Transferring to Ithaca College - What to Expect?

I'm thinking about transferring to Ithaca College. Can anyone share their experience with the process? I’d like to know about both the academic aspects and the social life to see if it's a good fit for me.

As someone who's guided many students through the transfer process, I'm happy to provide a comprehensive preview of transferring to Ithaca College.

Let's start with the academic aspects. Ithaca College is known for its practical approach to learning with its emphasis on professional and performance orientation. Particularly, programs in Communications, Music, Business, Health Sciences, and Clinical Sciences are highly regarded. Students often cite the strength of the faculty and the engaging, hands-on curriculum as highlights of the academic experience. The college follows a semester-based calendar.

When it comes to credit transfer, you would need to check with your admissions counselor to ensure your past credits will be honored, but most often, general ed and major-specific courses will transfer from accredited institutions.

Beyond academics, adjusting to the social life at Ithaca will depend on your personality and interests. Ithaca is, first and foremost, a college town since it hosts both Ithaca College and Cornell University. The student life is vibrant with over 200 clubs and organizations offering ample opportunities for students to participate in a range of activities and interests. However, it's also essential to note that Ithaca College' campus is in a somewhat rural location, which some people love for its natural beauty and access to outdoor activities, but others may find limiting in terms of more urban amenities.

Your experience can also vary significantly depending on the resident hall you are assigned to. Some halls are more social and host events frequently, while others are quieter. It’s likely that you’ll be living with other transfer students or upper-level students given your class standing.

When it comes to on-campus dining, Ithaca College offers numerous options ranging from large dining halls to smaller cafes.

Finally, remember that transferring can sometimes be a challenging process - you'll be adjusting to a new academic system, making new friends, and even navigating a different campus. So, it's normal to feel a bit overwhelmed at first, but there is a community ready to welcome you. Ithaca College has resources in place to help transfer students make this transition as smoothly as possible. For instance, the college hosts an orientation for new transfer students where they provide information about campus resources and let you connect with other new students.

Remember, it's ultimately the sum of multiple factors - academics, social life, campus culture, location, and general fit - that makes a college right for you. Good luck with your decision!