For Transfers: Some Practical and Logistical Advice

So you’re thinking about transferring. We understand from our conversations with many of you that this can be a solitary journey. When you applied to college as a high school senior, all your friends were going through the process, and you had some help from your counselor at a high school on how to navigate the process. But as Lily blogged, when you’re applying as a transfer, you might not have peers who you can talk to about the application process.

While you might not be able to speak to your peers, we encourage you to speak to your family and your academic adviser about how you feel before you make your decision on whether to transfer. If you're still set on transferring after that, start preparing early - do your research on where you want to apply, find out how you'll get the documents you will need (and how long it will take), and start thinking about how you will tell us why you want to transfer and come to Tufts!

While you will need to be more independent and handle this process on your own (as you're now applying as an adult), we hope that we can provide a glossary and answer some logistical questions about applying to transfer to Tufts. Please note that different colleges may have different requirements regarding formats, receiving methods and materials.

Our transfer page is the first place to start, but let's clear up some questions:

What are these forms on the Common Application I need to complete? When are they due?

The Transfer Application is very similar to the first year application, except that you will have a different personal essay prompt, encouraging you to tell us about why you have decided to transfer. Due on the application deadline.
The Tufts Writing Supplement - you can take a peek ahead at them here. Due on the application deadline.
The College Report should be filled out by your registrar or college advisor to confirm your academic and disciplinary standing at your college.
The Academic Evaluation is a teacher recommendation to be completed by a professor who teaches you at your current college. We need to hear how you're doing at the college level, so we cannot use evaluations from high school teachers.
(Academic Evaluations and the College Report should be sent by your college by email/fax/mail and should arrive on or shortly after the deadline.)
The Transfer Mid-Term Report is a spring mid-semester update from each of your current professors. The professor can use your mid-term test grades or other assessment to give us an indication of how you're doing. You will walk this form around to each of your professors, have them complete and sign for their class and then scan and upload to your application status page (portal).

We understand that this report may not be available by March 15th, so it should be submitted in early April. If you're on the quarter system, you may submit your transcript if they're ready by then instead.

How do I send official college transcripts and other materials?

These can be sent by mail or through eScrip-Safe, Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse - whichever method your current college uses, as long as they're official transcripts! Recommendations should arrive from the recommended direct to us (include your full name and one other piece of identifying info).

There are a whole bunch more FAQs on topics from financial aid to credits here, so check those out, if you have any other questions AFTER checking out our FAQs and requirements, be proactive and reach out.

So now I've answered some questions, what's my general advice?

Be yourself: I say reading an application is like sitting down for a chat and getting to know you and your story. I'm excited to hear about your personality, academic passions and why you've come to transfer. If you're funny, be funny; if you're serious, be serious.
Be mature: You've learned a lot since high school - show that. Most transfers have a much clearer idea of what they want for their major and/or their educational experience. Show us what you see getting out of your Tufts experience.
Be mindful: Keep making the most of your current institution, if you're still enrolled. Use this current semester to show how well you're doing in classes, and that you can make the most of the resources you have.
Be thoughtful: As any Tufts applicant, show us some love by telling us why YOU want to apply to Tufts and what aspects of Tufts appeal to YOU. There's a reason we ask "Why Tufts?"
Be proactive: dot your i's, cross your t's. Make sure everything is in on time, and give your recommenders the information and time they need to write you a good evaluation. Ask questions if you need more information.

That's all the advice I can give. Good luck with your essays and studies, and we look forward to reading your application.

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