Switching Between Colleges at Boston University

I'm currently at one of Boston University's colleges but thinking about transferring to another within the same university. What should I know about the internal transfer process? Are there any particular challenges?

Transferring between colleges within Boston University is quite common and generally not too complicated, but it depends on the colleges you're moving from and to. To start with, the most critical thing to remember is ensuring that this move aligns with your academic and career goals.

Since every school within Boston University has its own curriculum and unique set of requirements, you need to compare these between your current school and the one you wish to transfer to. Some programs may be more impacted than others, which could potentially affect your application.

One of the first steps is to speak with an academic advisor. They will help you understand whether your current credits will transfer into your new degree program and whether the switch might delay your intended graduation date.

Next, you should look at the specific requirements of the school you're considering transferring to. This could include having a certain GPA, completing prerequisite courses, or writing additional essays. Every school within the university has its own policies on internal transfers, so be sure to familiarize yourself with them. In order to IUT, you must have a cumulative BU GPA of 2.0 or higher, you must have earned at least 12 credits in your original school or college, and you must successfully meet the Gateway criteria of the new college.

A significant part of the internal transfer process at BU involves crafting a compelling reason for your decision. As part of the application, you'll likely need to write a personal statement explaining why you want to transfer and how the new college or program better fits your academic interests and career goals.

Finally, do keep in mind the deadlines. Transfers between colleges within BU are typically considered at certain times of the year, like the end of the spring semester, so you'll want to start the process in plenty of time.

While BU tries to make the process as smooth as possible, it does require careful planning and strategic thinking. So, start early, do your research, and seek advice from academic advisors to ensure a successful transition.