Summertime transfers?

When you first think about applying to the transfer school of your dreams, you tend to think, “This will be my home for the next four years!” But why only have one home for the next few years? Why not have two or even four?

Over the course of the three and a half years that I have been here in the United States, I have experienced two other academic homes. In my first summer here in the United States, I attended summer classes at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Six weeks and six credits later, I was back at the University at Buffalo. In my second summer, I attempted a full summer workload at the University of Texas at Austin. All this would not have happened if I had not conducted my own research to learn about each school’s application and transfer procedures.

When applying to transfer for a summer session or semester, you’ll apply as a visiting student or what some schools call a summer transient student. This means that the student will return to their respective academic institution upon completion of their summer courses. There are many selection criteria whereby a student would look at. In my case, I simply looked into the classes that were offered as well as the cost of attendance.

After deciding which classes you will be registering for, you should consult with the academic advisor of your current school to see if the credits are transferable and if they will fulfill any requirements for your degree. Many advisors are willing to assist and help, but make sure that you are aware of the deadlines on when you are to register for the classes as well as provide the course syllabi if required. (This assists them when comparing the course structure of the summer school you attend with the classes at your current institution.)

Once you have all your course transfers evaluated and approved by your academic advisors, you should then move on to look at the finances required. The best way to find this information would be on each school’s Web site, or to request a catalog or summer brochure. Be certain to calculate the tuition and fees carefully. If you are not certain of the information given, contact the school directly through telephone or e-mail.

Beware that the housing form may be an entirely different application than your admissions application. Most schools can provide on-campus accommodations to summer students, including a variety of meal plan options.

Do not forget that you are also responsible for managing your way to and back from your summer transfer experience.

The best way to go about any transfer plan is to be organized and well-researched. Keep that in mind and you will have a wonderful time experiencing the different academic homes and their surrounding environments as I have. Summer school is FUN!!

Sherene Cheah is a student at the University at Buffalo.

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