So you got tired of your current school or you just a got new job in a new city and you need to move and also transfer schools. This guide will help you to understand what you should know before transferring to a new academic institution.
Academics
Whenever you move to a new school expect things to be much different from your old school. The culture in new school might be different. The academics might be too easy or too hard. Whatever the case might be, don’t expect anything to be the same.
The school’s culture can be different. In your old school, you might be used to skipping classes with no consequences. But in a new one, there might be some kind of punishment for missing lectures.
Also when it comes to picking a course, be diverse. Pick some intensive courses, things which will challenge you and other, easier courses that will help in establishing relationships with your lecturers.
If things do get hard for you, feel free to visit the school counselor to help you with your workload.
Take an Entry Exam
As a foreign student transferring to America, you may be required by the university to do a TOEFL test which tests your knowledge of English. Schools just want to make sure that you won’t have any hindrances in classes in terms of a language barrier.
Another test that you may be required to take is the SAT test which helps to measure your academic capabilities.
Be sure to take these tests way in advance.
College Rankings
If you are to move to the U.S., be sure to check school rankings so as to help you narrow down your search for the perfect school.
The school rankings help you to find a school that offers the major you want and has the best possible facilities to help you to grow as a professional.
As much as these ranking may help you in your search for the perfect school, you want to make a list of them according to the availability of your major of choice.
Transcript Evaluation
Some schools may ask for transcripts to be evaluated so as to avoid forgery. This evaluation can be done by certain agencies and schools may recommend an agency of their choosing.
Make sure to meet this requirement before sending your transcript. Also, some agencies can take a while with the evaluation so be sure to do it early enough. The agency also may not offer a translation so you also want to have that done as it is equally important.
Also check : How to create an Evaluation Essay For Students
Scholarships
As a foreign student in America, you may be subjected to higher tuition fees.
Some schools may offer scholarships to foreign students but there aren’t that many of them and you want to turn to organizations for help in paying the tuition fees.
Scholarships offered by these organizations may not be that much, but they’re still something compared to nothing, so you are advised to take them.
Some institutions may also offer loans to international students who are willing to accept them so that’s a plus.
Homesickness
Being away from home isn’t the easiest thing so expect it to take a toll on you. You will miss your family and friends and all the regular activities that you used to have at home.
It may be scary for you, so you should make friends that can help you get over your homesickness. You can also overcome this by joining school clubs and sports teams. Within no time you will feel right at home.
Social Life
No matter who you were in your previous school when you move to new school things reset and you end up at the bottom of the social ladder. However, you still want to be on top of the totem pole and this may take some work and time. The best thing you can do is reinvent yourself and try new things. Don’t be afraid to fail or take a risk and don’t put pressure on yourself. Keep in mind, however, things will not change overnight.
Soul Searching
Try and find out why do you want to attend a different college and do your research extensively. Leave no stone unturned. If possible, pay a visit to the school that you want to attend. This way you will be able to get a proper perspective of what you want.
Also be positive about your choices. Show the admissions officer that you know what you want and you’re ready to embrace their values. Be enthusiastic, show that you are a perfect candidate intellectually and socially and also don’t forget to show your love for the school.
Do not go bashing your old school: this will paint you as a vicious person.
Early Applications
It’s always advisable to apply early. This is because many people will be after this opportunity and universities can’t accept all of you. Applying early, however, doesn’t mean applying when not ready, do your research and visit the school, only then go ahead and apply. This way you will be confident and sure of what you are doing.
Early applications are portioned into different groups:
Early Decision
During this time applications and all supporting documents are handed in as early as November 1st to 15th. You will be notified as early as December.
This kind of application is for those who are certain that they want to go to college or are sure that they want to transfer. You are advised to apply at this time only if you are sure about your choice and will accept once enrolled.
Applying under early decision binds you once you are accepted. This means you are to withdraw all applications from all other institutions.
If you are in the market for financial aid, an early decision may not be the thing for you as the school may offer a financial package of their choosing, thus, you won’t be able to compare financial aid from other institutions and will end up accepting the offer of the early decision school.
Early Decision 2
For this tier, applications begin on January 1st and last until February 1st. Applicants receive their letters by March.
Most universities offer two early decisions; the second date is for students who are sure that they want to attend the school but could not make it in time for the November deadline, or for the students who were denied acceptance during the first early decision.
Just like the first early decision this, too, is binding. Though students applying during early decision 2 may have an advantage because once accepted, the university can easily determine your worth, thus offer better financial aid.
Early Action
For this section, applications are accepted starting from November 1st through 15th and the applicants are notified in December.
Early action may look similar to early decision, the only catch is that if you are accepted to early action you are not obliged to attend the school.
This is best suited for those who are sure that they want to attend the school but don’t want to be tied down. Applicants are usually given until May 1st to make a decision.
You can apply to as many early action schools as you want, even when applying to an early decision school.
There are also many other options like rolling admissions, single choice early action and regular decision.
Exchange Programs
In case you aren’t sure if you want to transfer to a new school, you could apply for a short term exchange program where you get to experience the life you want for a couple of months, and if you like it there, then you can move permanently.
Most universities offer this service and you can get credit for the courses you take during the exchange.
Alice Jones is a tutor and freelance writer, who is interested in education, blogging and sharing her ideas. She also loves inspiring and motivating people and has spent the last 5 years improving and helping the others to improve. Follow Alice on Twitter, Google+, or find her in other social media, pop in there and say “Hi” to her!
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