Transferring

If you are wondering if Concordia is not the right fit for you and considering other schools, we can help you sort things out.  At the Office of Student Success and Retention, we can serve as a sounding board for your questions and concerns.  Our intentions are not to advise you to stay or leave, but rather to assist you in making the best decision for you and your future.

Transfer for the right reason.  Also make sure you're transferring to the right school for a good reason.

Don't use a transfer as a first option.  Check out the resources available to you at your school.  If you quit too early, you might miss out on a great experience.

Ask yourself tough questions.  Leaving too soon and not ruling out other options may lead you to the same situations at a different school. 

  • Why is Concordia not right for me? 
  • Have I redefined my goals or am I going in a new direction? 
  • Have I checked out the financial implications of leaving? 
  • Have I looked into the transfer of grades and credits? 

If you're not sure, the rule of thumb is to stick it out for a little bit longer so you don't find yourself in the same situation you're leaving.

Don't drop out until you've done the following: 

  • Research the school you're planning to attend. 
  • Apply to the school and get accepted.  
  • Visit the school.  Meet with the admissions and transfer staff to be sure the school is a better fit for you. 
  • Understand the cost and other financial aid considerations.

Carefully consider your decision.

  1. Finances - If the reason is financial, let the Financial Aid Office know that you may need to transfer because of your financial situation.  They may be able to help.
  2. Credits - This is one of the biggest problems for transfer students because credits do not always transfer from one  school to another.  A course that counts towards your major at one school may not count at another.  Credits that don't transfer can mean extra semesters or even years at another school
  3. Academics - You may be considering a transfer because we do not offer the major that interests you.  Research this further.  Make sure that you know what you really want to study.  Sometimes students transfer because they are unhappy with the academic environment at their school.  If this is the case, be sure to investigate the academic environment at the schools you're considering so you don't wind up in the same situation you are leaving.  It's always a good idea to meet with an academic counselor to discuss your situation and options.  Rather than transferring because you're struggling academically, seek help and support.  Before you transfer, do your homework.  Talk to the transfer office at the school you plan on attending and find out exactly what will transfer.  Lower-level or required classes generally transfer more easily than an upper-level classes.  The longer you've been at a school, the more likely you are to lose credits when you transfer.
  4. The Right College for You - Sometimes a school may not be the right fit.  If this is the case, a transfer might be an option.  See what other options you might have at your current school first.  Then visit other schools to be sure they are a better fit for you.

If you're considering a transfer, make sure it's an intentional transfer rather than a reactionary transfer.

Want to know more?  We're located in Fjelstad Hall (lower level), Room B02 or you can email us at success@cord.edu or call 218-299-3045.  We'd like to hear from you and hope you'll take advantage of this service by contacting us.

Michael Reese, M.S.

Coordinator

Student Success and Retention Services

 

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