Dear Transfer Student: You Are Not Alone

Like many other college students, you may be considering a change in institutions to pursue your education elsewhere. It is not uncommon for students to begin their college journey at one institution and then decide to transfer to another for various reasons, both planned and impromptu.

In fact, statistics show that more than a third of undergraduates transfer between institutions at least once. Nearly half of all first-year students begin at a community college with plans to transfer from the start. So, if you are feeling uncertain or worried about transferring, know that there are countless others who have made the same decision and found success in their new colleges and universities.

College transfer is a chance to hit the reset button and create a fresh start in an environment that feels right for you. It provides an opportunity to explore different academic programs, meet new people, and discover new passions.

Remember, you are not alone in this transfer journey. You’re part of a diverse community of students navigating new paths and rewriting their stories.

Jaime Smith Certified Educational Planner

Jaime Smith, M.A., MS.Ed., is a Certified Educational Planner with 25 years of experience working in education. As a college counselor, Jaime specializes in transfer admissions, homeschoolers, neurodiverse learners, and other non-traditional applicants. In 2023, she completed a Post-Master's Certificate in Transfer Leadership and Practice at the University of North Georgia in collaboration with the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students. A California native and former homeschooling mom, Jaime now lives the empty nest life in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and pet rabbit.

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College Admissions Transfer Students College Transfer Common App Dual Enrollment