So You Want to Transfer to Drexel University?

“I’m thinking about transferring,” begins many conversations I have with transfer applicants. The transfer process seems ethereal and intangible. It’s hidden in shadow and they cannot seem to focus a light on the process. Which makes sense. During high school, students learn about the freshman application process and learn what they need to do to make themselves competitive applicants using high school credentials. But what happens now that they have college credit?

I promise you that it is not as scary as you would imagine. For many institutions, including Drexel University, the transfer admission process looks similar to the freshman admission process. Students still need to submit an application to the University. There may be an application essay. Some schools may require your high school credentials and some may not. The biggest difference for most schools is you now will need to submit your college transcripts with your application. And here’s the thinking on this, even if you have only completed one term of college coursework: Your best indicator of success in college is now the coursework you have completed in college.

For many institutions, including Drexel University, the transfer admission process looks similar to the freshman admission process.

However, this does not necessarily mean that if you do not do well in that first term you’ll be sunk to transfer anywhere. This may happen more often than you think. For Drexel’s application process, we would encourage you to take updated coursework with improved grades, and to put this all into context with your application essay. We want to know the extenuating circumstances during your rough patch, which may include the story of what led you to transfer to Drexel University. All of this can be helpful during the transfer application review process.

Finally, I encourage all students considering transferring to reach out to the admissions office of that university. The admissions office will be your best source of information during this process and will be a key contact if you run into any issues or problems in the admission process.

Transferring is not something to take lightly. If you are currently at a 4-year institution, take time to consider the reasons you are thinking about transferring. Sometimes the solution is to stay at your current institution, which may ultimately end with better outcome for you in the end. However, if you are serious about it, and feel like you’ve found a home with a school like Drexel University, reach out to the school to get more information. The transfer process may be less painful than you think.