Tips for the Common App's College Transfer Report

I'm working on my applications to transfer schools using the Common App. Can someone break down what the College Transfer Report involves and how I should approach it?

The College Transfer Report is a form that your current university fills out for your college transfer application, and is a crucial part of the Common App for transfer students.

The primary purpose of this report is to provide the colleges you're applying to with information about your academic performance and standing at your current institution. The form typically includes details about your GPA, your credit hours, your dates of attendance, and whether you're in good academic and disciplinary standing.

To approach it, follow these steps:

1. Identify who should fill out the report: This is important because it should be someone who is familiar with your academic progress and standing. In many instances, this might be a dean, registrar, or academic advisor. However, the appropriateness of who fills out the form can vary from college to college, so you need to double-check your university's policies.

2. Give them plenty of time: The form is filled out by a college official from your current institution, so you want to ensure you give them plenty of time to complete the report. You should notify them well in advance, as they might be helping other students as well.

3. Provide detailed information: Make sure the college official has all the information they need to complete the report. This includes your Common App ID, the colleges that you're applying to, and any relevant deadlines.

4. Follow-up: Regularly check the status of your College Transfer Report through the Common App system. If the form isn't submitted by the deadline, your application will be incomplete, which can significantly affect your chances of admission. Be sure to follow up with the college official if the time is running close to the deadline.

Remember, the College Transfer Report does not replace your college transcripts. Those must be sent separately, but they carry similar information. Ensure that your transcripts are also sent on time to all colleges you're applying to transfer to. Good luck!