Choosing a transfer college is a multi-step process with many important deciding factors.

The first step is to find a school with the program you’re looking for. For my major in pharmacy, I was able to find a list of all of the schools with pharmacy programs in the U.S. from the books for the PCAT test that some schools require. That helped me tremendously. Networking can also be very beneficial. I was led to the program I transferred into from a pharmacist I worked with. He had recently been to a pharmacy meeting and heard about a new pharmacy school that was opening soon, and I immediately researched it and added it to my list. 

The next important step is to look at the curriculum offered for each school’s program. You will need to decide if you have already fulfilled any of the class requirements and also need to check with the registrar about whether or not the classes will transfer.

I wanted to find the best program possible, but I also wanted one where the majority of my classes would transfer. One stumbling block for me was that I transferred from a school that runs on quarters to a school that runs on semesters.

The application process can also be a deciding factor. Some schools require a lengthy process with many fees involved. My school required a short application form, essay, and only a minimal fee.

The best part about my transfer experience was the interview day. I met with the dean directly and we discussed all of the options I had for his program. Once you narrow down your choices to only a few, meeting with the faculty is a great way to help you make your decision.

Transferring schools was a good decision for me, and I have been very successful in my program. The transition was made easy for me due in part to the great faculty at the school and all of the help they have given me along the way.

Michelle Mellott is a pharmacy major at the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio.