When do you apply to transfer?

I’m sorry if this is a stupid question but I’m having a hard time figuring this out and Google isn’t helping. When exactly does a community college student send in their application? For example, if I start my first semester of CC next fall, would I send in my application that next fall (2017) or would I send it in the fall of 2018?

And what about the sophomore level transfers - when do they send their applications in? I’m sorry if this is stupid, I’m just confused.

Don’t worry. It’s not a stupid question. I got confused at first too.

If you are able to complete all the requirements (GEs + major pre reqs) within two years, then yes, you will apply during Fall 2017. You would only apply in Fall 2018 if you need an extra year to complete the requirements.

Sophomore level transfers are students who apply for transfer in their first year of college (basically their first sem of CC).

Every university has different deadlines for transfer applicants. If the university is highly selective, the application deadline is usually relatively early in the Spring term. For example Cornell University has a deadline of March 1, 2016 for transfer s starting Fall 2016. If the university is more flexible, applications might be accepted through most of the summer. My university, Illinois Tech has rolling admissions for transfer students.

Typically, 4-year universities will not accept more than about 2 full years of transfer credit so if you start in Fall 2016 at CC, you would apply no later than Spring of 2018 for Junior level transfer and Spring 2017 for Sophomore level transfer. It is also possible to transfer in during the spring term and requires an application in October or so.

You have to look at your target transfer schools web pages and read their policies about Sophomore transfer, deadlines, and so on.