Transfering from a 2 yr. to 4 yr. college

Key Tips for transferring to a 4-year University 
as adopted from

The Transfer Transition:

Facilitating Student Advancement from 2- to 4-Year Institutions.

 Meeting the Key Criteria Used by 4-Year Colleges to Evaluate Sophomore Transfers 

1. Academic Record: Your overall GPA and grades in your pre-major courses. 

2. Out-of-Class Contributions: Campus involvement and Leadership 
You can provide proof of ongoing, long-term involvement (e.g., involvement in 
clubs or student government) on a co-curricular transcript, and you can note short- 
term involvement (e.g., a volunteer experience or participation in an on-campus 
event) on your resume, in your personal statement (letter of application), or on a 
personal “fact sheet” you provide to those who will write your letters of 
recommendation. 

3. Letters of Recommendation: 
a) Choose people with whom you’ve had an ongoing relationship—e.g., academic 
advisor, employer, or instructor from whom you have taken more than one 
course. 

b) Choose instructors with whom you’ve done well and who know you well. 

c) Seek a balanced blend of letters from academic, co-curricular, and experiential 
sources (e.g., teachers—especially those in your major, academic advisor, club 
sponsors, employers). 

d) Ask the person first if s/he is willing to write you a letter, then come back with 
forms and envelopes (rather than coming to the person with these materials in 
hand—which may send the message that you have already assumed the person 
will say yes). 

e) Give the person you’re asking plenty of time to write the letter (e.g., at least two 
weeks in advance of its due date). 

f) There are three things that you should provide those who are writing a letter of 
recommendation for you: 
(1) a “fact sheet” about yourself that will make the task easier for them, and more 
importantly, will enable them to cite concrete examples or specific evidence 
of your achievements and contributions (which will make the letter much 
more powerful); 

(2) a stamped, addressed envelope (a personal courtesy that makes the job a little 
easier for your reference); and 

(3) a thank-you note close to the date that the letter is due—which is not only a 
nice thing to do, but also serves as a reminder for the person, in case s/he 
has forgotten about your letter, or has not yet set aside time to write it. 


4. Personal Statement (Letter of Application) 
In the statement or letter you write when applying to a school, try to demonstrate 
your knowledge of: 
a) yourself (e.g., your personal interests, abilities, and values), 
b) your intended major (e.g., why you’re interested in it and what you might do 
with it after graduation), and 
c) the college to which you’re applying—show that you know something specific 
about the school (e.g., its mission, philosophy, and specific programs—especially 
the particular program to which you’re applying). 


 To maximize success at larger, 4-year colleges, take the initiative and make an 
effort to “connect” with key people who can contribute to your success: 

1. Faculty—make sure they know who you are (sit in front of class; come up to 
speak with them after class; visit them in their office; volunteer to help them 
with research they’re doing that you find interesting or relevant to your career 
interests). 

2. Students in your major—connect with them in study groups and major “clubs” 
(psychology club, history club, etc.). 

3. Career development specialists—connect with them on strategies for enhancing 
your marketability after graduation; ask them about out what graduates (alumni) 
with your major have gone on to do, and if they can connect you with an alum in 
who is already in a career that you intend to pursue.