Transferring Among the Claremont Colleges

I'm interested in transferring between the Claremont Colleges but not sure how common or feasible it is. Does anyone have insights or tips on the process and what challenges I might face?

The Claremont Colleges are a consortium of seven highly respected institutions in Southern California. The beauty of this consortium is that each college maintains its own distinctive character and mission, yet students enjoy the advantages of a larger university by having shared access to resources and the ability to cross-register for classes.

When it comes to transferring between these colleges, each has its own rules, but it's generally not an uncommon or difficult process. The first step would be to meet with your academic advisor or a staff member from the Registrar's Office to discuss your intentions. They can guide you through the process, which usually involves filling out an intercollegiate transfer application.

Remember, when transferring you'll still need to meet the academic requirements of the prospective college and space availability can be a factor. The specific major you'd like to pursue may also influence your transfer decision. For instance, Pitzer has a strong program in environmental analysis while Claremont McKenna is known for government and economics.

Getting your completed coursework accepted is typically not a problem since all Claremont Colleges follow a similar curriculum structure, but it would be wise to verify which credits will transfer over and how they will apply to your intended degree.

One consideration is that transferring colleges might affect your housing, as the housing systems differ among the colleges. Also, if you're receiving financial aid, it's crucial to speak with the Financial Aid office at your prospective college to understand any changes that might occur.

In the end, transferring within the Claremont Colleges usually comes down to whether a different college better meets your academic or personal growth needs. Be clear about your reasons for wanting to transfer and be proactive in seeking out information and advice.