Facebook Ad Pixel Steps to Transfer, Transfer Advising, SUNY Orange

Steps to Transfer

Below you will find resources to help you navigate through the many transfer opportunities available to you. These reources can assist you in making an informed decision during this transitional period of your academic career.


The Transfer Process:

First Steps....

Identify the Major You Hope to Pursue

How do I identify my career interests?

    • Ask yourself: Where do I want to end up, and how do I get there? Think about your interests and your skills, and how those can lead to career paths. Visit Career Services to explore careers paths using online assessment tools.
    • Discuss academic majors with an Advisor in Academic Advising.

Research Colleges and Universities

  • Use online search engines to help narrow down your choices
    • SUNY, CUNY, or Private schools
    • Think about what is important to you: majors offered, GPA requirements, geographic location, size, cost, selectivity, housing, religious affiliations, athletics, and setting (rural, urban, or suburban).
  • Look to see if your current school is hosting a Transfer Fair or Transfer Days
  • Visit the campus (take a tour); visit virtually or use social media.
    • Schedule an appointment with Admissions and/or the academic department that interests you.
    • Ask about
      • Transferability of credits
      • College cost
      • Financial Aid (learn about availability of grants, scholarships and loans: applications and deadlines)
      • Worksheet with other related transfer questions (PDF)

College Search Engines

Gather and Prepare Application and Supporting Documents

  • High School transcripts and, if also requested: SAT or ACT and AP scores.
  • College transcripts from current college (if attending) and all other colleges previoulsy attended.
  • Educational gap statement/essay (if you have taken time off from school, you may be asked to write an essay outlining what you have accomplished).
  • Mid-Semester Report Form:  Some colleges may require a report of mid-semester grades from current semester coursework. This form would be filled out by each of your individual course instructors to identify what your letter grade is at the mid-point of the semester.  The form would then be sent to prospective schools you intend to apply to.  (PDF)
  • For international students:
    • Documentation of English proficiency
    • Immigration and Visa documents
  • Letter(s) of Recommendation.

Apply!

Once you've been admitted....

  • Review your Transcript Credit Evaluation
  • Meet with an Advisor or Transfer Counselor to register for courses
  • Enrollment
    • Pay deposit by deadline
    • Register
    • Decide on housing (if needed)
    • Attend orientation session
    • Submit health and immunization records
    • Submit final college transcripts

 

Additional points to consider...

What courses should I be taking now and how will I know what credits will transfer?

  • Concentrate on the pre-requisites you will need to be admitted into your chosen major. Note that many colleges have very specific criteria for transfer of major courses.
  • Take a look at course equivalencies often found on the four-year institution's website

How do I begin the application process?

  • Check the college's website for application procedures
  • Some academic programs (e.g. nursing, teacher education, social work) require separate applications in addition to the general application.
  • Many colleges/universities prefer that you apply online. Applications are often found on the school's Admissions page in a link such as 'Apply Now.'
  • WATCH THE APPLICATION DEADLINES!!!

How do I check the status of my application?

  • Call the college or go online to check the status of your application
  • Keep in contact with the Admissions staff at the colleges you are applying to. Ensure that your contact information is current (telephone number, email address, and mailing address).

*Some of the information in the above sections are taken from the "Maps2Transfer," a grant funded project created to provide students with information to help them navigate the transfer process.