2008 Woodie Awards
Transferring tips
Dawn Hughes
Issue date: 2/15/07 Section: Features
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Transferring schools can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Many people remember the hours they spent on their college applications. Transferring often forces the student to go through this process again.
This list of suggestions is a compilation of knowledge from transfer students' at Lakeland and other colleges. Many students face at least one of these difficulties while going through the transfer process.
Problem: Finding a school that is right for you.
Solution: Students transfer for a number of reasons. They may be dissatisfied with the size, student body, or academic issues. Students should look for a school with a pleasing campus life and academic challenge. Take into consideration class and campus size when making your decision.
Problem: Credits won't transfer or your classes don't meet requirements for your new school.
Solution: If you know you might be transferring take general courses first. Also, if some of your courses don't meet the requirements, make sure you are still getting numerical credit for them, at least they may count toward elective credits. Keep open communication with your admissions counselor, so you know what the requirements are and how you can meet them.
Problem: Financial aid and scholarships don't come in.
Solution: Many financial institutions are willing to waive the application fee if you are transferring, especially if you apply early in the year. Some financial institutions have special scholarships or grants for transfer students. Talk to the financial aid advisors for help with student loans and grants.
Problem: Adapting to a new school and new social circles.
Solution: Get to know people in your classes. Check out some interesting clubs and organizations on campus that appeal to you. Go to school events like dances, talent nights, festivals, or concerts/shows to meet people who have the same interests you do.
Problem: Getting used to new teachers and tests.
Solution: Approach your professors with questions about what they expect from you and how you should study for their class. It's always a good idea to ask your professors for help. Some colleges, like Lakeland, even provide tutors if problems persist.
These are just a few of the problems transfer students face, and a couple of suggestions to make the process easier and more fluid.
For information about Lakeland's transfer process or how to make your transfer into Lakeland easier, please contact Sue Bialk, student financial counselor at ext: 1258 or Cary Knier, director of counseling services at ext: 1527
This list of suggestions is a compilation of knowledge from transfer students' at Lakeland and other colleges. Many students face at least one of these difficulties while going through the transfer process.
Problem: Finding a school that is right for you.
Solution: Students transfer for a number of reasons. They may be dissatisfied with the size, student body, or academic issues. Students should look for a school with a pleasing campus life and academic challenge. Take into consideration class and campus size when making your decision.
Problem: Credits won't transfer or your classes don't meet requirements for your new school.
Solution: If you know you might be transferring take general courses first. Also, if some of your courses don't meet the requirements, make sure you are still getting numerical credit for them, at least they may count toward elective credits. Keep open communication with your admissions counselor, so you know what the requirements are and how you can meet them.
Problem: Financial aid and scholarships don't come in.
Solution: Many financial institutions are willing to waive the application fee if you are transferring, especially if you apply early in the year. Some financial institutions have special scholarships or grants for transfer students. Talk to the financial aid advisors for help with student loans and grants.
Problem: Adapting to a new school and new social circles.
Solution: Get to know people in your classes. Check out some interesting clubs and organizations on campus that appeal to you. Go to school events like dances, talent nights, festivals, or concerts/shows to meet people who have the same interests you do.
Problem: Getting used to new teachers and tests.
Solution: Approach your professors with questions about what they expect from you and how you should study for their class. It's always a good idea to ask your professors for help. Some colleges, like Lakeland, even provide tutors if problems persist.
These are just a few of the problems transfer students face, and a couple of suggestions to make the process easier and more fluid.
For information about Lakeland's transfer process or how to make your transfer into Lakeland easier, please contact Sue Bialk, student financial counselor at ext: 1258 or Cary Knier, director of counseling services at ext: 1527
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