One of the great aspects of studying in the US is the flexibility you have. Transferring is one such option. The transfer system in the US allows students to move from one university to another during their course of studies. Transferring is so common now that over 30% of US students transfer at least once during their time at college.


The transfer process?

A transfer means starting studies at one university and then moving to another university before graduation. When a student graduates, they receive a diploma from the university they transferred to (it does not include the universities they may have attended before). The transfer process is not difficult, but it is important to work with an advisor or counselor to get all the information required.

International students can also make use of the transfer system. If you hold an F-1 visa, you must take the following documents to your current college:

  • Written confirmation of acceptance from a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) college
  • Contact information for the new college
  • The Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS) school code for the new college

The current college will then process the transfer.

Why Transfer?

There are many reasons why students want to transfer. In the past, one of the most common transfers were by students transferring from a two-year college, such as a community college or junior college, to a four-year college. But now, universities are seeing more students transferring between four-year colleges. The reasons for a transfer can be diverse. A change in circumstances; moving from a public to a private university or vice versa; moving from a bigger to a smaller college, or transferring to a university that offers specific courses or a major a student is interested in. Students may even want to just change location or transfer to a more prestigious university.

Transfers are also becoming more common because universities are making it easier for students to do so. Many accept more transfer credits, which means students don’t have to re-take courses. Some colleges waive fees and honor existing scholarships and some even offer transfer scholarships.

Famous Transfers

Many famous people have used the university transfer system to their advantage. Here are a few famous people you might know who have transferred. Former US President Barack Obama started his undergraduate education at Occidental College in Los Angeles and transferred to Columbia University in New York. American investor and financial guru, Warren Buffet, started at Wharton Business School in Philadelphia and transferred to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Creator of Star Wars, George Lucas, started his studies at Modesto Junior College and transferred to University of Southern California to attend the School of Cinematic Arts.