How difficult is it to transfer between colleges at Cornell?

I'm considering starting at one college within Cornell and might want to transfer to another. How hard is that process? Are there specific GPA requirements or other things I should know about?

Internal transfers between colleges at Cornell can indeed be a process, but it's certainly doable. It’s important to note though that each college within Cornell typically has its own requirements for internal transfers, which can include a minimum GPA, specific course prerequisites, and additional essay questions.

Generally, the internal transfer process requires a full semester or more spent in your original college, but you typically need to apply for the internal transfer by the end of your third semester. A minimum GPA is typically required, but it may vary by the college you're seeking to transfer to.

For example, if you’re intending to transfer to the College of Engineering, you would be expected to have taken specific courses in math and science, and a high GPA, particularly in these subjects, can be crucial. If you're aiming for the School of Industrial and Labor Relations on the other hand, they would consider your academic understanding of labor relations practice in addition to your GPA.

Before making a decision to transfer, you should meet with college specific advisors, who can provide detailed information and guide you through the process. They can provide you with plenty of helpful advice and help you understand the specific steps involved in the internal transfer process at Cornell.

Keep in mind that the specific requirements can vary greatly depending on which college within Cornell you're transferring to, as well as factors including course sequence and timing. So, the process may not be the same for every student. It's best to keep in regular contact with your advisor and check the college’s requirements frequently to ensure you're on track. Remember, there’s no guarantee that an internal transfer request will be granted, but making the effort to meet all the requirements will definitely increase your chances.

Lastly, successfully transferring internally does not necessarily mean that all your credits will transfer. This can depend on the specific requirements of the college you are transferring to, so it's worth checking beforehand to plan your course sequence accordingly.