Category: Enrollment Management Bloggers

Deciding to transfer is the easiest decision to make for some people; for others, it's an exceptionally hard choice.

I was in between. When I transferred from a large state school to the George Washington University -- I'd formed amazing friendships in my two years, found a job I liked, and played club sports. However, during the first semester of my sophomore year, I came to realize that I wanted more than a state school, even if I wasn't sure what "more" was at the time.   Looking back on the transfer process, I have 5 pieces of advice to give to anyone considering transferring today: #1: Be deliberate in how you select where you wish to transfer Visit the campus or campuses if at all possible, and if not, take the virtual tours. Talk to students in person or online. Look around for the things that fill in the gaps you're missing at your current school or for aspects that you loved about your original campus. Each person at each school tells a story that makes up the novel of your experience in college and you want to make sure you'rewriting the right book!

  #2: Double (and triple) check your applications Not only do schools differ in their application processes from one another, but transfer applications also differ from undergraduate applications. Essays, recommendation, transcripts, and other requirements might be different even from other applications within the same school. You want to make sure to put your best foot forward -- and the easiest way to do that is not writing an essay about the big game in high school when essay prompt asks about your first semester away. Admissions offices and representatives are your friends -- find any open houses or information sessions, and reach out with questions.  

  #3: Spend your summer reflecting and getting excited! You got in! Now comes one of the unexpected hard parts -- the wait. To me, it felt like the summer between high school and college all over again. I'd left my friends behind at school and knew no one where I'd be headed in the fall. I couldn't wait to get to campus and move into my new dorm, start my new curriculum, and generally begin a new life in D.C. To pass the time, think ahead about what you want to accomplish. You're doing something awesome and unique by starting again, so reflect on what you did right and what you want to change this time around. Everyone experiences pitfalls, but you may be able to avoid some time around with your experience.

  #4: Make the most of your orientation At GW, it's called Colonial Inauguration, or CI for short. And sure, you've most likely been to orientation before -- but nothing like transfer orientation has to offer. You're still going to learn your school's fight song, get some great insider tours, and gain insight into what policies and processes you'll encounter at your selected school. Plus, if you choose to attend GW, your orientation will be mere blocks from the White House. Where else does that happen? At GW, CI also allows you to move in a few days early, giving you time to meet others in the same boat an get settled prior to the start of classes.

  #5: Embrace the culture change I personally came from a large state school, and it couldn't be more different from my experience at GW. At first, it was definitely daunting to decide what to take on, but ultimately, I found it easier just to jump in and embrace the changes.  Coming in as a first-semester freshman, you're facing a wall of unknown. As a transfer, you have an idea of what to expect and what will be exciting. So make the most of it! Join the clubs you wanted to join your first time around but couldn't, go out and meet people, and capitalize on the internships and experiences that make your selected school unique.

. . . 

  As a transfer student, you're getting an awesome chance to start over in a new place and write a new chapter in your story. So start reviewing where to go, get your application materials in line, reflect and plan ahead, enjoy orientation, and soak up the experience of being a transfer student!  

Meet Our Blogger

Sharon (Testor) Bucher Finance Coordinator Enrollment Management and Retention GW Alumnus After transferring to GW as a junior, I finished my B.A. in Business Administration and received my M.T.A. in sustainable destination management. At GW, I've worked at Gelman Library, for the Office of the Registrar on both the Virginia Science and Technology and Foggy Bottom campuses for the Strategic Enrollment Initiatives Office. Currently, I serve as the Finance Coordinator for the Enrollment and the Student Experience division. I also help teach study abroad courses with the School of Business each winter term, trying to stay warm during D.C.'s cold winters!