7 Questions to Ask as a Transfer Student (Before Deciding to Transfer Colleges)

If you’re considering transferring colleges, know that you’re not alone. Many students transfer colleges for a variety of reasons. However, the how, why and when to transfer are questions that every student must answer individually. 

It can be hard to know where to start when deciding whether to transfer colleges, but we’ve collected some of the top questions you should run through before making the decision to transfer.

Best Questions to Ask as a Transfer Student 

1. Why do I want to transfer?

You may find that your current college does not meet your academic needs, whether you’re looking for more support academically, different degree programs or more of an intellectual challenge. Some students also find that their original college of choice is not the best fit for them when it comes to location, and so they choose to pursue a transfer. 

Further, some students may have always planned to transfer colleges. Especially with California’s free community college programs, many students build changing academic institutions into their college plans from the beginning. 

No matter your personal reasons for transferring, it’s a good idea to identify your “why” and move forward from there.

2. How will this new college or university help my career?

Maybe you started at a community college to save money or to get your general education courses out of the way, and now you are ready to take the next step at a four-year institution. Or, you might be interested in a career requiring a niche, specialized degree, so you need to transfer to a university that offers the credentials you need. 

Every university also has different internships and industry connections for their students, so you might find yourself wanting to transfer in order to explore more professional development opportunities. 

3. Can I afford this college?

When considering transferring colleges, you should look at the financial aid, scholarships and FAFSA resources for that institution. Some colleges even have transfer-specific scholarships, so inquiring about those or doing research on the school’s website can help you make your decision. 

For example, at the Mount, all admitted traditional transfer students are guaranteed a merit scholarship starting at $11,000. 

4. Am I also planning to change my major?

When transferring colleges, some students find that their new institution has a major they’re interested in pursuing. You should look at all of the majors offered by the university you’re considering and see if any of them align with your interests or career goals more than your current major. 

5. Is now a good time to add a minor?

Thinking about your interests outside of your chosen major (or minor programs that would complement your major and career goals well) can be a helpful step in your transfer student process. 

Understanding everything you want to get out of a new college experience means exploring all of your options, and this could include considering adding a minor to your degree. 

6. What is the credit transfer policy at this university?

It’s important to know how much of the hard work you’ve already accomplished toward your degree is going to come with you to your new institution. Talk to an advisor or to admissions counselors at the schools you’re considering to get a sense of what the credit transfer policy is there.

You can also create a free account at Transferology.com, the leading transfer credit analysis website, to discover how many of your credits will transfer to the Mount (or another institution). 

It’s also a good idea to explore articulation agreements that colleges, like the Mount, have with various community colleges. There might be a direct pathway to ensure your transfer credits!

Understanding your university’s credit transfer policy is especially important if you're considering changing your major or adding a minor.

7. What support is given to new transfer students?

Some schools have dedicated clubs, groups or built-in support for transfer students. It’s important to ask about the resources available for transfer students upfront so you know what to expect from faculty and staff in your experience. 

It will also be helpful to think about what you need to feel most supported and successful in times of change and transition so that you can look for a university that will provide the help you need.

Is it hard to transfer colleges? Not at Mount Saint Mary's University!

It shouldn’t be difficult to transfer colleges, and more and more institutions are trying to make the process easier for students. At Mount Saint Mary’s University Los Angeles, we want to make the transfer student experience a great one. 

We provide a helpful resource for you to determine which of your credits will transfer through our partnership with Transferology, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. 

You can also request more information to connect with us, or if you think you’re ready to start your transfer student journey, apply today!