How does transferring work for a college?

I was just wondering how transfering worked for college students. Lets say you complete a year at college do you apply during the school year or during the summer when you’ve completed the term. How could you transfer without having a gap year or staying two years at a college. Thanks for any insight!

Most colleges accept transfer students after their first full year at a university or CC. You typically submit applications in your fall semester or the beginning of spring for the next fall semester. I’m a freshman in college now and I submitted my Fall 2017 (Sophomore) applications in January-February. However, schools do have specific guidelines you need to meet such as credits completed by the time you apply or arrive to campus.

So essentially they see your application before you finish your first year?
Heres my plan, so you’d have to spend two years in the college before you switch or could it only be one?
2017-finish Highschool
2018-College 1
2019-College 2
Is that possible?
Also thanks for the reply! It’s really helping me out.

I filled out my applications for Fall 2017 transfer admission during my winter break.