Whether you want to change academic programs, your university’s location isn’t ideal or you simply feel as though you didn't choose the right school, it’s OK to turn to plan B and transfer to another college. People transfer for many reasons including finances, needing more of an academic challenge or a fresh start. The process of how to transfer colleges may seem daunting, however, Lehigh’s transfer students are satisfied and happy they made the decision to call the university their new home.
Should I Transfer Colleges?
Hannah Edwards ’20 is a transfer student who transferred to Lehigh from the University of Pittsburgh. Edwards was originally from the Lehigh Valley and wanted to explore the benefits of going to college close to home. She said she also considered the academic rigor of Lehigh and being close to home allowed her family to watch her as she continued to play varsity softball. Edwards recommends that future transfer students make sure they plan out their schedules so they can graduate on time. Since Edwards is a double major, she often had to overload her schedule, taking more than 18 credits some semesters to make up for credits that didn’t transfer. However, she said she has made the most of her Lehigh experience and that new transfer students can too by maximizing all the opportunities Lehigh has to offer.
Transferring to Lehigh is simple and a few steps are required to complete the process. Lehigh currently uses the Common App for transfer applications and will begin accepting the Coalition Application for transfer students for the Fall 2021 semester. You will need to apply before April 1 to start in the fall semester or before Nov. 1 to start in the spring semester. After you’re admitted, you can apply to have your credits from your former university transferred, as well as AP test credits. Courses that transfer are typically ones that Lehigh also has and are equal in credit hours. You can also apply for domestic or international financial aid and scholarships specifically for transfer students, such as the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship.
Transfer students will have their own orientation at the beginning of the semester and can get involved in a club or organization by visiting the Club Expo during the first week of classes. Getting used to a new setting and culture will take some time, but soon you will become part of the Lehigh family.