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Transfer resource center

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Transfer resource center

About Common App

Common App is a non-profit membership organization representing more than 700 colleges that accept transfer applications. We make it faster and easier to apply to college as a transfer student, by connecting students to a wide array of public and private colleges and universities across all 50 U.S. states, and 20 countries.

Five ways Common App can help save you time and money

  1. Apply to multiple institutions with a single application. If you’re a first-year student, create a first-year account. If you're a transfer student, create a transfer account.
  2. Use one transcript for multiple applications
  3. Streamline the college recommendation process
  4. Qualify for an application fee waiver if you have financial need
  5. Access federal financial aid resources and scholarships
No matter where you are in the process, Common App is here to support you on your college journey.

Learn about the transfer process

If you have already taken some college coursework or have completed an associate-level degree and plan to transfer, you are not alone. 37% of students transfer at least once in their college careers; of those, nearly half change schools more than once.*
Whether transferring from community college, between 4-year colleges, or a returning adult student, finding your path forward can require navigating unfamiliar territory.
*Source: National Student Clearinghouse Research Center

As you navigate the transfer application, you may come across the following terms:

Transfer credit evaluation

When transferring schools, the receiving college will evaluate your college transcripts and/ or other prior learning to determine which credits can be used in your new degree plan. When completed by the registrar, it is considered an official evaluation, so you can be certain these credits will transfer. Some colleges offer unofficial evaluations, typically completed by an advisor, to give you an idea of how their credits will transfer before applying to their college.

Credit for prior learning

Some colleges evaluate college-level learning that has taken place outside of the traditional classroom for credit toward your degree. This can include learning gained through jobs, internships, volunteer experience, and military service.

Guaranteed admissions

Guaranteed admission agreements between colleges can help students transfer with confidence. Students who meet specific academic requirements can apply to transfer, and the partnering college will automatically accept their application. Guaranteed admission is sometimes referred to as transfer admission guarantee (TAG), automatic admission, or guaranteed transfer.

Plan ahead

Some colleges offer unofficial credit evaluations before you apply. Reach out to an advisor at the school you are applying to see how your credits can be evaluated for transfer.

Explore colleges

All colleges on Common App are not-for-profit, undergraduate degree-granting, accredited, and committed to our mission of access, equity, and integrity in the college admissions process.

To find a college that fits your needs, visit Common App’s Explore Colleges.

As an independent student, you should also consider the following:

Does the college offer flexible program delivery options for adults?

There are many options for students who need flexibility. Look for colleges with options like 100% online delivery, hybrid options, or accelerated completion through SARA Source. SARA Source is a non-profit organization with a searchable nationwide catalog of distance education programs.

Check if online learning is right for you

Before you enroll in an online learning program, determine if it is right for you. You can start by asking yourself these questions.

Does the college offer support for pregnant and parenting students?

Pregnant and parenting students have a lot to balance, but colleges want to help. Legal protections and additional resources are here to help you complete your degree while supporting your family.

  • Know your Title IX rights

The Pregnant Scholar provides an overview of your rights as a pregnant or parenting student so you can apply and enroll with confidence.

  • CCAMPIS Grants

Administered by the Department of Education, some colleges offer CCAMPIS grant funds to subsidize childcare costs for low-income, Pell Grant-eligible students and provide childcare services Contact your college directly to learn what resources may be available to you.

  • Locate childcare providers

The Child Care and Development Fund can help you locate childcare options near you.

Does the college offer support for military-connected students?

Many colleges support military-connected students (current and previously serving military and their families) by providing dedicated staff, resources, and services. Military-connected students should consider which types of services are available to them when exploring colleges, including:

  • Dedicated advisors

Colleges supportive of military-connected students have advisors equipped to identify a degree program that fits your needs. They can also review your academic and joint services transcripts for opportunities to apply prior coursework, military education, training, and experience to your degree.

  • VA certifying representatives

Whether active duty, veteran, or dependent, navigating military education benefits can be daunting. VA certifying representatives can guide you through the documentation process and address any issues you may encounter along the way.

  • Financial assistance

Some colleges offer special programs or incentives for military-connected students. Consider exploring colleges that waive application fees or participate in the VA Yellow Ribbon program.

  • Accessibility services

Some service members and veterans experience service-related challenges that are barriers to their academic success. Seek colleges with staff trained to connect service members and veterans to internal and external resources for assistance.

  • Student engagement programs

For military-connected students feeling isolated, organizations such as Student Veterans of America, dedicated veteran’s lounges, and other support networks build community. Consider seeking schools that offer opportunities to engage, connect, and support military-connected students.

Prepare to transfer as a military-connected student

Common App has a checklist with additional guidance and resources for military-connected students.

Fund your journey

Common App’s Paying for College resource can help you complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), connect you to grants and scholarships, and provide other resources to help pay for college.

When completing your FAFSA, consider reviewing your:

Dependency status

Understanding your dependency status for federal financial aid purposes can be confusing. If you are uncertain about your status, FAFSA can help you determine your dependency status. If your dependency status was calculated unfairly, SwiftStudent can help guide you through the FAFSA appeal process.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Schools determine whether students are making sufficient grades and are taking enough classes to make satisfactory academic progress toward a degree within a reasonable amount of time. If not, the student may risk losing federal or state financial aid. The U.S. Department of Education defines satisfactory progress as a school’s standards for satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate offered by that institution.

  • Students should check with an advisor at their transfer institution to understand its specific standards.
  • Students with many transfer credits may be more at risk.

Complete the FAFSA

All students, regardless of income level, should complete a Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is combined with your income to qualify you for a variety of aid, including grants and scholarships. Whether you think you qualify for aid or not, it can benefit you to apply.

Get ready to apply to college

Common App has an application for you wherever you are in your journey to higher education. Creating an account only takes a few minutes! 

What you'll need

AN ACTIVE EMAIL ADDRESS

When creating an account, make sure you use an email address you check often, as this is how Common App and colleges will get in touch with you.

A COPY OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT OR HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY

Some programs ask applicants to include a high school transcript. 

YOUR COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT(S) AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL COURSEWORK

If you are a transfer student, you will need to report all colleges or universities where you have taken a course. Additionally, some programs ask you to self-report your courses in the College Coursework section. Some programs will also ask you to upload an unofficial copy of your college transcripts.

RECOMMENDERS

Many colleges ask for additional documents to be submitted by recommenders on your behalf. There are four types of recommenders you can invite: Personal, Professional, Academic, and High School Official. Each program has different recommendation requirements.

YOUR RESUME OR CV

In the Experiences section, you can report: employment, research, extracurricular, volunteer, and internship experiences. You’ll need to include: the name of the organization/activity, dates of participation, position/leadership held, and a brief description. You can share information about awards, honors, and publications in the Achievements section.

Get ready for your next step

Walk through the transfer application with us before you apply.

Create an account

If this is your first time ever taking college courses, Common App for first-year students is for you. If you have taken some college courses already and want to transfer schools or return to college, use the Common App for transfer. 

Create a first-year accountCreate a transfer account