Information for Transfer Applicants
Transfer students enrich our campus community by adding an incredible amount to the diversity, life, and culture of Wesleyan.
Wesleyan enrolls approximately 40-50 transfer students every fall. These students come from other four-year colleges and universities, as well as two-year colleges, and transfer in as sophomores or juniors.
Students looking to transfer to Wesleyan must apply by submitting the Common Application online.
Application Deadlines
Fall Transfer- Deadline: March 15
- Notification: late April
Transfer Eligibility
Transfer students come to Wesleyan from a variety of institutions, experiences, and pathways. To be eligible to apply as a transfer student, one must:
- Have completed a high school diploma (or its equivalent)
- Have studied full-time at another four-year institution or nearly full-time at a two-year institution
- Have completed at least one full year of undergraduate coursework and a minimum of 6 Wesleyan credits by the time of matriculation
- Based on total number of credits, enter as a:
- 1st semester sophomore (on pace is 8 Wesleyan credits)
- 2nd semester sophomore (on pace is 12 Wesleyan credits), or
- 1st semester junior (on pace is 16 Wesleyan credits)
Please note: one Wesleyan credit is equivalent to 4 semester hours or 6 quarter hours
Students entering with fewer than the equivalent of 6 Wesleyan credits are not eligible for admission. As transfer students must be in residence a minimum of four semesters to earn a Wesleyan degree, those with more than 16 Wesleyan credits are not encouraged to seek admission. Wesleyan does not discount previously earned credits, nor do we grant a second bachelor’s degree.
Students who have taken college courses through a high school dual enrollment program (including Bard High School Early College Network) apply as first-year applicants. Students enrolled in residential early college programs should contact the Office of Admission before applying.
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
- We automatically waive the application fee for any student applying for financial aid.
- Wesleyan meets 100% of demonstrated financial need. We do this by creating a financial aid package (based on our assessment) that bridges the difference between the total cost of attendance and your family's expected financial contribution.
- Our financial aid packages are loan-free.
Our commitment to meeting 100% demonstrated financial need extends to every year of enrollment. Students who either 1) miss the financial aid deadline, or 2) who indicate on their application that they will not apply for financial aid and are admitted, will not be considered for financial aid during their first two semesters at Wesleyan.
Financial aid for international transfer students is extremely limited.
However, Wesleyan does offer financial aid to students who are undocumented or who have DACA status. International students not requesting financial aid must submit documentation verifying sufficient financial resources and/or outside scholarships to meet the expense of a Wesleyan education. Please use the International Student Certification of Finances form and submit the completed form with your application. For more information, visit our Financial Aid Office website.
Transfer FAQ's
- As a transfer student, am I admitted to a specific major?
No. Students are admitted to the University, not to a specific major or academic program.
- Are all majors open to transfer students?
Students transferring as a 1st semester sophomore have access to most majors. However, students entering as a 1st semester junior may be prohibited from certain programs. Please review our departmental policies for Film, College of Letters, and College of Social Studies via WesMaps prior to applying.
- I attended multiple high schools and colleges. Do I need to submit all of my transcripts?
Yes, all high school and college transcripts (including the Midterm Report, if applicable) are required to be considered for admission.
- Is the mid-term report required?
The mid-term report is required for any student who is currently enrolled in an undergraduate program and taking courses. However, we will automatically waive the requirement for any student who is not currently enrolled (e.g. taking a Gap Year, on medical leave) in an undergraduate program.
- Can I submit a portfolio or audition?
No, portfolios or auditions are not considered for transfer applicants.
- If I am reapplying, do I need to resubmit all of my application materials?
Yes, all materials, including updated college transcripts (if applicable) and letters of recommendation, need to be resubmitted.
- Are transfer students allowed to defer their enrollment?
No, we do not consider requests to defer enrollment from incoming transfer students.
- What types of resources are available for incoming transfer students?
As a transfer student at Wesleyan, you will have various resources to assist and support your academic journey, including Academic/Advising Resources, your faculty advisor(s), class dean, as well as:
- The Gordon Career Center - helps students translate their Wesleyan education into a lifetime of meaningful work. The Center provides students with the tools to map out their future.
- WesMaps - links to all Wesleyan majors, minors, and other academic offerings and courses during the academic year.
- Student Involvement - provides advice, guidance, and acts as a resource for students and student organizations.
- University Health Services - provides comprehensive primary care of illness and injury and is open for appointments with physicians and advanced practitioners.
- Is there an orientation for transfer students?
Yes! Although you are not a first-year student in college, you are a first-year student at Wesleyan. Our New Student Orientation is designed with the transfer student experience in mind. You can learn more by consulting our Get Ready for Wes - Transfer Students webpage.
- What housing options are available for transfer students?
As a residential community, all students are required to live on campus. Students are housed in single or double occupancy rooms, with other transfers as well as returning students. For more information, please visit our transfer housing webpage.