What defines a college transfer student?

I've heard the term 'college transfer student' thrown around a lot, but I'm not sure what it exactly means. Can someone explain what qualifies a student as a transfer student and how that affects the admissions process?

A "college transfer student" is typically someone who has enrolled and earned credit at one post-secondary institution (e.g., a college or university), and then applies to continue their studies at another institution. The specifics can slightly vary by institution, but this is the broad definition most commonly used.

So, if you start studying at one university and then decide to apply to another university to continue your undergraduate degree, you'd be considered a transfer student at the second university. The same applies if you earned community college credits, either after high school or during high school (dual enrollment).

The admissions process for transfer students can be similar to that of fresh high school graduates, but there are some key differences. Here are a few:

1. Instead of high school GPA and standardized test scores being the primary academic components, colleges will heavily consider your college grades and the rigor of the courses you have taken.

2. Colleges often ask for a reason for transfer in the application. They want to know why you're choosing to leave your current institution and why their school is a good fit for your goals.

3. Some colleges have agreements with community colleges that guarantee admission for students who meet certain criteria (e.g., maintaining a particular GPA).

4. Generally, financial aid packages for transfer students may not be as generous as those for first-year entrants.

It's also important to note that transfer policies vary widely from school to school. Some highly selective schools admit very few transfer students, while others are more accommodating. It's always a good idea to research the specific transfer admission policies of the colleges you're interested in.