How Do I Transfer to UPenn from Boston College?

I'm currently a student at Boston College but want to transfer to UPenn. Can anyone share experiences or advice on how to make this happen, especially focusing on the application and credit transfer process?

Transferring to another university such as UPenn from Boston College can be an involved process but is achievable with the right guidance.

Firstly, make sure you understand why you want to make this change. UPenn will ask for your reasons in the transfer essay, which is a critical part of your application. They'll want to know why you believe UPenn is a better fit for you and how it matches your academic and career goals.

In terms of the application process, you will need to provide your high school transcripts, college transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and recommendation letters. UPenn recommends transfer applicants have one or two academic letters of recommendation. This could be from a professor or an instructor who can speak to your intellectual abilities and potential for success at UPenn.

Remember that UPenn is looking at your overall college performance, not just your high school record. Perform well, and aim for a GPA higher than 3.0, given UPenn's competitive nature.

To make your application stand out, it's crucial to have extracurricular activities that align with your specific field of interest. The intent is to show that you are dedicated to the particular field you've chosen.

Remember that transferring does not mean your chosen major is confirmed. When you transfer to UPenn, you will apply to one of the four undergraduate schools (College of Arts and Sciences, Wharton, Nursing, and Engineering and Applied Sciences), and you declare your major in the middle of your sophomore year or the beginning of your junior year.

In regards to transferring credits, UPenn typically accepts credits from liberal arts and science courses that align with their curriculum. The transferred course should have a grade of at least C, and it must be similar to a course offered at UPenn.

Once the admissions team formally admits you as a student, the appropriate academic department will evaluate your coursework to assess the course equivalencies. Each school at UPenn has its transfer credit policy and not all credits may transfer over. Note that the number of transferred credits will impact your status as a sophomore or junior at UPenn. It often helps if you have the syllabi from your completed courses to prove the content aligns with UPenn's course content.

UPenn has a deadline of March 15th for transfer applications. Applicants hear back by mid-May.

Start preparing early, and good luck with your application!