FAQ for Transfer Students

Should I apply as a first-year or a transfer student?
Any applicant who has not yet graduated from high school (even having already earned AP, IB, or college credit) should apply as a first-year student. Any applicant who has been a regular status college student should apply as a transfer student. If you are somewhere in between, we urge you to call for clarification.

May I transfer to Colorado College in the spring semester of my first year in college?
Colorado College requires that you have completed a full semester of college work at the time of your application.

May I apply to spend just a year at your school and then go back to my original school?
Yes, but with such a limited number of spaces for transfers each year (often fewer than ten slots for January and around 30 slots for September), Colorado College gives preference to degree-seeking applicants.

How do you select transfer students for admission?
Transfer admission decisions are based on both objective and subjective criteria. While we do not require a minimum GPA, we do prefer applicants who have taken a rigorous load of liberal arts and sciences courses at their current college or university. We also give considerable weight to the applicant’s writing ability, both in terms of technical writing skills and the sophistication of the thoughts and analysis expressed. We also consider the likelihood of the applicant’s contributions to campus. Students who will bring unique talents, perspectives, or experiences are of interest to the Admission Committee. Ultimately, it is a selective process. In a given year, Colorado College typically receives more than 400 transfer applications, admits approximately 80 students, and enrolls 25 to 35.

When do I hear about transfer credit?
After admission, the registrar’s office will review your transcript and a credit analysis will be sent to you prior to your enrollment deposit deadline. Four semester hours or six quarter hours are equivalent to one Colorado College block credit. The following are requirements for transferring credit:

1. The course must be substantially similar to a course currently offered by Colorado College.
2. You must have received, at minimum, a “C” or its equivalent in the course.
3. The course must be taught on-site at a college or university campus and not on a secondary school campus.
4. The course must be taught by college or university faculty.
5. If taken before secondary school graduation, the course must be above and beyond the minimum requirements for secondary school graduation.
6. The course must be completed during or after your junior year in secondary school. No credit will be awarded for work completed prior to your junior year.
7. If the course is taken before secondary school graduation, you must submit a letter from your secondary school counselor stating that the credit complies with all the previously mentioned conditions

Transfer Credit Guidelines (MS Word Document)

When and how do I select classes?
Materials including registration instructions will be sent shortly after we receive your enrollment deposit. Since currently enrolled students will have already selected their classes, transfers typically choose classes on a space-available basis. The registrar believes that transfers are generally able to register for the classes they wish to take. You may also put your name on a waiting list for any class that is already full.

What about living on campus?
Housing is guaranteed for every student, provided housing contracts are delivered to the housing office when due. Only seniors, veterans, students living with their parents, and students 23 and older are automatically permitted to live off-campus.
Transfers are usually housed with students of similar academic standing (i.e., sophomores with sophomores). Fall transfers (typically 30 to 40 students) participate in new student orientation. There is a brief orientation for January transfers (typically no more than ten students).

Also see the FAQ for Transfer Applicants