How does the common app work for college transfers?

I'm planning to transfer to another college and need to use the Common App for the process. How do I add a new college to my application? Are there any tips or common pitfalls I should be aware of?

The Common App for transfer students operates somewhat similarly to the first-year application, but it caters specifically to the needs and experiences of transfer students.

To add a college to your application, you will need to search for that college within the Common App system. When you've found the college, you can add it to your My Colleges list. This college then appears on your dashboard, and you can start to fill in the details required. Each of the colleges on your dashboard will have their own specific requirements and deadlines, so it's important to take note of these.

Additionally, as a transfer student, you'll be asked for different types of information. You'll need to supply information about your high school education and courses, just like first-year applicants, but you'll also need to include detailed information about all the post-secondary institutions you've attended, any courses you've completed at those institutions, and your reasons for seeking to transfer.

Each college might have its own specific questions or essay prompts for transfer students, so be prepared to spend time on these. They may ask why you want to transfer and what you hope to achieve at their institution, so take your time crafting those responses. It's important to answer honestly and thoughtfully, showing how you have grown academically and personally in your previous college(s) and what you can bring to their campus.

A common pitfall to avoid is not clearly explaining why you’re seeking to transfer or glossing over the experiences that have led you to make this decision. Admissions committees like to understand why their college is appealing to you as a transfer student and how you plan to contribute to the community. Another pitfall is missing out on sending all needed documents. As a transfer student you'll need to ensure that both your high school and college transcripts get sent along with any letters of recommendation. If you miss out on sending any of these documents, it can cost you an admission offer.

Remember to keep track of the deadlines for each college since they can vary and some may be quite early. It can all feel like a lot, but staying organized, tracking all your requirements, and setting aside enough time to give each part of the application process the attention it deserves will make it manageable. Good luck with your transfer process!