Didn't get into your dream school? Here's what to do next...

​If you are less-than-thrilled about your upcoming university experience, there’s still hope.

To begin, there’s a big chance that you will end up loving the institution you are attending. Just because you don’t think you’ll love your school now doesn’t mean you won’t come to enjoy it after you settle in, start classes, and form a friend group. But, if your needs and desires are not met at your current institution, you always have the option of transferring.

Some students and their families consider transferring to be challenging or, worse yet, a failure. But in truth, it is extremely common in the United States. In fact, 37% of students transfer schools at least once throughout their undergraduate career. Some students transfer for financial reasons, some because they need time to develop academically or personally, and others because they simply did not put together a strong application the first time.

So what should you do if you plan on transferring?

1. Put together a realistic list of reach, match, and safety schools that fit your academic and career goals. Conduct online research; connect with admissions representatives, professors, and current students; visit campuses in person or online.
2. Get involved at your current school. You need to put together an impressive transfer application, so get high grades, join campus clubs or activities, and get to know your professors for future recommendation letters.
3. Enroll in classes that will transfer. Not all course credits transfer between institutions. By making sure your class credits transfer, you will save yourself a lot of time and money in the long run. If you aren’t sure whether a class will transfer or not, check with your campus counseling office.
4. Begin your personal statement. Because admissions committees are concerned about their yield rates (which factor into school rankings) they want to make sure transfer students have strong educational and career goals and are committed to their institutions. The sooner you start putting your argument together, the better.
5. Plan to transfer in the fall rather than the spring. Not only are there more transfer spots open in the fall, but transferring at the beginning of the school year will allow you better course options and put you in a better position to make friends. To start in the fall, you will need to submit your transfer applications sometime between December and June, depending on the university.

I have helped many students successfully transfer into their dream schools. Please reach out if I can help you do the same.

Here’s what a few clients from the 2017-2018 cycle have had to say about my services: