How to prepare for the transfer

Things to consider before you transfer
Every student has his or her reasons for wanting to switch schools. Maybe you didn't want to go there in the first place, maybe you had a bad experience, perhaps this major really isn't right for you, or maybe you want to be closer to someone or something (i.e. the beach). Whatever your reason for thinking about a transfer, there are several important things to consider before applying to that new school:

• Why do you want to transfer? Is that a good reason?
• What are you going to study at the new school? How will the courses you already have fit into your new curriculum?
• Does your school already offer your major of choice? If so, are your other reasons for transferring really worth the hassle?
• What else have you learned about the new school that makes you want to go there? Have you visited the campus?

Answering these questions takes a lot of research, both personally and academically. It is important for the student to know why he wants to transfer for himself, as well as what he hopes to accomplish after making the move. Being familiar with the new curriculum is vital. If a student goes into advisement completely devoid of curriculum knowledge, he or she is subject to losing credits because the adviser can be open to suggestions.

One helpful exercise a student can do is creating a course plan. Study the requirements of the new major, and then write the courses you have taken already that you think would satisfy each requirement. Create a plan of courses to take each semester until all the requirements are satisfied. If you present this type of work to an adviser, not only will you be his or her new favorite student, but also the adviser can approve your plan, tell you why certain things won't work, and/or give you ways to improve the plan.

Possible upsets
Even with the proper research, there may be some snags along the way. When I transferred to the University of Georgia from Gordon College, I was confused as to why one of the areas I completed at Gordon did not transfer as complete. The requirements for these areas are not identical at both schools, and I really did not want to take another math or science course. One of my biology classes had been placed into general electives instead of the appropriate math/science area of the core curriculum. I simply went to the college of my major, asked who I needed to speak with (who happened to be someone in the Graduation Certification Office), and got her to override the credit into the right place. Yes, this was a bit of a chore and I would rather it have been done the right the first time, but it was relatively easy. I just explained to her that I had already completed the area at another USG institution, she gladly granted the override that moment.

Staying focused
The best thing a student can do besides research is asking questions, lots of questions. If someone gives you an answer you don't like, or if they don't know the answer, ask if there is someone else you can speak to or if they know which department you could contact for more accurate information.