The Biggest Myths About Transferring Colleges
If you’re thinking about transferring colleges, then you’re likely feeling overwhelmed. Maybe you’re worried about the financial burden, or if you’ll be able to find classes that fit your needs. There’s a lot of information out there and it can make your head spin with worry and doubt.
On top of that, there are many common myths when it comes to transferring colleges and being a transfer student. That’s why we’re here to shed some light on the truth.
Myth: If I Transfer, it Will Be Hard to Make Friends
Everyone wonders, if they go to a new school, whether people are going to be nice to them and if it will be easy for them to make friends. Every semester brings in new students – some with college credits and others with no college experience. Meeting new students like yourself is a wonderful way to make friends and lasting connections. The National Student Clearinghouse reports that around one-third of all college students transfer schools before earning their degree, so you will not be the only transfer student that semester.
At Keuka College, we’re like family – we even use the term KC Family to describe our community. Our KC Family has more than 30 clubs for students to join and weekly activities that allow the College community to come together. If you want to get a sense of student life before transferring schools, then you should book a campus tour!
Myth: I Won't Be Able to Live on Campus
Many students love the idea of living on campus. It gives them a sense of freedom and responsibility during their education journal. Some students believe that if they transfer schools, they will lose their on-campus housing option. But this is not true at all!
The majority of Keuka College students live on campus. When you transfer, we’ll help you find the best on-campus housing option, so you may be in the same residence halls as other students in your graduating class. We even offer Special Interest Housing for students who share common interests, providing them with weekly and monthly meetings and events.
Myth: If I’m Unsatisfied with My Current College, I’ll Never Find a College Where I’ll Be Happy
Having a bad experience with a college is hard. You’re paying for your college education and putting a lot of time and effort into preparing for your future, so if you’re unhappy, it can be hard to see past that. Luckily, all colleges are different. Each college has different people, majors, student services, and offerings that allow for unique experiences.
For example, if you’re looking for a college where you are going to be able to know and recognize faces, then you might want to investigate a smaller college, like Keuka College, that offers that environment. Before transferring, we always recommend that you tour the campus, meet with your admission advisor, and talk to faculty to make sure your next college feels like home.
Myth: There is No Financial Aid Available for Transfer Students
College is an investment. It takes time, finances, and energy to earn a degree. If you’re a student who’s currently using financial aid to pay for school, you might be worried that the aid won’t follow you to a new school. A common way students receive financial aid is by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is determined by the federal government. The money granted through the FAFSA is available for students no matter what college they attend.
Merit or academic scholarships provided by the first college you attended would not transfer, since the scholarship is specific to that school. However, in an effort to keep higher education affordable for all students, Keuka College does offer academic scholarships to our transfer students.
Myth: Transfer Students Don’t Graduate on Time
Many transfer students fear they will not graduate “on time” or within the four years they expect to. Some transfer students even think they will have to start their studies from scratch. We know you worked hard in the past and we want as many of your credits to be transferred over as possible.
Each and every student at Keuka College has an academic advisor to mentor them through their college journey. They will know what you need to graduate within the timeframe you want. Even before you transfer, you’ll know exactly what credits will transfer over for your degree.
Myth: Transferring to a New College is Complex
The college search process can feel intimidating at times. If you have to go through it again as a transfer student, you might feel that it’s going to be even more complex due to your past credits and classes. In reality, transferring colleges is not difficult. Transfer students already know what they like and don’t like in a school.
We like making transferring colleges easy! To transfer to Keuka College, all you need to do is submit an application, official transcripts from all colleges and universities you’ve previously attended, and your final, official high school transcripts.
Ready for a New Start?
Fill out our form to connect with us!
