Common Application for transfer students?

I'm currently in my first year of college and I'm considering transferring to a different school for my sophomore year. Does anyone know if transfer students can use the Common Application to apply? And if so, is the process any different from the one for high school seniors?

Yes, transfer students can use the Common Application to apply to participating colleges. The Common App offers a separate application for transfer students called the Common App for Transfer, specifically designed for students seeking to transfer between colleges. While the general process of filling out the application is similar to the one for high school seniors, there are some differences that you should be aware of:

1. Academic Information: As a transfer student, you'll be required to provide details about your current college courses and any previous college coursework, in addition to your high school information.

2. College Report: The Common App for Transfer requires submission of a College Report, which is a document completed by a college official at your current institution. The report confirms your enrollment status, academic and disciplinary standing, and other pertinent information.

3. Professor Evaluations: You will need to obtain evaluations from one or two professors at your current college, depending on the requirements set by the college(s) you're applying to. These evaluations provide insight into your academic performance and engagement at the college level.

4. Transfer-Specific Essay: The Common App for Transfer includes a prompt for a transfer-specific essay, which focuses on your reasons for transferring and how you believe the new college will help you achieve your academic and personal goals.

5. Additional Material: Some colleges may require further documentation or supplemental essays specific to their institution or to transfer applicants. Make sure to review each college's transfer admission requirements to know what is expected of you.

In addition to these differences, keep in mind that colleges may have varying deadlines for transfer applications, so it's crucial to stay organized and be aware of each institution's timeline. Good luck with your transfer application process!