- The Common App for Transfer is an application designed for transfer students and adult students looking to return to school.
- The application requests information on achievements and goals to personalize the experience for applicants.
- Over 600 schools currently accept the Common App for transfer.
Are you looking to transfer to a college that uses the Common App for its application process? While on the surface this may seem more tailored for new incoming first-year college students, the Common App offers a version for transfers as well! Here’s everything you need to know to submit your college application and increase your chances of an acceptance letter as a transfer student using the Common App.
What is The Common App?
Flickr user Krissa Corbett Cavouras
The Common App is from a non-profit organization of the same name that offers a single application that participating institutions can offer potential students. The application asks general questions that are the same across the board, and then the college or university can opt for additional questions and essay topics.
Over 1,000 colleges, universities, and institutions in the United States currently use the Common App. However, just over 600 institutions accept the Common App for transfer.
What is the Common App for Transfer?
Common App for Transfer is an application for transferring college students to more than 600 participating colleges, universities, and other institutions in the United States. It is tailored to meet the unique needs and situations of adult students and transfers.
Who is the Common App for Transfer For?
The Common App for transfer is for students who are:
- Transferring from a community college to a 4-year institution
- Transferring between schools
- Looking to return to school for their degree after a break
- Adults who are going to college for the first time
- Military students, veterans, and their families
What Can Transfer Students Expect?
In order to complete the Common App for transfer, applying students will first need to complete at least four steps:
1. Gather Materials
Although the Common App for transfer does simplify the process if you’re applying to multiple schools that accept the application, some programs will ask for different materials. It’s always important to read over what the application is asking you for before submitting so you can be sure you have everything on hand!
Some common items asked for include:
- College transcripts
- Information on other educational coursework
- Test scores and dates
- Employment details
- Extracurricular activities
- Achievements
- Volunteer work
- Research
- Internships
2. Create an Account
Just like with the Common App, students will be invited to make a Common App for transfer account. Applicants should submit their contact details and complete their Extended Profile where you can expect to answer information on:
- Age
- College credits earned
- Degree status
- Degree goals
It is important to answer these questions as the rest of the application will be tailored to your unique situation! And be sure you’re creating a Common App for transfer account, not a Common App account – there is a difference!
3. Add Programs You’re Interested In
Next, you should be adding the institutions you’re interested in to your list under the “Add Program” tab. There are filters to make the process easier, and you can search for colleges and programs through availability, location, start term, deadlines, and more.
4. Complete Your Application
And, of course, you will want to complete your application! Schools may ask for different materials here as well, so be sure to double-check those requirements. You could be required to submit an essay or gather academic recommendations to complete the Common App for transfer to specific programs.
How Do Transfer Students Benefit from the Common App?
The Common App for first-year college students doesn’t really work for transfer students as it is designed for those still in high school. With the Common App for transfer, students can take advantage of a multitude of resources that simplify and tailor the process to their unique needs. This particular application can assist with:
- Document management and tracking
- Personalized pathways for college applications and enrollment
- Targeted application experiences based on goals and achievements
- Streamlining the application process
- Simplifying applying to more than one school at once
Much like the Common App for high school seniors, the Common App for transfer allows students to save time and effort on their application process. It is designed to meet adult learners and transfer students’ different needs and offers pathways that take individual goals into account. If you’re thinking about applying to a college that uses the Common App for transfer, it’s worth a look!
Want to transfer colleges? Or looking to get back in the saddle after a break in your education? Finding the perfect school for you is a must! Before you start on your Common App for transfer, be sure to use our College Match to find that perfect match.
