May 9 (edited) • 🎓 Strategy Posts
🏫 2️⃣ Transfer vs First-Year Application Requirements
In yesterday’s post, we covered why transferring can be a smart option, depending on your situation. Now let’s see what’s actually required—and how transfer apps differ from first-year applications.
And btw, even if this feels irrelevant to you, it might be helpful to know as future back-up option 🤍
1️⃣ Academic Record 📚
- Required: Full college transcript (all courses + grades); some schools also ask for your high school transcript (less weight).
- Key difference: First-years focus on high school; transfers are judged mostly on college performance.
2️⃣ Personal Statement ✍️
- Required: A transfer essay explaining why you’re transferring, why this school, and your academic goals.
- Key difference: First-years focus on intimate and personal growth; transfers must focus on academic direction and clear fit.
3️⃣ Recommendation Letters ✉️
- Required: Usually 1–2 letters from college professors/advisors; some ask for a counselor letter too.
- Key difference: First-years use high school teachers; transfers need college faculty who know their current work.
4️⃣ Activities & Extracurriculars ⭐
- Required: A list of current activities, work, leadership, or community service.
- Key difference: First-years emphasize school clubs; transfers can highlight jobs, internships, family responsibilities, or personal projects.
5️⃣ Tests 📝
- Required: Varies—often test-optional for transfers.
- Key difference: Tests matter less for transfers; college GPA is more important.
6️⃣ Mid-Term Reports 🗂️
- Required: Some schools ask for a mid-term grade report from current professors (i e not final grades, just progress mid-term)
- Key difference: Not part of first-year apps.
7️⃣ Deadlines & Platforms 🗓️
- Common App for many schools; UCs & others have their own portals.
- Deadlines: Feb–Apr for most; UC transfer = November.
- Key difference: Later deadlines than first-year apps but less time between applying & decisions.
👉 Tomorrow’s post (finally!): How to write a strong transfer application!
6
5 comments
🏫 2️⃣ Transfer vs First-Year Application Requirements
powered by
skool.com/the-ivy-wizard-2876
🎓 Free group for students applying to U.S. colleges — run by The Ivy Wizard (Harvard x2, Oxford). Strategy made accessible.
Suggested communities
Powered by