Today’s guest blogger is Josefina Pilon, M. Ed., Assistant Director of Admissions and Transfer Recruitment at Saint Martin’s University.
Transferring from a community college or another university can seem to be an overwhelming process for some students. It doesn’t need to be. Working with a transfer counselor can make that process a lot less stressful. At Saint Martin’s University we have a couple of counselors that work exclusively with transfer students to make the transfer process as smooth as possible. Here are some tips for transfer students that will make that process a seamless one:
- Apply early. You can begin the application process as early as September 1, for the following fall semester.
- Make sure that you are aware of all deadlines. Saint Martin’s is on rolling admissions so you can apply for either the fall or spring semester, or the summer term. Here is the list of our deadlines:
January 1 – Spring semester application
March 1 – Priority deadline for Financial Aid
April 15 – Summer term application
August 1 – Fall semester application
- Order your official transcripts to be sent directly to Saint Martin’s. Some transfer students may have attended several colleges or universities, and those transcripts must also be submitted. Ordering those transcripts, especially if they are from out of state colleges or universities, before you even complete the application is acceptable. We will keep your transcripts on file until we receive your application or for up to two years. Be sure to request transcripts from the college you are currently attending. We will ask you to submit your final transcripts later.
- Do your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) soon after January 1. It is important that you list Saint Martin’s on the list of colleges to receive your information. We cannot offer you a financial aid award if we do not have your FAFSA information.
- Submit all documentation requested by your counselor. Examples may include high school transcripts, CLEP test scores, SAT or ACT scores, or any military documents that may grant you additional credits.
- Finally, be in communication with your transfer counselor. Your counselor is the person who will guide you through the transfer process and will communicate the next steps you need to take, but be sure to contact your counselor if you have any questions or if there are any changes that need to be made to your file.
Transferring to another college or university can seem to be a daunting experience, but it doesn’t need to be if you follow the tips listed above. We at Saint Martin’s are here to help you through that process. Contact me if you have any questions at jpilon@stmartin.edu.
Josefina Pilon, M.Ed.
Assistant Director of Admissions
Saint Martin’s University
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