Internal Transfer at BU

Does anyone know how difficult it is to switch colleges within Boston University? I'm currently in one college at BU but considering a transfer to another. What should I keep in mind during this process?

Transferring between colleges within the same university, also known as "internal transfer," often has a different process compared to transferring from one university to another. Even so, it's important to carefully consider your decision and plan accordingly.

Before you begin, get yourself familiarized with Boston University's specific internal transfer policies and get in touch with your academic advisor. They will be able to provide clear guidance on the process and help you understand the academic requirements and implications of your transfer.

It's also crucial to understand the requirements of the new college you’re interested in. BU's different colleges and programs might have different prerequisite courses or GPA requirements for internal transfers. For example, if you're moving from a humanities program to a program in the sciences, you would typically need some foundational coursework in science. So ensuring that you have or are working towards meeting these requirements is important.

The process could also require an application. This might include a personal statement or essay outlining why you want to transfer and how it aligns with your academic or career goals. This should be specific, clear, and focused.

Additionally, think about the timing. There may be specific deadlines or periods during the academic year when BU allows internal transfers.

Lastly, ensure that the transfer aligns with your future goals and interests. You'll want to be sure that making this switch will benefit you in the long term and is not only a short-term decision.

It's important to remember that success in an internal transfer can be contingent on your current academic standing, the availability in the new program, and whether or not you meet the new program's prerequisites. It doesn't tend to be nearly as competitive as external transfers, but you should nevertheless approach it with seriousness.

Remember to keep open communication with your advisors and administrators during the process and make sure you understand all the steps that need to be taken.