What is a transfer student in college?

Can someone explain what exactly a transfer student is in a college context? I'm just trying to understand how transferring might work if I decide to switch schools after starting somewhere else.

A transfer student is typically defined as a student who begins their post-secondary education at one institution and then moves to another institution to complete their degree. This move can occur at any point in a student's college career.

There are several reasons why a student might choose to transfer, such as wanting to pursue a specific major not offered at their current school, realizing they prefer a different area (urban vs. rural, for example), looking for more opportunities (research, networking, internships), or needing to be closer to home for personal reasons.

The transferring process typically involves submitting an application that includes your academic transcripts from all previously attended colleges. The receiving college will then assess your transcripts to determine the extent to which your previous coursework can be applied towards their degree requirements.

It's important to note that transferring colleges may affect the timeline of your degree completion. For example, some credits may not transfer or be applicable to your new degree requirements at your new institution, meaning you might have to take additional courses. As a result, this might extend the time it would take you to complete your degree.

Each school has its unique process and deadlines for transfer admissions, so it is crucial to thoroughly research the schools you are considering transferring to ensure you understand their requirements and can submit all the appropriate materials on time.

One last thing to note: many colleges have resources and support services to assist transfer students in this process, to make it as smooth as possible. They might provide guidance on choosing courses, evaluating which credits will transfer, and acclimating to your new school community.