
Transfer Students
Planning to Transfer?
Minnesota's public colleges and universities are working to make transfer easier. You can help if you PLAN AHEAD, ASK QUESTIONS, and USE PATHWAYS created by transfer agreements.
Preparing for Transfer
If you are currently enrolled in a college or university:
- Discuss your plans with the campus transfer specialist. (218/726-8800)
- Call or visit UMD. You should obtain the following materials and information:
- college catalog
- viewbook
- information on admissions criteria and on materials required for admission (e.g., portfolio, transcripts, test scores). Note that some majors have limited enrollments or their own special requirements such as higher GPA
- information on financial aid (how to apply and deadlines)
After you have reviewed these materials, make an appointment to talk with an adviser/counselor in the college or program you wish to enter. Be sure to ask about course transfer and admission criteria.
If you are not currently enrolled in a college or university, you might begin by meeting with a transfer specialist or an admissions counselor at UMD to discuss the steps you need to take.
Understanding How Transfer of Credit Works
- The receiving college or university decides what credits transfer and whether those credits meet its degree requirements. The accreditation of both your sending and your receiving institution can affect the transfer of the credits you earn
- Institutions accept credits from courses and programs like those they offer. They look for similarity in course goals, content, and level
- Not everything that transfers will help you graduate. Baccalaureate degree programs usually count credits in three categories: General education, major/minor courses and prerequisites, and electives.
The key question is, "Will your credits fulfill requirements of the degree or program you choose?" - If you change your career goal or major, you might not be able to complete all degree requirements within the usual number of graduation credits
- Look at the on-line transfer manual
Applying for Transfer Admission
- Complete the application as early as possible and enclose the application fee. Students are encouraged to submit their application by our priority deadline of March 1 for fall semester. Priority consideration for advisement & registration (formerly academic orientation) and for on-campus housing is given to students who apply by February 1st. However, applications for fall semester will be considered until the final application deadline of August 1st
- The deadline to apply for spring semester is November 15th
- Request that official transcripts be sent from every academic institution you have attended, including high school(s)
- Check to be certain you supplied UMD with all the necessary paperwork. Most colleges make no decisions until all required documents are in your file
- If you have heard nothing from UMD after one month, call to check on the status of your application
- After UMD notifies you that you have been accepted for admission, your transcripted credits will be evaluated for transfer. A written evaluation should tell you which courses transfer and which do not. How your courses specifically meet degree requirements may not be decided until you arrive for orientation or have chosen a major.
- If you have questions about your evaluation, call the Office of Admissions and ask to speak with a transfer specialist. Ask why judgements were made about specific courses. Many concerns can be cleared up if you understand why decisions were made
Online Psychology Program Application
(More info on this program can be found here)
- NOTE: Students are encouraged to submit their application by our priority deadline of March 1 for fall semester (this program only). Priority consideration for academic orientation and for on-campus housing is given to students who apply by March 1. However, applications for fall semester will be considered on a space-available basis through August 1st. However, it is recommended to complete the application as early as possible and enclose the application fee.
Scholarships
Students who apply to UMD as a Fall Semester transfer student by the posted deadline will automatically be considered for a scholarship totalling $2,000 ($1,000/year for 2 years). Students will be considered based on their cumulative GPA from their previous post-secondary institution(s).