The Transfer Times

Students who would like to transfer for Fall 2006 need to be working now to make it happen. This chart shows typical application deadlines at some sample schools. In general, students should aim to have applications for most schools finished by March 1 for maximum consideration for both admission and financial aid. Applying earlier is a better idea. When looking at other schools, be sure to note transfer application deadlines rather than freshman deadlines.

1. Complete the application for admission - for best consideration for admission and for scholarships & financial aid, apply well before suggested deadlines. Aim for February 1st (or earlier!) for most schools.

2. Apply on-line when possible. This is a faster method and allows you to track your application's progress.

3. Request that an official copy of your MC transcript be sent to the school(s) of interest. There is a $5 fee per transcript. If you are applying to a Maryland public four-year institution, your transcript will be sent electronically. This is how four-year schools prefer to receive your transcript - do NOT hand-carry transcripts to UMCP - this will slow up your application process.

4. If you have fewer than 30 credits showing on your transcript at the time of application, you will probably be asked to submit your high school record and SAT scores as well. Don't worry over this - your college performance is the deciding factor in most cases, not your high school information. Go to your former high school guidance office to request a transcript to send with your admissions application.

5. Most schools will not begin to consider transfer applications until March 1. You should, however, get something back acknowledging that your application was received. If you don't hear anything from the school 4 weeks after submitting the application, contact them to verify that it arrived.

6. The essay - don't agonize over it, get it done! YES, it's important, but it is not THE determining factor (your grades in college classes are the most important point for admissions). Ask for help at the MC Writing Center, or from a professor or counselor - and be sure to proofread your final draft.

7. If you have any telephone conversations with an admissions office representative about your application, be sure to write down the name of the person who spoke with you.

8. Recommendations from college instructors - submit these IF they are required. Some schools may not request recommendations - they will admit you primarily on the basis of your college record.

9. When requesting recommendations from professors, allow a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the deadline. Provide the professor with a brief resume of your experience and academic goals (here's a link to an information questionnaire you can fill in for instructors) - this gives the professor the ability to elaborate on your good points and interests. If you're going to apply to multiple schools, give the instructor all the forms at once, or warn them that more are coming - most will save the letters that they write in case additional letters are needed.

Factors in Choosing A College (from The College Board)

Take your time in selecting the four-year institution where you'll earn your bachelor's degree. Choosing a college is a big decision, both financially and personally. Think about each of these factors before you use a college search program to develop a list of possible schools:

Compare the lists from two or more programs to be certain that you've included all schools that may have your major and other important factors.

Also check with each transfer school of interest. For most schools, you can type "scholarships" in the search box on the home page to zoom you to the right spot. Pay close attention to deadlines, and good luck! Remember, too, that most scholarship programs require that you file a FAFSA, www.fafsa.ed.gov/ even if you know that you won't qualify for aid based on need. The FAFSA for Fall 2006 can be filed starting January 1, 2006.