Transfer student applying for early decision, what should I know?

Hi guys! I'm a transfer student planning to apply early decision to a few schools like NYU and Columbia. I understand the early decision process for high school seniors, but is there anything I should know as a transfer student specifically? Will my chances of acceptance be affected since I'm not a traditional freshman applicant? Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!

Hello! It's great that you're considering applying early decision as a transfer student. First and foremost, you'd want to confirm whether the schools you're interested in, like NYU and Columbia, offer early decision options for transfer students. Some colleges might only have regular decision for transfers but it varies by institution.

As a transfer applicant, keep in mind that you'll need to submit additional materials in comparison to a traditional freshman applicant. For instance, you'll have to provide transcripts from your current college, as well as an explanation for why you want to transfer. Make sure to highlight what you've accomplished and learned at your current school and how this experience will contribute to your success at the new institution.

While it's true that transfer students typically have a lower acceptance rate compared to the entering freshman class, don't be discouraged! Your application will be evaluated based on your individual achievements, goals, and fit for the school. So, focus on presenting yourself as a strong candidate.

Lastly, don't forget to research and apply for financial aid and scholarships. Early decision might impact the financial aid package you receive, so it's important to know the implications before you commit. Good luck with your applications, and feel free to reach out if you have more questions!