Transferring. It's the one word most high school students don't think about - but should! Although transferring can be a pain (more applications, interviews, and research), it can also be a necessary alternative for many students. If you've been rejected by your dream school, or can't afford four years of private tuition, transferring can be a magic door to your dreams.

Even if you do get into the college you aimed for, you may change majors, gain new interests, or realize that it just isn't right for you. If this happens, transferring can be a great option. Whatever your motives, here's how you can make the transfer process turmoil free.

One Size Doesn't Fit All
Not every school is right for every student, even if it has a great reputation. Choose a school that meets your needs.

"Dream big," says Sandy Kelley, assistant director of Ithaca College's Office of Admission (Ithaca, NY). "Investigate a wide variety of colleges, and in addition to academic programs, look at co-curricular opportunities, support services, and the campus environment." In other words, take in the big picture, not just a school's reputation or its infamous campus offerings.

"I went to Skidmore College because of its excellent dance program," explains Laura Swanstrom, who later transferred into Emory University's program in Atlanta, GA. "Emory's minor [in dance] turned out to be just as good."

Gerry Lambert, director of transfer and international admission at Clarkson University, (Potsdam, NY) offers this advice: "Decide what your long-term goals are and what type of environment you learn best in. Then, select two to three schools that best meet those goals and requirements."

"How Can I Prepare?"
If you think that "transfer student" may follow your name on a transcript somewhere down the road, prepare now. Contact your future school and request transfer guidelines and an application. Schools have varying policies on the admissions process for transfer students and incoming freshmen.

"Do not assume that since you have been admitted to an institution previously you know everything about the process or assume you will be accepted," says Lambert.

Make an appointment with an academic counselor at your school and discuss your goals. Counselors can guide you on course selection, as well as offer suggestions for transferring. Such direction can be quite valuable, explains Sharon Bressette, who transferred from Lansing Community College (Lansing, MI) to National University (San Diego, CA). "Check with your future school for general education requirements to find out what classes to take."

If you haven't yet chosen a school, but anticipate making a switch, your first few semesters should consist of basic classes such as English, history, government, and science. Most majors include room for electives, so even if your new school does not require the classes you've already taken, often you can still receive elective credit for them. But, plan ahead -- it will save you time and prevent the frustration of wasted courses.

Seeing is Believing
After choosing a new school, visit the campus and meet with a transfer counselor to discuss admissions requirements and transfer of credits. According to Kelley, there is no better way to find a good fit than to visit a campus and meet its faculty, staff, and students.

"Transfer students don't have four years to get to know what the college has to offer and who can help them accomplish their academic and co-curricular goals," she says. By taking advantage of school visits, you'll get a better feel for the campus, and if it's for you.

"I visited four or five schools, but [the decision to] attend Rutgers was a no-brainer once I was accepted," says Greg Colon-Semenza, who transferred from University of North Carolina at Greensboro (NC) to Rutgers University (New Brunswick, NJ).

"Should I Transfer?"
Why are you transferring? If the answer is to follow your girlfriend or boyfriend, that's probably not the best decision. Select a college based on your own goals. After all, that's the whole reason why you're making such a life change, anyway, isn't it?

"I was in the engineering school and decided I didn't want to be an engineer," explains Kyle Duffy, who transferred from Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) to the business program of University of Texas (Austin, TX). "Since Vanderbilt didn't have a business school, I didn't have much choice but to transfer."

One disadvantage of transferring is losing credits. "The hardest part was dealing with the thousand little frustrations that go along with it," says Greg. "I was appalled that only 20 of my 36 credits transferred." Most schools have varying credit transfer policies, so be sure to check with your school in advance, he advises.

Don't Be Tardy
Late applications are the downfall of many transfer students. "[Transfer students] procrastinate, especially on sending deposits," says Lambert, "and they don't follow up to ensure all application and financial aid materials have been received."

Throughout the transfer process, check with the school to ensure everything is in order. "Transfer students may not get full consideration for admission or scholarships because they apply late in the application cycle," says Kelley. "A good rule of thumb is to apply at least six months prior to the anticipated entry date."

In addition, be sure to contact each school and request specific information about scholarship eligibility and deadlines. And even if you meet all of the application deadlines, remember that housing and financial aid due dates are important, too.

You're Accepted!
Congratulations -- you're in! Now it's time to make the actual transition, the first step of which should be to attend transfer orientation.

"A good campus visit or orientation will help transfer students 'hit the ground running,'" says Kelley. Not only will you meet other transfer students, you'll get to know the campus and be able to register earlier for classes.

By plunging full force into your new school, you'll be more comfortable making such a big change. "Get involved in anything that puts you in contact with other people," says Kyle. "Transferring can be challenging, but by getting involved you can make it a lot easier."

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