Preparing To Transfer
We realize that when you are ready to move on to your next college/university to continue your studies toward a bachelor's degree the process to transfer can be confusing. The resources on this page are here for you to reference as you begin the application and enrollment process for your bachelor's degree.
If you have more questions about transfer planning and the transfer process, check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and other resources on the University Transfer Center page!
The Application Process
Every college/university has its own process for application to transfer. All CSCC students interested in applying to a bachelor's degree program MUST APPLY using that college/university's transfer application and their transfer application process unless you are in a Dual Admission program here at CSCC (Otterbein University).
If you need help completing your application, you should contact the college/university you are applying to. They can best answer your questions on completing the application, troubleshooting any technical concerns, and/or collecting the necessary additional documents with the application.
All applications will require an application fee unless otherwise specified by that college/university. Students can apply for a fee waiver for this fee and encouraged to do so. If a student wants to inquire about the waiver, they should contact a representative of that college/university.
Generally, it is best to apply for admission during the semester prior to your desired semester of entry (not counting summer term). Also, you should plan to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the deadline required by your transfer college/university. Every college and university has its own deadlines for application and financial aid. Applications are not considered complete until all supporting documents are received by the college/university.
Helpful Links for College & Financial Aid Applications
The Application Fee Waiver for Transfer Students
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Supporting Documentation for the Application
College Transcripts
Please follow the directions on the page at the link below to order your official transcript be sent to your chosen transfer college/university in support of your application and to have your credit evaluated for transfer and application to your transfer degree program. Colleges/Universities require that official transcripts must be sent directly to their institution by all colleges/universities you have attended. Same for Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccaleaurate (IB) and any other college level credit you may have earned during high school. CSCC does not transfer credit from a high school transcript. Your transfer institution will only transfer credit from a CSCC transcript that was earned at CSCC.
Report/Recommendation Forms
Students planning to transfer to another college may be required to submit a College Report. College Reports request details of a student’s conduct/disciplinary record from the institution they are currently attending. In some cases, the forms will also request confirmation of grade point average (GPA) and other academic information.
These forms have many different names: Transfer College Report, Transfer Recommendation, Disciplinary Clearance, Code of Conduct Clearance, and Dean of Students Recommendation are a few examples.
If you are using the Common App for Transfer (https://apply.commonapp.org/login), some colleges require the Common App College Report. You will need a Common App account to access the form.
Please follow these steps to have the College Report completed by a CSCC representative:
- Get the required form from your transfer college and complete the student section, including your signature.
- Email the form to transferreport@cscc.edu and include your 7-digit Cougar ID#.
- Please allow 2-4 business days for your request to be completed and if you have questions, please email transferreport@cscc.edu.
SAT/ACT Scores and High School Transcripts
Depending upon how many credit hours you've earned at the college after graduating high school and/or where you are applying to continue, you may be required to provide a valid SAT or ACT score and/or an official high school transcript. If you have questions about whether or not you need to provide these documents with your application, please contact that college or university you are seeking transfer to first.
You must order a score report from the College Board (SAT) or ACT (ACT) and have it sent directly to the institution you are applying to if they require it. You may be asked to self-report your scores on yoru application, but you will need the official reports sent and received for your application to be complete. Same for the high school transcript as it must be ordered directly from your high school to the college/university you are applying to.
Some colleges and universities will require you to provide proof of high school graduation or a GED. If you did not receive either, you should reach out to the colleges/universities you are seeking transfer to and inquire about their policies regarding high school completion.
Ordering official Advanced Placement (AP) scores
Ordering official International Baccaleaurate (IB) scores
Personal Essay
Some transfer applications will ask for a personal essay. In many cases, this essay is optional for students and provides them with an opportunity to discuss issues with their education (i.e. problematic grades or semesters, illness, family issues, work/life balance) and/or why they are choosing to transfer to that particular institution. If you need assistance with constructing this essay, students can use the resources they have here at CSCC such as The Writing Center and the Online Writing Center.
CSCC Writing Center and Online Writing Center- How to Access
Letters of Recommendation
If letters of recommendation are required for your transfer application, you should use the forms and guidance provided by the college/university you are applying to. A good rule for these recommendations is to request them only from those people that will provide you with a good recommendation. Often, a faculty member or teacher is required to provide one of these recommendations. You should think carefully about who you choose and make sure that you choose one that you know and that you had for class. When you've made your choice, visit this person during their office hours and/or make an appointment to meet them and bring all the forms with you. Ask them if they can provide you with a recommendation and if they need any information to do so. Make sure you give them enough time to complete the recommendation and have it completed before the deadline. If you need other recommendations, another good practice is to ask a supervisor from a job, a club/organization advisor, or other person who served in related supervisory/advisory capacity in something you participated in. It is generally not recommended to ask a family member or personal friend.