Deciphering External Transfer College Admissions

I've seen the term 'external transfer' regarding colleges. Can someone explain what it means and how the application process might differ from internal transfers within the same university system?

External transfers pertain to students who are enrolled in an institution and are seeking to transfer to a different institution. It is less like changing majors and more like applying to a university for the first time, as the student is transitioning from one university to another entirely separate one.

The process often involves similar elements to first-time college applications, such as the common application or the college's application, academic transcripts from both high school and the current college, recommendation letters (usually from college professors), and sometimes an essay specifically about why you want to transfer. Furthermore, be sure you meet the new college's transfer application deadline, as they often differ from first-time admission deadlines.

It's important to note that most universities have a minimum credit requirement that external transfer students need to meet. They also pay close attention to your grades and performance at the college you're currently attending. The success of an external transfer often relies heavily on your academic achievements in your present college.

By contrast, an internal transfer refers to a student transferring between colleges or schools within the same university system. For instance, a student might transfer from a university's College of Arts and Sciences to its College of Engineering. Internal transfer policies and procedures change based on the institution but usually involve a separate intra-university application, discussions with academic advisors, and other administrative processes.

Keep in mind that each school within a university possesses different acceptance rates and criteria for transfer students, so it's important to thoroughly research the requirements for your specific situation. For both types of transfers, it's recommended to discuss your options with an academic advisor or counselor to make informed decisions about transferring.