{"id":9104,"date":"2021-08-25T13:52:41","date_gmt":"2021-08-25T17:52:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=9104"},"modified":"2024-12-16T17:01:02","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T22:01:02","slug":"should-i-transfer-colleges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/should-i-transfer-colleges\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I Transfer Colleges? 5 Considerations Before Transferring Colleges"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the new semester nears, many college students find themselves asking, \u201cShould I transfer colleges?\u201d The question of whether to remain at your current school or transfer to another one is common. In fact, the Department of Education finds that 25 percent<\/a> of students who start a four-year public or private school transfer at some point of their college career.<\/p>\n

There are many reasons students decide to transfer. Their current school may not offer the major they want or the social life they desire. They may want somewhere closer or, perhaps, farther from home. Financial circumstances often play a role in the transfer decision, as well.<\/p>\n

Switching schools is a personal decision that every student should make for themselves. When it makes sense, transferring out can be a smart move. Still, some students often question if it is the right thing to do. They may be worried about the changes the big move can bring\u2014and that fear may keep them stuck in a school or program they don\u2019t really love.<\/p>\n

Should you stay or should you go? That is the critical question at hand. If you are considering transferring colleges, read on. Here, we will share the top five questions to ask yourself as you ponder the heavy question: \u201cShould I transfer colleges?\u201d Your answers can help you determine whether or not you should make the move.<\/p>\n

1. <\/strong>Am I In a Program That Fulfills My Goals?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The first thing to consider, when deciding whether or not to transfer, is the program that you are currently enrolled in. Does your current school offer the program you need to attain your future career? Does it align with your professional goals and interests? Is it being offered at the right degree level for a successful future, or will you need further education down the road? Is there a clear roadmap between your current program and your career objectives?<\/p>\n

The right program will challenge you and prepare you for the career of your dreams. Many students go to college without knowing what they want to do, and a high percentage change majors during their course of study. If you are considering transferring colleges, you will want to find a program that will equip you with the knowledge and skills that you\u2019ll need in your future career path.<\/p>\n

If the answers to these questions lead you to believe another school or program could be a better fit, it may be worth making the transfer.<\/p>\n

2. <\/strong>Would My Current Credits Transfer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Another practical consideration to make is how<\/em> a transfer would impact your progress to date. Some colleges do not accept certain credits, depending on the schools from where they come. Check with the institution you are interested in to make sure your prior courses will transfer over, so you do not lose progress on your time and money already invested.<\/p>\n

Transferring from one school to another can be challenging, but there are schools that work to make the process as seamless as possible for incoming students. At Goodwin University, for example, most of your credits never expire. Over half of all new students have transferred from other schools<\/a>, and previous learning is typically evaluated in less than one business day.<\/p>\n

3. <\/strong>Does it Make Sense Financially<\/em> to Switch or Stay?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The cost of a college \u2013 and the cost of a college transfer itself \u2013 is an important factor to consider. If your financial circumstances have changed, and you find that you simply cannot afford the college you are currently enrolled in, you may want to consider a switch. Or, perhaps, you are looking to move to a more advanced program, but the cost increase will be incredibly burdensome. The physical move can bring a financial impact, as well, particularly if moving and increased housing costs are a part of the transition.<\/p>\n

Before you make any decisions, consult your current and your prospective school\u2019s financial aid office<\/a>, to find out what your options are and whether it is worth it to move. Goodwin University has one of the lowest tuition costs for private, nonprofit colleges in the state, and 98 percent of undergraduates receive financial aid.<\/p>\n

4. <\/strong>What are the Pros and Cons of Each School?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When making a big decision, it always helps to make a pros and cons list. Think about the overall appeal of your current college. What made you choose this school? Was it your first-choice school, or was it a fallback? Did you choose this school for the social element \u2013 i.e. other friends attending or close proximity to home? If the reason(s) you chose your current school do not fit within your overall, big picture goals, it may be time to reevaluate your decision.<\/p>\n

If your current school offers a solid program, but there is little flexibility in the curriculum, or there is little support from the professors or administrators, you may want to weigh that, as well. Consider how much each pro and con means to you<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Some factors to consider, and qualities to look for, include:<\/p>\n