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College Navigation 101 –

College Transfer

Why students consider transferring to anther institution

& how you can help them during the process

College Navigation 101 – College Transfer

Is college transfer common?

• Roughly 2.5 million college students every year transfer to a

different school.

• Statistics from the United States Department of Education

suggest that close to 60% of college students will attend

more than one school before they graduate.

While many students find just the right college and stay there

for four years, these statistics suggest that there is a good

chance that your college student may consider a transfer to

another college at some point during his college career.

College Navigation 101 – College Transfer

What do I need to know about college transfer?

Even though others may be going through the same process, it does not lessen

the impact of the decision for your individual student. This slide considers some of the reasons that college students consider transferring to another institution and how you can help with the process.

There are generally two types of college transfer:

Vertical Transfer

• A transfer from a two-year college to a four-year institution

• Less emotional impact, more of a natural process.

Horizontal or Lateral Transfers

• Students transfer from a two-year to a two-year or from a four-year to a four-year institution

• Tough decision to make, more emotional impact on the student as well as the family.

College Navigation 101 – College Transfer

Why would my student want to transfer?

Reasons for transferring may be as varied as the students

themselves.

“I want to be with friends who are at another school.”

“I want a fresh start after a rocky first year.”

“I want to be closer to home or further away from home.”

“I‟m homesick.”

“I have changed major or program of interest and another school

has more to offer.”

“I want a more prestigious degree.”

“because of a change in finances.”

“I have been dismissed from the school.”

“I simply believe that „the grass is greener‟ somewhere else.”

College Navigation 101 – College Transfer

How can I help my student during the process?

Some of these reasons may seem more valid than others, but it is

important to recognize that whatever the reason, it is important to your

student. There are several ways you might participate in your student’s

thoughts about transferring.

• Recognize that this may be a difficult, or at least, very significant decision for your

student. Be as supportive during this decision making time as possible. 1

• Understand that your student may not have been truly able to make an informed

decision about college when he was in high school. He may not have understood

enough about himself, about the realities of college life, about his interests, or about

possible majors. He may need to make a change now because he looks at college,

and life, differently.

2

• Congratulate your student for recognizing when something may not be working and

trying to do something to improve his situation3

• Stand back and allow your student to make this decision.5

• Help your student try to determine whether the problem is truly with the institution, or

whether it is something that he may be able to address without changing schools.4

Author: Vicki Nelson, College Parent Central. Read the complete article here.

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How to avoid becoming a helicopter parent; and Much More…

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