An attractive feature of the U.S. higher education system is that
you can transfer from one college to another midway through a
degree. The flexibility of the credit system at U.S. universities
allows credits earned at one institution to be recognized by
another, provided certain criteria are met. Over 1 million students
transfer to a new college each fall, and additional students
transfer mid-year at the start of the spring semester. Many of these
students transfer from community colleges to four-year colleges to
complete a bachelor's degree (see community colleges for more
information). Others start at a four-year institution, but for
personal, academic, or financial reasons decide to transfer to a
different four-year college. A small number transfer from an
institution outside the United States to one within the United
States. The information in this section is designed to give you a
better understanding of the challenges involved and help make your
transfer process as smooth as possible.
Most colleges prefer students to have completed one year of study
before they enroll at the new college, but this requirement varies
from school to school. In addition, most universities have a
two-year residency requirement prior to graduation. This means that
you must spend at least two years studying at that college in order
to graduate and receive its degree. Transferring after three years
of study becomes more difficult but varies between colleges. In
general, most transfer students are in their sophomore or junior
(second or third) year when they arrive at the new college. |
