Overcome These Top Challenges Transfer Students Face
If you’re considering transferring to a new institution to finish your degree, you probably have plenty of concerns: Will my credits transfer? How much time and money will it take to earn my degree? Will I fit in?
These are all key points to consider when making such an important decision. Here’s what you need to know:
Will my credits transfer?
This is arguably the biggest question for any transfer student. Look for universities that are members of the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI). This transfer agreement among more than 100 universities in the state means you’ll maximize your transfer credit. Check out simple online tools like Transferology and search schools’ websites for their transfer guides to get an idea what you can expect.
But keep this in mind: the best way to determine which credits will transfer is to reach out to the experts who can tell you directly. “The earlier the better. That’s probably the number one recommendation.” Arika Tucker, director of Transfer Admission at Dominican University, explains.
If you’re taking courses at a community college, Tucker recommends maximizing efficiency by working your schedule around your transfer plans: “Make sure you’re taking the right courses so that there’s no wasting credit, no wasting money.”
“As a transfer student, we don’t really look at your high school performance.” Tucker points out. “We want to know how you’re doing at the institution you’re transferring from; it’s your chance to re-prove yourself if you weren’t the best high school student.”
How long will it take to earn my degree?
This answer is different for each transfer student. Dominican University evaluates all hours submitted by transfer applicants. Transfer credit is generally granted if the applicant successfully completed a course comparable to those offered at Dominican or at another regionally accredited institution, if the applicant earned a grade of C- or above. Your transfer counselor will help ensure that you get every transfer credit you’ve earned.
Students who have completed their general education requirements and have earned their associates’ degree can usually transfer into Dominican at the junior level. No matter what major you chose, Dominican offers internships and real-world experiences that will give students a hands-on experience putting their major to work in the professional world. That’s the Dominican way, and it makes a big difference for students once they graduate. It positions them to have resume-worthy experience and to have professional contacts to build their network.
How much will it cost me?
Just as important as transfer credit, be sure to explore any school’s scholarship offerings if you’re considering transferring there. These awards can be robust. It’s one more reason to focus on your performance and maintain contact with your transfer counselor. Keep an eye out for schools that reward transfer students’ hard work. At Dominican, you’ll find nearly a dozen transfer-specific scholarships.
Financial aid packages are likewise key; they offer a mixture of grants, loans and work study opportunities. Financial aid packages are calculated based on what a student and their family can realistically manage; 100 percent of incoming Dominican students receive some form of aid.
Dominican earned the prestigious US News & World Report’s #1 Best Value in Illinois ranking. This study looks closely at each school's academic quality and the average cost of attendance.
Will I fit in?
Maybe you’re heading back to school after a multi-year break, which makes you worry that you lost your academic edge. Perhaps you’re a first-generation college student and you’re not sure what questions to ask as you transition to a four-year institution.
Let us help. Chat with current transfer students online. Hear their perspectives on classes, campus culture and how they balance school and life. When you’re ready, book a campus visit to learn more.
Whatever your situation, there is a place for you at Dominican University. Transfer students are among the highest-achieving members of the Dominican University community. No one feels new for very long around here. Even when transferring as a junior, you’ll still have plenty of time to seize big opportunities, from our Honors Program to our research and service-learning programs.
Your transfer counselor can give you the inside scoop about acclimating to life on campus. The Dominican approach includes wraparound support which aids the transition. Tucker explains: “We’re small, residential and commuter friendly. We have an 11:1 student to faculty ratio. No student is going to get lost in the mix here. So, we’re out in the field not just looking for students to add to our population, we’re recruiting graduates.”
We know being a student is not the only obligation you’re juggling. Your academic work is competing with the demands of a job, family obligations and commuting. As you search for the right fit, make sure to ask schools about their support services.
At Dominican, we prioritize student well-being. We’ll walk alongside you to create a personalized plan for your success to help you make higher ed manageable. Your advisors and professors track progress, and support teams jump in before a small challenge becomes a bigger obstacle. Our free support services include tutoring, academic coaching, career advising and more. Talk to us about your challenges. We’ll work together to get you on the right path to your future.