Is It Bad to Transfer Colleges Twice?

Transferring colleges isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it’s a natural transition made by many students in the pursuit of something better.

But can you transfer colleges more than once? Yes, and many people have done it! Again, it’s not something to look down on, especially if you’re doing it for a good reason, whether it be for academic, social, or financial reasons.

Reasons Why Students Transfer Colleges

There are many reasons why people want to transfer colleges–some beyond just academics. Here are some reasons you may consider moving schools:

You Want to Pursue Academic Excellence

You might be in a less prestigious school or pursuing a major that you’ve realized doesn’t align with your career goals. This motivation to achieve something better academically for future advancement is one of the most common reasons people transfer colleges.

You Can’t Afford Your College

College isn’t cheap. Aside from tuition fees, you have to pay for other expenses, such as rent, groceries, internet, electricity, and more.

When these pile up, it can push you to seek more affordable opportunities, which could mean moving to a college with a lower tuition fee or one that’s located in a cheaper town.

You Don’t Like Your School’s Social Scene

College is just as much about socials as it is about academics. It’s likely where you’ll make some of the best memories of your life! But this can be difficult if you’re not vibing with your environment.

If you’re looking for a different college culture or are seeking to be surrounded by more like-minded people, you might consider transferring colleges.

Pros and Cons of Transferring Colleges More Than Once

Transferring colleges more than once comes with its set of pros and cons. Let’s unpack some of them here:

Pro: You Can Build Character

Moving from one college to another is a character-building experience. You may already know what it’s like to transfer colleges. It can get tough as you’re thrown out of your comfort zone, but it can also teach you to be brave and independent.

The move can push you academically and socially, helping you become more mature and collect valuable insights that can help you move forward in your life.

Con: You Leave What’s Familiar

Even if you feel like you don’t fit in at your current school, there’s likely still going to be a sense of familiarity. When you transfer, you’ll have to leave old friends, routines you’ve grown accustomed to, and places you’ve become fond of.

Pro: You May Save Money

If you’re transferring colleges for financial reasons, then the transition may make everyday living much more affordable. Plus, you may save your future self from having to pay back ridiculous student debt.

Con: You Have to Apply All Over Again

The process of transferring colleges can be taxing. You have to fill out applications, gather documents, and talk to multiple advisors, mentors, and staff members. Sometimes, it’s even more challenging than applying to school the first time.

Pro: You May Enjoy More Opportunities

Starting fresh means that you can open yourself up to many new opportunities to become a better version of yourself. You may do better academically, join a new set of clubs or organizations, or seek out other ways to advance yourself toward your future goals.

Con: It Can Take Longer To Get Your Degree

In some cases, you may find that some of your college credits can’t be transferred from one school or another. This means that you might have to repeat classes to comply with your new college’s requirements, which will likely prolong your time in school.

When is it too late to transfer colleges? Arguably, the answer is never. You shouldn’t let anyone dictate your academic timeline. That said, if you’re determined to transfer, it’s often better to do it earlier on, preferably while you’re still a freshman or a sophomore.

How to Transfer Colleges a Second Time

Transferring colleges a second time is no different than doing it the first time. It’s like applying for college the first time, where you’ll have to search for schools or programs, comply with the requirements, and submit your applications, along with preparing yourself for the move.

If you want to know more, you can check out My College Guide’s comprehensive how-to guide on transferring colleges!