How to Transfer to a New College

This is the latest entry in our Admissions Insider series which is written by students for other students and their families.

So, you are looking to transfer to a new college. As you might imagine, transferring schools can be a little daunting. You may have some questions, including…

Where should I go?

Finding a new college to transfer to can be a tough decision—you want to find a place that is right for you. Each year, thousands of students find their dream college right here in Vermont. If you enjoy skiing or snowboarding, Vermont should be high on your list. Some Vermont colleges even offer discounted lift tickets and season passes to the various mountains in the state. Although winter in Vermont is pretty amazing, this state is breathtaking in every season. Champlain College is just a stone’s throw from picturesque Lake Champlain and downtown Burlington. Imagine waking up to the view of a gorgeous lake and spectacular mountains every single day!

Will my credits transfer?

When looking to transfer colleges, this question may be the biggest one on your mind. In order to graduate on time, transfer students will need to carry over a number of credits. While most colleges allow you to transfer a few credits, some schools will work closely with you to make sure you receive credit for as many classes as possible. Champlain College offers an individualized and personal approach to transfer students. An Admissions Counselor will provide you with a transfer credit evaluation and your Advisors will work with you one-on-one to set you up for success. They’ll continue to support you as a student, and even as you start your career. Before you transfer, ask questions and research the colleges you are interested in because your decision could come down to which school will transfer the most credits.

Will I fit in at my new college?

When transferring to a new college, you’ll want to make sure you feel like you belong in your new home. It can be scary to experience a new place and be surrounded by people you don’t know. Thankfully, many colleges offer ways to ease you into your new life and make your experience the best it can be. Almost every college offers a wide variety of clubs and organizations you can join. At Champlain, some of these clubs include the Rugby Club, Esports Club, Ski & Ride Club, and various Leadership clubs, just to name a few.

Another way to see how you might fit in is to tour the schools you are looking at. Visiting campus can give you a good sense of what the college is like and help you get to know some of your future classmates. While making your decision, make sure you consider the size of a school. A large college may offer more clubs and organizations but it may not give you the tight-knit community you can find at a smaller school.

Will I get a job after graduating?

Many college students fear they won’t be able to get a job after graduation, so it’s important to pick a school with robust career services and proven career success. Make sure the schools you are researching have high job placement and career success rates. College is one of the most important investments you’ll make in your lifetime; you should graduate feeling confident about your future. A college’s career-success rate is one of the best indicators of what lies ahead. Pay close attention to these statistics to determine how successful your investment will be. Don’t judge a college merely by its shiny new buildings. Robust career resources will be far more important to your future success!

Smaller colleges often boast the best job placement rates because their individualized approach help students land jobs and internships. Providing students with a career-focused and relevant education is Champlain’s primary mission. 94% of the Class of 2018 are employed or continuing education just six months post-graduation. This percentage is far above national averages, and it shows how Champlain’s career-focused approach pays off.

Transferring to a new college can be challenging, but the process can be a whole lot easier if you do your research and make the right choice for you. To find out how simple transferring can be, please follow this link to Champlain College’s transfer student section.