Do transfer students need to worry about high school grades?

Since I'm considering transferring colleges, I'm curious if my high school grades will still matter in the process. Are they factored into my transfer application or is it mostly about college performance?

It's great that you're considering the details of the college transfer process. While college performance, including your current college grade point average and the courses you've taken, takes center stage in the transfer admissions process, high school grades can still play a role depending on the college and your current college standing.

If you're in your first year of college or applying for transfer admission during your first year, colleges may want to see your high school transcript since you have only a small amount of college coursework completed. They often request these transcripts as a way to better understand your academic foundation as they evaluate your college coursework.

For students who have been in college for two years or more, high school grades will typically matter less - with the focus shifting more substantially to college coursework and involvement in college-level activities. This shows that you've adapted well to the college environment and can perform at the academic level required.

Remember, each institution has its own policies, and some may still want to see your high school transcript no matter how many college courses you have completed. When planning to transfer, it's crucial to research the specific requirements of the institution you're applying to.

Just like with your initial college application, your overall profile (college GPA, course rigor, essays, recommendation letters, etc.) will be considered in making an admissions decision. Try to focus on doing well in your current college classes, being involved on campus, and clearly stating your reasons for wanting to transfer in your application.