Whether you have a two-year degree and are continuing on for your bachelor’s, or you’re looking to change institutions, finding the right transfer-friendly atmosphere is important. The process begins by asking yourself what you are looking for in an institution. Are you looking to switch majors? Will you do better at a small school or a large school? What degree or career are you pursuing? Understanding exactly what you’re looking for will help you find the right fit as a transfer student.

Be sure to ask the right questions of all your potential transfer schools. Here are some helpful tips to get you pointed in the right direction. For example, what percent of the student body is transfer? Will you fit in or feel like you’re the only new student in your classes? At Daemen, approximately 30% of the student body is transfer students, so it’s easy to fit in and connect with others.

The number of credits accepted will determine how much time it will take for you to earn your bachelor’s degree. Daemen University accepts up to 90 transfer credits.

Evaluate the costs. Some colleges offer scholarships specifically for transfer students. Daemen offers merit-based scholarships, and accepts Phi Theta Kappa scholarships. The best way to learn about the available options is to speak to a transfer admissions counselor or a financial aid representative.

A “dual articulation” agreement is a relationship between two institutions. They can also be referred to as transfer agreements or transfer pathways. At Daemen University, a variety of partnerships exist. These agreements often cover students beginning an undergraduate degree at one institution (e.g., a community college) and finishing it at another (e.g., Daemen) or may allow a student to earn a two-year degree at one college and seamlessly transfer to another for their four-year degree. If you are interested in articulation agreements, check a college’s website or talk with an admissions counselor.  

Evaluate the important details about your potential colleges, just as you would as a first-year student. What’s the student-to-faculty ratio? At Daemen University, we maintain a 12:1 ratio, giving every student plenty of individual attention. What types of activities, student clubs and athletics does the school offer? How seamless is the transition for transfer students? Many transfer students are veterans; if you come from a unique background make sure to ask about services unique to you—such as Daemen’s Veterans Center. The best way to get a feel for student life is to simply talk to students who have transferred already.

It is a transfer admissions counselor’s job to assist transfer students. They’re able to provide valuable insight as to the right fit for you academically and can connect you with scholarships available to transfer students. Counselors will also help you determine which of your existing college credits can be transferred. The more credits you can carry over, the quicker you’ll be able to complete your degree.

Sometimes people start a degree and they aren’t able to finish it right away or they decide to work for a few years first. Make sure you get the full benefit of your experience when picking a college and degree program. For example, nursing students with an RN degree who are looking to get a bachelor’s degree should contact a school that offers a specific RN-BS program. If you’re an adult who started and would like to finish your bachelor’s degree or are interested in pursuing a new degree or career path, contact the transfer admissions counselor. They will walk you through the process and you’ll learn about majors that align best with what you’ve done so far.