Trying a New College
When you know you know…that’s not always true
Sometimes first impressions play us false and that campus you thought felt like home…doesn’t turn out to be the right place for you. Or you take a 101 class that really gets you excited about a course of study, and find out that’s the only course on the subject your school offers and there’s no supporting major. Honestly, there are so many reasons you might want to try something new and there’s no shame in it. All colleges hate to lose students, but we hate it even more when you aren’t getting what you need at the college you're attending.
Transferring can be a straightforward process
If you’re thinking about transferring to a new college, it’s not going to be overly complicated, so don't be afraid to explore the option. Remember that your education is an investment that you are making for yourself and you are empowered to make the best choice for you. There may be people who will be disappointed to see you go, and it’s worth talking to them about it. In the end know that supportive friends, faculty, and counselors will be happy for you when you find the right place for you, no matter where that is.
Here are steps you’ll need to work through:
- What are you looking for in a new school? Do you want to pick a school you already considered, or start researching all over again?
- Contact the college(s) you’re considering and make sure they offer the major(s) and activities that you wanted but didn’t find at your current school.
- Talk to a current student at the new schools—especially if you didn’t feel like your college was a good fit—to get a student’s perspective on what the new college is like. (The admission department can help you connect if you don't already know someone at that school.)
- Talk to a transfer counselor about what their policy is on transferring your credits, financial aid available to you, and deadlines you’ll need to be aware of to complete your transfer. Be ready to tell that counselor a bit about your experiences so far, what worked for you and what didn’t, and what your motivation is to transfer so they can help you determine if transferring is going to address your concerns.
- Apply and fill out the appropriate paperwork.
We have several resources that can help you start thinking about whether Cornell might be the next college for you: