Seeing that MT programs are getting more and more competitive each year, I was wondering if transfers are also becoming more common than they were. With so many kids scrambling to get into even one or two programs, I’m wondering if they find after going that the are mismatched and try again. I know it’s expensive to switch since they don’t technically transfer with credits but have to begin again, still- Does anyone know what the transfer policy is on some of the more selective schools? Say the 15 or so popular choices?
My daughter went through the transfer process last year and it was very hard to get a definite answer out of any of the schools about transfers. Is it harder? Do you leave space to take a set number? The experience overall was that it certainly seemed harder and I came to the conclusion that a gap year would have probably been better. Again, with no concrete info or numbers it’s just based on experience.
This is anecdotal, but Ithaca has been taking transfers every year. They have the past 3 years, anyway. That being said, I don’t know how many applied as a transfer, so it is impossible to say whether it is harder for transfers. And, BTW, the transfers all start over as freshmen…not sure how many credits (if any) are transferred over. I think your best bet would be to call each school…
I would talk with a college audition coach about this as well. I would think they would have had some experience with transfer students and could give you some advice. They would have a broader perspective. I know Michigan took a male transfer student last year but I don’t know how common that is.
Completely non-expert observation from watching my boys’ programs and a few others where we have friends. It seems like a school might take a transfer in the 2nd year to fill a spot vacated when another student leaves the program, i.e., if they lose a girl, they make take a girl to keep numbers even, OR take a boy to make the class more even (if it had been girl heavy). If the program doesn’t lose any students between freshman/sophomore year, I think it’s less likely. Does that make sense? It’s so random because you’re gambling on whether or not any freshman might leave to make space – but it does happen for a variety of reasons. Beyond that, I haven’t personally heard of any transfers taken in beyond the 2nd year, and I think those taken as sophomores still have to scramble and are probably considered “freshman” in terms of the BFA – but they may be able to finish in 3-3.5 years depending on how course load falls and if any transfer credits accepted. All this depends on the schools involved, obviously.
When DD was transferring I know that Hartt took transfers but you had to start over. Pace and Wright State took transfers but I am unsure about the transferring credits. Shenco has several transfers and they do take many credits depending how the classes align with their curriculum. I think all schools accept transfers especially since they also lose a few students each year.to other schools. I expect the numbers will be low though, say 1-3 per year.
I know A LOT of people who transferred from one program to another- either in the middle of their freshmen year, or after they finished both semesters their first year of college. For some, the transition was easy, and the choice was right. For others, they had a hard time adjusting to the new school, and finding their “niche”.
Transferring seems like it IS getting more popular, especially for MT and performing arts majors. So don’t feel bad if you end up transferring!! You have to make the best decision for YOU.
Coastal Carolina does take transfers. I know of a few who were accepted in as sophomores so didn’t have to start again as a freshman for the BFA.
Montclair takes transfers. They don’t have to completely start over.
CCPA also accepts a limited number (like one or two a year) of sophomore transfers into MT and acting BFA programs. I know of at least one in the acting track who was in a BA program previously
At Wright State the student starts over in the BFA program as a freshman. One of D’s very good friends transferred in. I don’t know about gen ed credit.