Deciding to apply to transfer feels like a big deal, but it’s actually way more common than many people think. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, over a third of students transfer colleges, and nearly half of those who transfer will do so more than once.

Just because it’s common, though, doesn’t mean that it isn’t something that you should think hard about. Taking on transferring is a lot of work, especially if you’re a freshman and still getting the hang of things, and you can’t afford to let your grades drop in the process.

Before you start picking out possible schools to apply to, it’s important to pinpoint what’s missing at your current institution. To do so, try asking yourself these 10 questions. Take your time and write down the answers so that you can refer to them as you refine your list of schools.

The Transfer Questionnaire
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Are the academics at your current school as rigorous as you would like?

Is the major you would like to pursue offered at your current school?

Does the social atmosphere match your needs?

Do you like where your school is geographically?

Do you feel proud to tell people where you are currently enrolled?

Do you struggle to stay ‘in the moment’ at school?

Are you engaged in class?

Are you inspired and challenged by your peers?

Are you inspired and motivated by your professors?

Are you prepared to commit the time necessary to complete the transfer process, which may mean Saturday nights in and some uncomfortable conversations with your school advisor and favorite professors?

Even if you only said yes to one of those questions, you should seriously consider exploring transferring as an option. You don’t need to follow through, but if you don’t open the door you won’t have the choice. If you decided that transferring is the right decision, email us your questionnaire! We’d love to help you out.