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Transfer Student Checklist
The documents, deadlines and questions to settle when you move from one college to another.
A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.
Tick the circles, tap any line to change it, drag the dots to reorder.
Saved in this browser. Send it to Clear to keep it on your phone.
Check each school's own transfer rules. That's the rule behind the rest of this list: deadlines and requirements differ from school to school and from freshman admission. Expect to send official transcripts from every college you attended, and often an essay on why you're moving. Some schools only admit transfers in certain semesters, so a missed date can cost you a term. This list covers applying as a US undergraduate transfer. It leaves out major-specific requirements, which you'll need to get from each admissions office.
Why these items are on the list
- Write down why you're transferring. Essays and admissions counselors usually ask for the reason, so settle it before drafting.
- Talk to your current advisor. Speak with your advisor, career office or financial aid office before deciding to leave.
- Shortlist schools that take transfers. Some majors stop accepting transfer applications, so check each program, not just the school.
- Find each transfer deadline. Transfer deadlines often differ from freshman ones, and some schools limit transfers to certain semesters.
- Add deadlines to your calendar. Marking them early makes you less likely to repeat classes or duplicate work later.
- Confirm which credits transfer. Ask admissions at each school how many of your credits count toward your program.
- Look into transfer credit programs. Massachusetts has MassTransfer for community college credits moving to public schools; ask about programs in your state.
- Order official college transcripts. Schools usually want official transcripts from every college you have attended.
- Get your high school transcript. Many transfer applications also ask for the official high school transcript or GED/HiSET report.
- Check test score requirements. Many colleges weigh SAT or ACT scores less for transfers, and some don't require them.
- Draft the transfer essay. Address why you're switching and how the move affects your educational and career goals.
- Request an academic evaluation. Some schools want an evaluation from an advisor, professor or employer, so ask early.
- Ask your registrar for the college report. Some schools, such as Northeastern, need your current registrar or dean's office to complete a form.
- Submit the application and fee. Northeastern's transfer fee is $75. Fees vary by school, so check each one.
- Apply for financial aid. Many schools set aside aid and scholarships for transfers. Apply on time to be considered.
- Notify your student loan lender. Confirm your loans won't enter repayment when you change schools.
- Ask about transfer housing. Some colleges reserve housing for transfers and some don't. Living on campus helps you meet people.
- Find transfer orientation and support. Look for transition programs and orientations, especially if you're starting mid-year.
Keep it on your phone and tick off documents as they arrive. Run it once per school, since each one asks for something slightly different.
When to use it
Start as soon as you decide to transfer, before the earliest transfer deadline on your list.