the UC’s specific transfer application process. This applies whether it’s a UCLA transfer application or a UC Berkeley transfer application. Just like for first-year students, the UC transfer application does not take place on the Common App, but through UC Apply . Remember the application requirements for your transfer application will be different from those of your college applications. Your college transfer essay will likely be different from your initial college essay. To write a strong college transfer essay, share your experience and the reasons you want to transfer colleges. Your college GPA will be important, as will a college resume that explains your college major and extracurriculars for college. You will also likely need a recommendation from a university professor. 

5. Understand financial aid

Lastly, to fully answer “should I transfer colleges,” you will need to investigate financial aid.

You’ve learned how to transfer colleges and have done your research. Then, you’ve figured out your college transfer credits. You’ve also written your college transfer essay. Finally, you’ve completed and submitted your transfer application. Now, you might just get an acceptance! When you receive your admissions letter , be sure to compare your financial aid package to your current one. In some cases, you could potentially negotiate your aid package to better meet your needs.

How to transfer colleges mid year

When trying to decide “should I transfer colleges,” a deciding factor might be when you can transfer colleges. In this section, we’ll help you learn how to transfer colleges mid-year. 

Not all colleges will permit you to transfer mid-year, though processes vary by school. For example, the Harvard transfer requirements state that you must have completed at least one full year of college and not more than two years. This is a pretty small window, so start doing your research on how to transfer colleges as soon as possible!

Transfer applicants to Harvard are only eligible to begin school in the fall semester. So, if your dream school is Harvard, double-check that your transfer schedule aligns with their requirements. However, if you’re set on transferring mid-year, look into an institution like Rice . Rice University transfer students are eligible to start in the spring.

The mid year transfer process

In general, transferring colleges mid-year will follow the same process as transferring for a fall start. The deadlines will likely differ (as the start times do). Another risk you take with attempting to transfer mid-year is your college transfer credits. If you transfer mid-year, your college transfer credits from the first half of the year might not transfer over. Additionally, you might not be able to get a partial refund on your full year’s tuition at your initial university.

If you are still asking yourself “should I transfer colleges mid-year,” make sure to consider all of these logistics. College transfer credits, school requirements, and funding are a significant part of the college transfer process. Understanding how to transfer colleges mid-year will be crucial to ensuring that your transfer process goes as smoothly as possible. 

What is a good GPA for transferring?

If you’re asking yourself, “should I transfer colleges?,” you might also be wondering “what’s a good GPA for transferring colleges?” There’s no universally good GPA to have as a transfer applicant. However, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be a part of your how to transfer college strategy. Generally, students should aim for a GPA that meets or exceeds the average at the school they’re applying to. 

For example, the average GPA of admitted students who completed a 2022 UCLA transfer application was above 3.5. In fact, the academic requirements for students who want to submit a UCLA transfer application are quite high. Transfer applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.2 or higher in their transferable courses. 

The Rice University transfer requirements are similar. Applicants must have at least a 3.2 GPA to be considered for admission. In the majority of cases, students had a GPA well above Rice’s minimum requirement. Most students who were admitted into the Rice University transfer program had a GPA of 3.5 or higher. 

Transferring with a lower GPA

If your GPA is lower than 3.5, don’t give up yet! Other schools have less rigorous GPA requirements. The UC transfer application states that you must have at least a 2.4 GPA in UC-transferable courses. However, some majors might require a higher GPA in order to be considered for admission. 

When you transfer colleges, your college GPA matters far more than your high school grades. If you have already decided to transfer colleges, it’s important to keep your grades up. You’ll need to do well academically and earn as high a GPA as possible to make your application stand out.

Keeping your grades high

In other words, don’t let the transfer application process keep you from getting high grades in your current classes. You should focus on performing well academically within your college major as well as in your other college courses. Doing so is a key step of your overall “how to transfer colleges” strategy. 

In addition to your GPA, there are other factors to consider as you figure out how to transfer colleges. No matter your reason for transferring colleges or what school you want to transfer to, remember that your grades are important. You’ll need to do well academically to give yourself the best shot at receiving an acceptance as a transfer student.

Transferring to Elite Colleges

As you are researching how to transfer colleges, you might question what kind of schools you could transfer to. Specifically, you may be wondering if you are able to transfer to elite colleges, like Ivy League universities. The short answer is: it is possible to transfer colleges to an elite college. However, it is often a difficult process to submit an application for transfer from one college to another.

Lower acceptance rates

Transfer acceptance rates tend to be even lower at top colleges than they are for first-year students. This means that successfully navigating the transfer application process to an elite college is incredibly difficult. To give you a sense of the odds—transfer acceptance rates are usually less than 5%. 

Overall, there are very few spots available at elite colleges for transfer students. If you are going to submit an application for transfer from one college to another, you’ll want to do all you can to stand out.

Eligibility limitations

Additionally, not all institutions will give you the best transfer odds. At many elite colleges, students don’t generally transfer from a community college or professional school. In other words, elite schools tend to accept transfer students from liberal arts institutions with a similar curriculum. Unfortunately, this means they are not likely to accept a community college transfer student. 

However, this is not the case at all top colleges and elite institutions. For example, 92% of students admitted through their UC transfer application come from a California community college. 

If you answered yes to the question “should I transfer colleges?”, make sure you are ready to face some hurdles. This is especially true if your goal is to transfer to an elite college. Apart from elite institutions, there are other transfer friendly colleges out there that can still help you reach your goals.

What do universities look for in a transfer student?

As you prepare your “how to transfer colleges” plan, you’ll want to know what universities look for in transfer applications. Additionally, you’ll want to consider how your transfer applications will differ from regular college applications.

In many ways, schools look for the same core characteristics in transfer students that they look for in incoming freshmen. However, there’s one key difference. When you’re starting the transfer application process and applying as a transfer student, the focus isn’t on your high school achievements. Your grades and involvement in college will matter far more. 

Stay engaged on campus

This means that you should make an effort to engage in extracurriculars during your first year of college. This is important no matter when you decide you want to transfer. In other words, your extracurriculars for college will play an important role as you prepare to transfer colleges. 

Furthermore, you should also invest in your relationships with your instructors. This way, they can write you personalized recommendations that will strengthen your transfer application. 

Overall, colleges want to see that you would be a strong contributor to campus life. They also want to know that you would succeed academically if admitted. This is especially true if you are considering transferring colleges to an elite institution or switching your college major. 

Keep your GPA up

Aside from your extracurriculars for college, your college GPA is key. Make sure your freshman-year courses reflect your academic strengths. Even if you had high grades in high school, your college GPA will still matter more in your transfer application. 

However, some students who want to transfer haven’t performed well academically or have not actively participated in extracurriculars at their current college. If this sounds like you, you might need to re-evaluate your answer to the “should I transfer colleges?” question. And that’s okay! Use this college transfer guide to determine if your profile matches what universities are looking for in a transfer student. 

If you are set on transferring, be sure to do your research on whatever school you want to apply to. Then, you’ll want to strengthen your “how to transfer colleges” strategy early in the process. That way, your personal college transfer guide is set up to maximize your chances of admission. 

Is it easier to get into college as a transfer?

The process of transferring colleges may seem fairly similar to the process of first-year college applications. Now, let’s examine if it is easier to get into college as a transfer student.

In a word, no. It is not easier to get into college as a transfer. According to NACAC , the average transfer student acceptance rate is lower than the average first-year acceptance rate. The average is about 5% lower among U.S. universities. This means that your chances of being admitted are lower than if you had applied as a first-year applicant. 

Additionally, top schools tend to have high retention rates. This means that most students admitted as freshmen continue on to their sophomore year. With limited places available, this leaves little room for transfer students in the transferring colleges process. 

However, don’t let these statistics discourage you from following your “how to transfer colleges” plan. If you’ve answered yes to the “should I transfer colleges” question, there are ways to successfully navigate the transfer process. We’ll elaborate on how to transfer colleges successfully later in this college transfer guide. 

Does Harvard accept transfer students?

So, you answered yes to the “should I transfer colleges” question. Now, you are ready to learn more about how to transfer colleges to elite institutions, like Harvard. 

Your first question might be, does Harvard accept transfer students? The answer is yes, Harvard does accept transfer students. 

The Harvard transfer program accepts an average of 12 students each fall. As we mentioned above, the Harvard transfer program is looking for students that will integrate easily into the college. At such a rigorous institution, they’re especially looking for students who will perform well academically.

What Harvard looks for

When evaluating transfer students for admission, the Harvard transfer program is looking at the following characteristics : 

• A clear and defined academic reason for transferring colleges
• A demonstrated record of achievement at your current college 
• Strong recommendations from faculty members

There are other eligibility requirements you must meet in order to submit a transfer application to Harvard. First, you must have completed at least one continuous academic year in a full-time degree program. However, you cannot have completed more than two years. If you have completed more than two continuous academic years at your current school, you are not eligible to transfer. 

Second, your current institution must offer a liberal arts curriculum similar to that of Harvard. Students who are trying to transfer colleges from certain programs will not qualify to submit a  Harvard transfer application. These types of programs may include vocational, professional, online, technical, or performance programs.

Now, let’s say you meet the criteria for transferring colleges to Harvard. Next, you’ll want to understand what the admissions office is looking for in a successful transfer application. 

Building a strong Harvard transfer application

The Harvard admissions committee looks for evidence of achievement in your chosen program of study or college major. This means you need to have strong grades, test scores (if applicable), and recommendation letters included with your transfer application. Harvard will also consider other, non-academic factors. These include extracurricular involvements and talents as well as a candidate’s leadership abilities, intellectual curiosity, and creativity. 

Harvard accepts transfer students for the fall semester only. So, students cannot apply to begin taking courses in the spring. The transfer application opens in the fall and the deadline to submit all application materials is March 1. Candidates are then notified of their admission decision in June.  

In order to be considered for admission, transfer students must provide the following materials to the Harvard admissions committee.

Harvard Transfer Requirements 

• Transfer application available on the Coalition Application or Common Application
• Harvard College questions and college transfer essay supplement
• Standardized test scores (optional)
• College/Dean’s/Registrar’s report
• College transcript
• Two instructor letters of recommendation  
• High school transcript 
• College resume (optional)
• Other supplemental materials, like a college application letter

Students that are successful at transferring colleges to Harvard receive special perks. These offerings are Harvard-specific, and you may not find them at all transfer friendly colleges. 

For example, Harvard provides a dedicated transfer advisor to all incoming transfer students. They also participate in an orientation program targeted toward transfer students. These are important benefits to consider as you conduct your “how to transfer colleges” research. 

According to the 2021-2022 Common Data Set, the Harvard acceptance rate for transfer students was just .8% . If you are hoping to transfer colleges to an elite institution like Harvard, you’ll need a game plan. We recommend crafting a strong transfer application, college transfer essay, and college resume to stand out from the crowd. 

Does Cornell accept transfer students?

Now that we know more about how to transfer colleges, you might be curious about other elite institutions. Like Harvard, the Cornell transfer program does accept transfer students. In fact, unlike some other Ivies, the Cornell transfer program is fairly large. So, they make a particular point to welcome transfer students, making them one of the more transfer friendly colleges. 

Cornell Transfer Application Requirements

• The Transfer Common Application
• Academic evaluation
• College report 
• Mid-term report
• Cornell University college transfer essay and writing supplement
• Official high school and college transcripts 
• $80 application fee
• Other items as required per undergraduate college or school

The Cornell transfer program accepts between 500-600 transfer students each fall and spring semester. Their acceptance rate for transfer students is 15.7% – higher than their acceptance rate for freshman applicants. 

Although they have a high transfer acceptance rate, the Cornell transfer process is still challenging. To be considered for admission, students must provide the application materials listed above.

Next, let’s take a look at another school you may be considering if you’re thinking about how to transfer colleges.

Is Stanford hard to transfer into?

In short, yes. Like many elite schools, Stanford is difficult to transfer into. The Stanford transfer application process itself is fairly straightforward, but the competition is fierce. 

There are two main requirements to apply for transfer admission to Stanford. Applications are open to students who earned a high school diploma and have completed coursework at an accredited degree-granting institution. 

Credit transfers at Stanford

Unlike Harvard, the Stanford transfer program does consider students who have completed college credits in an associate’s program. In other words, you can be a community college transfer and apply for admission to the Stanford transfer program. 

College transfer credits are reviewed by the Office of the Registrar. The Stanford transfer program does not have a specific transfer pathway with any other college or institution. However, it is not guaranteed that all your college transfer credits will be accepted. 

In order to receive your college transfer credits, you must meet the following conditions : 

• Course(s) must be completed at an accredited institution
• Course(s) must be considerably similar to courses offered at Stanford 
• A grade of C- or better is earned for each course
• Previous coursework is not duplicated or overlapped

If you meet the Stanford transfer eligibility requirements, you can submit a Stanford transfer application to the admissions committee. You’ll need to include the following components in your Stanford transfer application: 

Stanford transfer requirements

• Common Application 
• ACT or SAT scores
• Official high school transcript 
• College report
• Two letters of recommendation from academic instructors

The deadline to submit a Stanford transfer application is March 15 . Candidates will be notified of their admission decision by mid-May. 

If you are hoping to transfer colleges to Stanford, you’ll also need to consider the Stanford transfer acceptance rate in your “how to transfer colleges” strategy. In general, the Stanford transfer acceptance rate is far lower than the first-year acceptance rate.  Given the low Stanford transfer acceptance rate, you’ll want to do all you can to make your transfer application stand out. 

How to Transfer Colleges – 5 Takeaways

We hope our guide on how to transfer colleges helped illuminate the transfer process. As you continue your how to transfer colleges research, keep these five key takeaways for transferring colleges in mind: 

1. Do your research

Understanding the process of how to transfer colleges is not easy. Each school will have their own policies and procedures on how to transfer colleges. So, it’s important to do your research on the transfer process if you are hoping to transfer colleges. You’ll need to know about the transfer application requirements as well as all deadlines . (Remember, these will be different for transfer students than for other first-year applicants). 

There are some more transfer friendly colleges than others. As with any first-time college list, you should compare these as you build your transfer college list. Pay attention to things like transfer acceptance rates and how a school handles college transfer credits. Additionally, take note of policies regarding your current institution.

Choose a few colleges that fit your goals. As you research how to transfer colleges, make sure your potential new college offers your ideal college major. You’ll also want to make sure they have support procedures in place to help you successfully transfer colleges. 

Remember, the more you know about how to transfer colleges, the easier the process will be!

2. Set realistic goals

Transferring colleges takes a lot of work since you are essentially beginning the entire college application process over again. Additionally, many of the transfer application deadlines are during the academic year. So, you’ll need to balance your full-time coursework with transfer college applications. 

To make your transfer process as simple as possible, build a timeline. Breaking down your tasks into realistic goals will help you stay organized throughout the transferring colleges process. 

This should be one of the first things you tackle in your “how to transfer colleges” strategy. Start your transfer college applications early and use our transferring colleges advice to inform your goals. 

3. Keep your college grades up

As we mentioned above, admissions committees will evaluate you on the grades you earn in college. If you know you want to transfer colleges, be sure to keep your college grades up.

This might be the most important piece of transferring colleges advice in this college transfer guide. Earning high college grades can help you stand out in the transfer application process. Additionally, they prove to your future institution that you are able to handle the rigor of their academic program. 

4. Stay engaged on campus

Another important step in your “how to transfer colleges” strategy is to stay engaged on campus. In other words, you need to build up your college resume for your transfer application. This means that you should find and participate in student activities, organizations, or internships that interest you. These activities may be considered even more valuable if they relate to your college major. 

Just like your first-year college applications, your transfer application will ask you to list the extracurriculars you participated in. Staying engaged on campus will ensure that you have plenty of experience to reference on your college resume—even if your current college isn’t your dream school. 

5. Consider financial aid

The last key takeaway in your “how to transfer colleges” plan is to consider financial aid . This is an important step to take before you transfer colleges. Keep in mind, your current financial aid package will not automatically apply to your new institution. So, it’s important to review all financial aid policies early in the transfer process. 

Once you receive your admission decision (but before you finally transfer colleges) you should compare your financial aid packages. How does the cost of attending your potential new college compare to your current tuition costs? Will you be paying more per year if you transfer colleges? Can you afford to transfer colleges at this time?

In some cases, you may be able to negotiate your financial aid package. However, if you are unable to negotiate, you should be ready and able to pay additional tuition costs if necessary. If you are not financially prepared to transfer colleges right now, don’t worry. You may just need to do some more research on which colleges you can afford. 

How to Transfer Colleges- Final thoughts

As you navigate how to transfer colleges, keep this advice in mind. Although the process to transfer colleges is difficult, it is not impossible! You can maximize your chances of transfer admission by following the transferring colleges advice listed in this college transfer guide. 

We hope our college transfer guide provided you with some actionable steps to incorporate into your “how to transfer colleges” strategy.  If you have more questions about how to transfer colleges, CollegeAdvisor.com is here to help. We can provide you with one-on-one assistance as you navigate the transfer application and admissions process, as well as give you personalized transferring colleges advice to get you to your dream school .

This guide to how to transfer colleges was written by advisor Rachel Kahn and senior advisor Claire Babbs . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Transfer Admission

You can apply for transfer admission if:

• You have already started studying at another college or university after graduating from high school or earning a GED.
• You have or will have earned 24 semester hours of required transferable coursework at another college or university. The option to use coursework in progress is not available for spring semester applicants.

Transfer Credit Resources

Required Application Materials Deadline Extension: Summer/Fall 2024

The Common App and ApplyTexas summer/fall application is due March 1 (11:59 p.m. Central). Students may submit all additional application materials until Friday, March 8 (11:59 p.m. Central).

For questions, email [email protected] .

If you are a transfer student who is not a U.S. citizen and who is not a U.S. resident, please visit our International Transfer page.

If you are a current UT Austin student looking to transfer to a different major, please visit our Internal Transfer page.

Key Transfer Admission Dates

Summer/fall enrollment.

• ApplyTexas Application Opens Aug 1
• Common App Opens Sep 1
• Deadline to Apply March 1
• Admission Decisions Released Mid to Late June

Spring Enrollment

• ApplyTexas Application Opens March 1
• Deadline to Apply September 1
• Admission Decisions Released Mid-December

Required Application Materials

Application.

Transfer applicants can submit an application through ApplyTexas. They can also use the Common App .

Application Fee

Pay the non-refundable $75 application fee when you submit your application. Fee waivers are available. Request a fee waiver when you apply for admission or submit the Request for Fee Waiver form in MyStatus via the Document Upload System.

Along with your application, submit one essay. Applicants to the School of Architecture and Studio Art, Art Education and Art History must submit an additional essay. We recommend submitting your essay in the application. You may also submit the essay using the Document Upload System in MyStatus or by mailing them to the Office of Admissions.

Essays and Short Answers

College Transcripts and/or High School Transcripts

Send official transcripts documenting all coursework you have attempted at any college or university you attended. If you have attended more than one college or university, we’ll need a transcript from each school, even if the credits earned at one school were transferred to another. If you are applying for automatic transfer admission, submit your official high school transcript, as well. We cannot accept transcripts via email.

Transcript Info

Submit your resume offering additional information about your achievements using the Document Upload System in MyStatus. Your resume should include your previous five years of academic, extracurricular, community and work activities as well as honors and awards. You can also include high school accomplishments if they took place within the last five years.

If you submit a resume, you should include:

• Details about what each activity involved rather than a general description.
• The number of hours per week and weeks per year spent on each activity.

Review Optional and Additional Materials

Certain majors may require additional materials after you have submitted your application. You may also wish to submit additional materials to strengthen your application, such as letters of recommendation or an expanded resume.

Additional Materials

If applicable, the following materials may be required. All required items must be received by the appropriate deadline.

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Certain majors have required prerequisites for transfer applicants. These items can be found on each college and school on our Colleges & Degrees page. Please be sure to review the prerequisites for your first and second choice majors.

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You can submit up to two letters of recommendation with your application or after you’ve submitted your application. These letters may be from mentors or people who know you well and can include teachers or school counselors, although we encourage you to provide letters from sources outside of your high school. The letter should be able to give additional context or information to support your admission that is not already provided in your application or other submitted documents (resume, transcripts). Letters of recommendation are not required but are encouraged.

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We do not accept recommendations via email. Submit your recommendations via:

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You may qualify for residency if you aren’t a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident but have established Texas residency. Both the Common App and ApplyTexas applications will prompt those who indicate they meet these criteria to download the appropriate form. You can submit the affidavit to the address listed on the form.

Residency FAQs

Automatic Transfer Admission Form

Some transfer applicants are able to apply for automatic transfer admission. If you are eligible and would like to apply, complete the Automatic Transfer Admission form. More details about applicability and application instructions can be found on our Appeals page.

Automatic Transfer Admission form

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You may be asked for additional information after you submit your application. Check MyStatus to stay up to date.

Complete the FAFSA/TASFA

Completing the FAFSA/TASFA before January 15 will maximize your eligibility for financial aid awards.

Complete Your Housing Application

You can apply for housing before you receive an admission decision. Housing is offered on a first come, first served basis. We recommend applying as soon as possible.

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What Are Transferable Skills? 10 Examples for your Resume

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What Are Transferable Skills? 10 Examples for your Resume was originally published on The Muse , a great place to research companies and careers. Click here to search for great jobs and companies near you.

Transferable skills, also known as portable skills, are those versatile abilities that you can bring to any role or industry—which is particularly helpful when changing careers . But you don’t need to be an expert to have them; these valuable skills can be acquired from all sorts of experiences, like past jobs, volunteering, internships, college, or personal projects. So, even if you’re an entry-level candidate , chances are you already have some transferable skills.

If you don’t, it’s time to start developing a few. They’re highly valued by recruiters and can definitely set your resume apart. Not sure where to start? Find out everything you need to know about transferable skills: meaning, examples for your resume, and why they’re so important.

What are transferable skills?

The transferable skills definition is straightforward: they are measurable abilities or knowledge that hold value in any role or industry. The term “transferable” comes from the fact that, regardless of changes in your job title or company, these skills can seamlessly transition to your new position.

“Think of them as your superpowers!” says Muse career coach and corporate recruiting specialist Yolanda M. Owens . “These superpowers can be used in any professional setting. For example, coding, languages, research, project coordination, administrative support, data entry, editing, training….”

Update that resume and check out open jobs on The Muse that are perfect for you »

Why are transferable skills important?

Think about how many jobs require strong writing skills , even if it isn’t the main focus of the role. Or consider how often you come across job postings listing “ leadership skills ” as a requirement. This is why transferable skills are important—they show what you have to offer beyond just completing daily tasks.

“Highlighting transferable skills on a resume is a quick way for employers to see what you bring to the table and how it aligns with the roles you’re applying to,” Owens says. “This is especially true if a company is using key search words when looking for candidates.”

They can also open doors for less experienced job seekers. “It can add some valuable subtext that may help you compensate for lack of direct experience and differentiate you from the competition. And in today’s competitive market, that subtext can make or break you landing an interview ,” Owens says.

Transferable skills: Examples

Not sure what skills to showcase? Here are 10 examples of transferable skills to include on your resume—feel free to incorporate them into your cover letter or job application as well. Just remember, while these are relevant and common skills, you shouldn’t feel restricted by them. Use this list as a guide to identify these and other valuable abilities you already have—or intend to develop.

1. Languages

Speaking a second or third language is a transferable skill that comes in handy across many professions, from customer service to data analysis . Workplaces are getting more diverse than ever, especially in large companies. And this diversity isn’t just about the employees they hire; it also includes the people they serve, thanks to the internet making international businesses more accessible.

Writing is one of the most common and useful transferable skills out there: Countless job postings require some form of writing on a daily basis. Whether it’s sending emails, interacting with customers on social media, or preparing presentations for clients—the possibilities are endless.

3. Research

Can you gather, understand, and use data effectively? The ability to research, often acquired in school, is another transferable skill with applications across several industries—from finance (i.e. financial analysis ) to marketing (i.e. user research and customer analysis ). Putting this skill on your resume is strategic because being a good researcher involves a diverse set of skills, such as data collection, documentation, and writing.

4. Excel proficiency

Some people have a love-hate relationship with spreadsheets. But the truth is, they’re an indispensable tool to many businesses—whether it’s keeping track of an inventory or managing employee shifts in a restaurant. That’s why Excel proficiency is considered a transferable skill, if it makes sense with the jobs you’re seeking, it’s definitely worth adding to your resume.

Read this next: These Excel Tips Are Really Simple, and Yet So, So, Helpful

5. Data entry

Data entry involves processing, filling up, and updating information, typically within a private system or spreadsheet (yep—Excel again!). Some professions and professional settings that typically require data entry include inventory management , e-commerce , transcription , accounting , and bookkeeping.

6. Management

Every company or organization needs someone with management skills and experience. Managers are typically the ones responsible for assigning tasks, ensuring that everything is carried out as intended, and providing guidance to employees who need assistance.

7. Leadership

Leadership skills are also highly valued by employers, particularly in professional environments where initiative and self-management are crucial. People with strong leadership abilities are generally good communicators, critical thinkers, and have an easy time delegating tasks and taking calculated risks.

8. Administrative support

Administrative skills encompass a range of abilities, including scheduling tasks, meetings and appointments, data collection and entry, answering emails, organizing employee paperwork, and managing office supplies. These skills are transferable across any type of industry or company. For instance, a secretary at a marketing company relies on these skills as much as a receptionist at a dental clinic does.

9. Project coordination

If you have experience planning, managing, and executing projects, then you have a transferable skill known as project coordination. While it’s similar to leadership skills, project coordination is slightly more focused. Instead of leading a group of people, it involves successfully bringing a project together and turning it into reality.

10. Training

Having training skills means that you can provide clear instructions to teach a process or procedure to others. If you’re applying for a managerial position, for instance, this is an important skill to have, as you’ll likely be tasked with training new staff members in entry-level positions or interns.

How do you write transferable skills on a CV?

The skills section of a resume can be your best friend. However, every transferable skill listed there should be somehow linked to your experiences.

“I always recommend adding a ‘Skills’ section using your transferable skills as a base,” Owens advises. “Just make sure to justify those transferable skills by tying them to ways you’ve added value to your jobs in your resume’s ‘Experience’ section .”

Meaning that if you mention leadership skills, at least one of your experiences should illustrate how and where this skill was used, as well as the outcome of your actions.

For example:

Professional Experience

Company for devs

Web Developer, January 2021—November 2023

• Led the development of SEO strategies for two websites, achieving an increase of 15% in the lead conversion rate

Marketing Analyst, June 2019—December 2020

• Led and executed Google Analytics tracking campaigns to maximize the effectiveness of the re-marketing initiative, achieving a 10% increase in total sales

Relevant skills

Data analysis

Project coordination

Transferable skills vs soft skills: what’s the difference?

Many people confuse transferable skills with soft skills —after all, they’re both useful in any profession setting. However, there’s a distinct difference between the two.

“Transferable skills are measurable strengths or areas of expertise,” Owens says. “On the other hand, soft skills are interpersonal attributes—generalities that don’t speak to your ability to do a job, but could determine how you interact with others, process information, and the kind of environment you feel productive in. For example, collaboration, problem solving skills, effective time management .”

Depending on your level of experience or the role you’re applying for, it’s wise to list both your transferable skills and soft skills. Candidates writing a resume with no experience could benefit from highlighting any set of abilities and interpersonal attributes learned and developed in college, personal, or community projects.