If you’re considering transferring colleges, know that you are not alone – the National Student ClearingHouse Research Center reports that 37.2% of all college goers transfer at least once in six years! Making any significant decision requires weighing up its pros and cons, which is why we’ve compiled a list outlining the benefits and drawbacks of being a transfer student so you can make an informed choice.

Pros

Enrolling in Your Dream School

If you didn’t quite make the cut for your dream school right after high school, or if those test scores weren’t up to par, then transferring may be what you need. Remember that it takes hard work and dedication to get into a top-tier college, but transferring gives you a second chance to achieve your aspirations!

You Know What You Want

With a college experience now under your belt, you have discovered more about yourself and acquired knowledge of what works for you. Perhaps your current institution is too large or small; lacking in diversity; does not offer the major that aligns with where you want to take your education next; or maybe it’s the institution location that makes transferring an appealing option. Whatever the reason might be, transferring offers a chance to find the ideal school suited just for you!

Better Financial Aid

Financial aid packages vary, and depending on what type of institution it is and how their grants are structured, these may differ drastically from school to school. Moreover, if you choose a college closer to your home and decide to commute there instead of living on campus – as opposed to at your previous university – this can save you expenses incurred for room and board.

Personal Development

College is the perfect opportunity to break away from your comfort zone and try something new. Transferring allows you to develop a greater level of self-confidence by pushing yourself both mentally and socially – all while gaining crucial understandings about life along the way. With each risk taken, every challenge faced head-on comes with its own rewards: maturity, insightfulness, and independence!

Cons

Loss of Credits

Unfortunately, it’s possible that all your credits won’t switch from one university to another. In fact, how each institute applies transferred credit upon admission can be extremely varied. For instance, some courses might offer you a certain number of credits but not fulfill any specific degree necessities. This makes the process of transferring more complex and potentially more expensive than expected.

Leaving Everything Behind

Transferring from your current school can be daunting, especially if you are leaving behind treasured friends and memories. Although some relationships may inevitably change or become strained by distance, those with deep connections will survive the separation. When contemplating relocation, don’t forget to embrace opportunities for personal growth which could lead to further success in both your academic and life journey.

Starting Over

For new students on campus, it can be tricky to form connections. You may not know anyone, and your randomly assigned roommate could feel like a stranger. When chatting with other students who have been there longer than you, the nostalgia of “freshman year” stories might make you feel out of place – but that’s okay! It’s important to remember transferring is an opportunity for a fresh start, so try to look at this experience through a positive lens and never give up hope in making friends or finding mentors along the way.

Culture Shock

Moving into a college with an unfamiliar culture can be difficult to adjust to, leading you to feel dissatisfied and unhappy. The culture of the school you choose will have a major impact on your experience in college, so it is critical that you consider what kind of environment would best suit your needs when deciding where to transfer.

Closing Thoughts

Making the decision to transfer colleges should not be taken lightly; in some regards, it is even more pressing than when you first selected your school. Nevertheless, after a comprehensive research process and careful contemplation of both its advantages and disadvantages, transferring could be just what you need for future success! If you’re contemplating a transfer and unsure how to approach the topic with your parents, make sure to read our article here for guidance on how to communicate your decision to them.