Helpful Tips from a Transfer Student
When I first began considering transferring to Chatham, I felt a bit overwhelmed by the process. There is so much that goes into organizing a reapplication to a university. It's hard to know what to do, and even harder to know where to start.
However, I quickly learned some helpful things that made everything easier. There are also things I learned in the process that I wish I knew sooner, and had to figure out along the way.
Here are some useful tips if you are an undergraduate student transferring to Chatham, from someone who’s been there!
Make an Appointment with an Advisor or Admissions Counselor
Starting a line of communication with an advisor or counselor at Chatham helps you know exactly what will be needed in the transfer process.
You can reach out to the Office of Admission's Recruiter for Transfer, Adult, and Military Students to learn more about the transfer process. This can help you prioritize what is needed to move forward with each step of the application process.
You can also reach out to the Office of Academic Affairs in order to learn more about advising, classes, and credits. I was able to meet with a recruiter during my transfer process, and it allowed me to learn more about what I could expect in the coming months.
2. Keep Up with Deadlines
It’s easy to lose track of your deadlines when you are moving schools. Write down the deadline for Chatham’s application, housing, and any scholarships you might be interested in and put them in a place where you know you can find them.
Chatham accepts enrollment applications on a rolling basis, which means that you can submit your application throughout the year.
Housing deposits should be a top priority if you plan to live on campus, because the longer it takes to get placed the less choices you have. When it comes to class registration you should start browsing the course schedule as soon as you can.
Coming up with a few classes you’re interested in or curious about will make it that much easier once you begin registration with your advisor.
3. Browse the Course Catalogue
Begin organizing your classes and how they can transfer as soon as you can. Your advisor will assist you in knowing if credits transfer, but if you haven’t been accepted to Chatham yet, sites like Transferology are a great way to see classes you can take to prepare for your aspiring transfer.
You can also use the course catalogue to see more about your individual degree and how your credits will transfer.
4. Apply for Scholarships
Look into Chatham’s many scholarships and grants to have a better understanding of what money is available. Opportunities like applying to the honors program are helpful when it comes to scholarship money.
You can also look for scholarships through organizations like Phi Theta Kappa that have scholarships specifically for transfer students at Chatham. It might seem intimidating to apply for scholarships as a transfer, but it’s beneficial in the long run.
5. Schedule a Tour
I highly recommend attending a tour of Chatham, or viewing the campus virtually to get a feel for the campus. My additional advice as a transfer student would be to have lunch at Anderson, whether you will be living on or off campus.
Transfer students can reach out to the office of Admissions to set up a time for a tour. I was able to have a first-hand experience before attending Chatham, and everyone was accommodating to help me see the campus even if for a short while. Chatham looks beautiful in all the seasons, so be sure to tour the campus if you can.
6. Transfer Student Orientation
New & Transfer student orientation is offered every fall. It might seem unnecessary to go through an orientation if you’ve transferred, but orientation is critical to getting your footing on campus.
At my orientation, I was paired into a group with other transfer students who were in the same position as me. I still have friends from that very first orientation, and I was able to navigate a new experience with people who knew exactly what I was going through.
You can pick up your computer, ask questions, and hear about upcoming events. This was also a way for me to find all of my upcoming classes, try the dining hall, and see surrounding neighborhoods.
I was a nervous transfer student (which is normal), but you don’t have to be! Chatham has so many resources available to make the transfer experience simpler and approachable. A combination of doing all of these things helped me find my way into Chatham smoothly.
If you are a prospective transfer student or admitted student, you can learn more information about transferring here.
Lirit Gilmore is a Creative Writing and Food Studies student. Lirit’s academic focus is centered in food writing and how it intersects with social location and identity. She is from the DMV and the Midwest, and enjoys baking in her free time. See all her work on Pulse@ChathamU here.