What services do college transfer advocates provide?

I'm considering transferring colleges and heard about college transfer advocate services. Can someone explain what they actually do and how they might help me during the transfer process?

College transfer advocates, as the name suggests, advocate for students who are looking to transfer from one college to another. Their primary goal is to ensure a smooth, efficient, and successful transfer process.

Here is a breakdown of some services they usually provide:

1. Advice on Transferability of Credits: One key aspect that transfer advocates help with is to ensure that most, if not all, of your credits from your current institution get transferred to your new institution. They help you understand the policies of potential universities you are considering for a transfer regarding the acceptance of credits.

2. Application Assistance: Advocates provide guidance on completing your application, including brainstorming and feedback on personal statements or essays. They provide accurate information about deadlines, documentation, and prerequisites.

3. Selecting a Target School: They help you research potential universities, taking into account various aspects such as your preferred major, location, finances, and campus culture, among others, to find the best fit for you.

4. Navigating Administrative Processes: Transfer advocates can help you understand and navigate the sometimes complex administrative processes involved in transferring. They can guide you through specific steps such as obtaining transcripts from your current institution, coordinating with the admissions office at the potential university, and more.

5. Financial Aid Guidance: Advocates can guide you through the financial aid process at your new institution, helping you understand what aid you may be eligible for and how to apply for it.

6. Academic and Career Counseling: Lastly, college transfer advocates provide academic and career advice, helping you understand how the transfer might impact your long-term academic/career goals.

Keep in mind the offerings might vary from one advocate to another. Therefore, when choosing an advocate, it's beneficial to have a detailed conversation about your individual needs and how they can assist you.