Applying to transfer to another college (after first year) - any advice?

[Anonymous]

My child has mentioned that they are not sure their college is a good fit (IMO, they rushed into it by applying ED2 when they were rejected at their ED1 pick.) I am not going to say anything about it until Christmas break, but is that enough time to get the ball rolling on transfer applications? How does it all work with high school transcripts and rec letters and such? What do they do about housing for sophomore year and that kind of thing? If they are accepted at the transfer school, how much time do they have to decide whether to accept the offer? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My child has mentioned that they are not sure their college is a good fit (IMO, they rushed into it by applying ED2 when they were rejected at their ED1 pick.) I am not going to say anything about it until Christmas break, but is that enough time to get the ball rolling on transfer applications? How does it all work with high school transcripts and rec letters and such? What do they do about housing for sophomore year and that kind of thing? If they are accepted at the transfer school, how much time do they have to decide whether to accept the offer? Thanks.

can you share the school name?

btw, think transfer applications due in March so there's time.
https://www.ivywise.com/ivywise-knowledgebase/resources/article/transfer-admissions-tips-from-a-former-admissions-officer-and-transfer-student/

[Anonymous]

I transferred from Penn State to Pitt years ago. I did do work at Christmas break.

The high school counselor can still help with transcripts.

I didn't get a good housing option right away. I jawed my way into overflow on-campus housing (4 girls in a study lounge). Got a single around mid-October.

Requirements differ by school. Call the school if your kid previously applied. They may have some materials on file.

[Anonymous]

They attend Villanova and *I suspect* that if they decide to transfer it would be to BC (where they were rejected ED1 last year) or GU (where they would be a third gen legacy - applied RD last year but pulled their application so did not receive a decision.)

IMO, no point in applying again to BC (I don't think anything has changed to get them in as a transfer given the ED1 rejection a year ago), but perhaps take a stab at Georgetown. I'm also not sure what the point of transferring to BC would be (not much better school? Still have to make friends all over again?) but it's not my life.

Bear in mind that we have not discussed it yet. My questions are more about getting ducks in a row in case they do decide they want to transfer.

[Anonymous]

If he's serious, he should open a common app account (TRANSFER COMMON APP IS VERY DIFFERENT!!! He can't just copy it over. Everything is different and he'll be starting over- including clubs, awards section, etc). On there, they will list all of the deadlines and requirements when available (transfer apps are often available later than first year admission, FYI).

Regardless - he needs to get to know some profs and contribute in class for a good rec. It's fine to use 1 from high school, but college will obviously read better. He needs to join clubs and show why he wants to trasnfer to BC or GU or wherever, that Villanova doesn't have.

It's only 3 weeks in. The 3 schools really aren't very different at all, so I'm curious as to why he wants to transfer so soon.

My oldest transferred after 1.5 years - it's absolutely a mixed bag, so don't take it lightly. It was the right move for her, but she changed major, type and size of school substantially. It wasn't fun, as there were a lot of emotions and anxiety wrapped up in to the decision (all while studying her butt off to get the best grades possible and trying to make her original school work).

Good luck!