Understanding the College Transfer Process: What Parents Should Know

By Patricia Sampley Krupnikoff

Staff Writer

Melvin Weaver stands in the center with his family after he successfully transferred from a college in Virginia to St. Francis University in Pennsylvania. Mom Natalie initially worried he might lose credits or have graduation delayed with this transfer, but luckily, her son, Melvin, experienced a fairly smooth transition to his new college

When building a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle, some pieces fit together easily and naturally, but others we may try from many different angles before we make an accurate connection. This process is often frustrating and time-consuming, but once we have endured all the attempts, the complete picture makes the toil worthwhile.

This same premise is no different when it comes to finding the best “fit” with a college or university program. When students and their families are making choices during high school, the work may not be so simple to find the best connection to yield a four year “fit” that will give the student the exact expected experience of a college education. However, listening to a college student’s reasons for wanting to transfer, and then allowing the college student to do the research will prove to be more helpful in the end, adding to the student’s sense of accomplishment and independence in the years to come.

In the past, transferring colleges used to only focus on students who were changing from two year or junior colleges to four-year universities. These days, more transfers are happening earlier as sometimes, transfers occur right away, even after the very first semester of college. There are many reasons for this, but ultimately, it is about finding the right “fit” with a college, just like creating a finished jigsaw puzzle. With the costs of higher education soaring these days, it is most important that students find better programs to give them the overall experiences that will build their talents and eventually, their resumes. Simply put, one must try it out to determine if it is working or not and then move ahead with a transfer, after sorting through all the options. However, knowing a bit about the process can really help parents support their children to make the best decisions as they move from one college or university to another. 

"Most college students considering a transfer should start with the Admission Office on campus to learn about policies and procedures. At the University of Hartford, pictured here during the summer months, the Office of Admission is near the front of the campus, by the entrance, and easy to find with close visitor parking available and staff ready to assist students who are considering transferring."

Furthermore, other opportunities may arise that change the experience at one college, prompting one to transfer, like attaining a bigger scholarship or finding a better “fit” on an athletic team or even needing a smaller class size for instruction. Likewise, if students chose a college far from home originally, it may prove too overwhelming to make so many changes at once, like going from smaller high school classes to attending large size lectures and living in dorms with others in a smaller space that students are not truly ready to handle as well as they thought. All these factors add to the many reasons why students are transferring these days and families need to know what to do.

To make the process a flawless one, more colleges and universities are ready to support students transferring into their institutions, making the transfer process easier as well as ensuring that the student feels integrated into the new program of study. According to Marissa Balogh, Coordinator of Transfer Student Success at the Center for Academic Success & Advising at the University of New Haven, she knows firsthand that navigating a college transfer can have many different challenges. As she describes, “I have been working with transfer students since April 2023. Having been a transfer student myself, I enjoy helping transfer students transition to the university and help them have a smooth experience.” One point that Balogh emphasizes is for everyone involved in the transfer process to speak up: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Policies, procedures, resources, and academics can differ from institution to institution – staff and faculty at the universities are here to support you and help with your transition.” These questions are significant to making the transfer process better for the student in the end.

Similarly,  Robin Hart,  Associate Director of Admission at the University of Hartford illustrates the support a new college or university can offer to transfer students to make the process more efficient for families. She explains, “The University of Hartford has dedicated staff members in the Office of Admission who work specifically with incoming transfer students.” She further describes,

“We actively support students throughout the transfer process, from visiting local community colleges to meeting with students virtually and in-person.  Whether it's explaining our programs of study, walking students through the application or conducting preliminary credit evaluations, we strive to provide personalized guidance that leads to a smooth transition to University of Hartford.” Clearly, most colleges and universities know that prior student experiences may not be the best “fit” in the past, but they are ready to help incoming transfer students “fit” in, going forward.    

Along the way, a few parents have been through this with their own children as they decided to transfer, but most caution that students themselves need to be ones doing the work.  When Farmington Valley mom Nilda Lorenzatto heard her child was considering a transfer, she listened and offered her support, especially knowing her daughter was leaving a college in the south to find one closer to home in New England. Her role was clearly defined though to let her rising junior take the lead: “As far as my involvement in the transfer process, I thought of myself as support, there if needed. In my case, my daughter made her list, sent out emails, took calls and Zoom meetings, all on her own.” Her child’s active participation in the process even continued as the pair looked for the right “fit” in nearby colleges and universities as Lorenzatto describes the experience: “I accompanied on tours and in person meetings and was there for post visits debrief. Ultimately, they’ve had the experience, and they have a good idea of a good fit for them.” Because of her supportive role, her daughter is now happily engaged in a new university program.

Once a transfer student herself, Marissa Balogh understands the importance of meeting with students in her University of New Haven office. Providing one on one meetings allows for questions and answers in a smaller setting and lets students take the lead in the transfer process."

Another family in the Farmington Valley agrees with this approach, which starts with understanding any student’s needs for change, especially if this is about gaining a better opportunity at another college or university. Farmington resident, Natalie Weaver, always knew her son wanted to join a college basketball program. Then, when an invitation came from another college, she had some questions about the process: “When Melvin first expressed interest in transferring colleges, I had several concerns. I worried about whether all his credits would transfer, if it would delay his graduation, and how he would adjust to a new environment. However, the process turned out to be remarkably smooth. Applying and getting his transcripts sent to the new institution was a hassle-free experience.” While this worked well, she does mention that parents need to understand, “Transitioning from high school to college is a significant change…if your child is unhappy with their first choice college or is exploring other options, I strongly encourage you to support them. It’s not as daunting as I initially thought. Embrace the opportunity for them to find a better fit!”

Meanwhile, if your current college student is thinking about transferring, there are some things to know that parents can do to be supportive in the process. Knowing when applications are due and meeting deadlines are significant pieces to success. Considering if a program is even available is a big part of the research a student can do on their own. Balogh advises, “It can depend on the university and admissions requirements/procedures. Students and families can find the specific timeline usually on institutions’ admissions pages.” Meeting with program coordinators or potential advisors for the colleges or universities of incoming transfers in advance can lead to greater success down the road. As Robin Hart outlines, “Every college or university is different, some will have strict application deadlines, while others will follow a rolling admission policy.“ Even still, a student may elect to wait a semester or move up a transfer, depending on these answers, so it is important to ask all these questions before starting the transfer.

Another key detail to discuss is housing so that transfer students can assess their options. Sometimes, college students transferring tend to look for off campus living situations to reduce costs or avoid issues with dorm living. Lorenzatto does acknowledge that this can be one obstacle in the transfer process, depending on the time of year: “Housing is a difficult situation when you’re already in the middle of summer.” Luckily, her daughter found an opening off campus with other students. In addition, one more reason some students transfer is to save money by living at home.

However, if your college student is transitioning to becoming a commuter to save costs for attending college, then that is another main question to review for any college admissions team.

Ask about ways to connect with others, whether living off campus or commuting. These “hangouts” are often spaces that provide the opportunities to interact with other transfer students and become more accepted in the new college or university.

When puzzle pieces come together, there is always a sense of achievement and this is no different for college students trying to transfer, hoping to find a better “fit” for all their needs. College and universities are aware of these needs and are ready to offer their support. So, encourage your college student considering a transfer to ask questions, learn about deadlines and figure out housing, way in advance of the expected transfer date. Letting your child lead the way in this transfer allows for more growth and independence to find the best “fit” and guarantee a brighter future ahead.