Checklist for an easy transfer

by Abby Musser – Horizon Editor-in-Chief

Transferring to another college after Hesston may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below is an easy-to-follow guide on how to stay on track and make your transfer painless as possible.

1) Review degree requirements

By now you should know what kind of degree you are earning here at Hesston. What you should be doing now is checking your schedule for the spring semester, making sure you have signed up for any remaining required classes. Check in with your advisor if you have questions about degree requirements.

2) Figure out where you want to transfer

This step may seem obvious, but it is still important. Generate a list of colleges that offer degrees in your chosen major. The list doesn’t have to be long, just include colleges with your major and other things you are interested in, like sports, teacher-student ratio, etc.

3) Narrow down your choices

Once you created your list of prospective colleges, narrow it down to your top two. Visit the school’s webpage to gather important information about transferring or a number to call if the information is not available online. Also look for information like application deadlines and fees, annual tuition, and what department your major falls under.

4) Do your research/paperwork

After you know which schools you want to apply to, its time to fill out an application. While you are working on your applications you can check your school’s website for entrance and graduation requirements. Also make sure to check up on financial aid information, you don’t want to miss the application deadline.

5) Make contact with future school

Contact your future school’s admissions or transfer counselor. They can arrange for a campus visit and answer any specific questions about the school. Also make sure to talk to your advisor about the transferability of your classes. If you can, talk to any former Hesston students who now attend the school you are interested in. They can tell you what it was like transferring.

6) Do more paperwork

Submit other admission material as needed to your prospective schools. This includes things like fees, transcripts, letters of recommendation, campus housing forms, financial aid applications and FAFSA. To get your official Hesston College Transcript, look on Hesston College’s website. The first copy is free while additional copies are $5. To include your most recent grades make a request in writing to the Registrar’s office.

7) Monitor acceptance

After you have been accepted to the schools of your choice, immediately tell your advisor. If you applied and haven’t received a response by early spring, contact the Admissions Office to check on the status of your application. If you been denied admission, arrange a meeting with your advisor on possible alternatives.

8) Follow up

If for some reason courses at Hesston are not transferring as expected, contact Hesston College registrar at 800-995-2757 ext. 8204. They can help with verification or possible actions to take.

9) Graduate

The final step of the transfer process is to finish strong and graduate. Set a GPA goal for yourself and work towards it. Be proud of what you have achieved here at Hesston and look forward to the next chapter of your life.