Choosing a college or university is difficult the first time around, yet every year millions of students decide to go through the process a second time by transferring to another school. There are a lot of reasons for wanting to switch schools, but you need to make sure your transfer is worth it. Know the essentials before you pack your bags:

Transferring to a school with lower tuition can be a smart move. When you're comparing the costs of different schools, make sure to factor in everything. Check for:

• Program-specific fees that may not be included in the tuition price (computer lab fees, specialty class costs, etc.)
• Relative living expenses of the area—New York City will be more expensive than Fargo, North Dakota
• Any new transportation costs for traveling to and from school
• Moving expenses (gas, U-Haul, housing deposits)

Transferring to another school for a better academic program can be a positive career move, but only if you do your homework first. Make sure that:

• You have all the prerequisites you need before you transfer. Find out where the credits you've already earned will place you.
• Speak with someone in the department you are considering transferring to and find out what your new graduation date would be—more time could mean more money.

• Financial aid packages differ between schools, so make sure you can get the aid you need before committing to a new school. Keep in mind:
• Scholarships awarded to you from your current school may not follow you. If you have existing outside scholarships, find out if they will transfer.
• You will need to consult your current and future school's financial aid offices before you decide to leave. Ask how your financial aid will transfer to your new school (both schools will have procedures for this).

You may also consider transferring if the school culture or locale isn't what you need or want. Try these tips:

• Stay at least one full year before jumping ship. Join a student group, play on an intramural team or set up study groups with people in your classes. Make sure your problem is with the environment and not something that will follow you to another school.
• Carefully consider the costs of transferring versus staying. You may decide it's worth your while to put up with noisy city life in exchange for a great journalism program. Then again, maybe not.
• When you're transferring to a new school, visit the campus to talk with teachers, administrators, and students to get a real feel for the campus.

Applying as a transfer student is similar to your application process as a first-year student. You will likely need to provide high school transcripts, official SAT/ACT scores, and college transcripts. You should:

• Contact the admissions office to ensure that you take the proper steps in applying.
• Speak with the registrar's office at your current school to make sure you make a complete exit.
• Create a checklist for yourself so you don't forget about due dates for on-campus housing applications, scholarships, and financial aid paperwork for both your old and new schools.

Sources:

nces.ed.gov; eiu.edu