Every fall, tens of thousands of eager students and parents descend on college campuses across the country with blue Ikea bags filled to the top, excited nerves, and hopes of taking the world by storm. Some have dreamed of attending this campus since early childhood, while others ended up here for other reasons. While freshman year is a roller coaster of emotions, friendships and feelings, many hang tight and realize they are at the right place. But sometimes things just don’t work out. Unhappiness is more prominent than feelings of pride and contentment. And when that happens, it may be time to consider transferring to another college.

The first thing to note is that transferring is not uncommon and is not wrong. More than seven percent of all college students at four-year colleges transfer. It does not mean you are a failure. However, it is also important to not make a rash decision based on a moment or a single situation. College, and freshman year especially, is an endless cycle of high highs and low lows. Friendships can form fast and fizzle. You may be overwhelmed with the challenging academics after getting through high school with ease. Leaving home once felt like sweet freedom, but now you are experiencing homesickness. These are just some of many common obstacles that new college students encounter. These things have a way of often working themselves out, but unfortunately not always. 

It is important to take a deep breath and take some time to think things over once you have broached the idea of transferring. Probably many things brought you to this school in the first place. Have things reached the point of no return, or are there ways to move beyond these feelings? Getting involved in academics and clubs that interest you often produce the friendships, opportunities and goals you were seeking. If after all of that, you still are ready to make a move, there are a few things to keep in mind to help you through the transfer process. 

Fewer schools use the Common Application for transfer students than for freshman applicants. You may be applying on more institutional applications this time around. Some schools that did not have supplemental essays for freshmen do have one for transfers, as they want to know what is behind your desire to transfer. Colleges often have differing requirements for transfer students depending on how many credits they are coming in with. High school transcripts and sometimes test scores will come into play if you have not completed two years of college. Some colleges will give you equal credits for courses taken at other institutions, while others will only offer you elective credit. This is definitely not a one size fits all process. You will need to examine each individual school’s requirements, how they handle prior credits and AP credits, and their deadlines.

Everyone’s educational journey looks different, and sometimes that includes a change of schools. Transferring can be a little tricky at times, but ultimately the goal is for each student to end up at their best fit college, even if it is not the one they started at.