The essential transfer student scholarship guide

If you're changing schools, you might wonder if transfer students can get scholarships. Scholarships specifically designed for transfer students are not only available, but you'll have multiple to choose from. These include academic performance awards, need-based grants and money set aside for specific majors and industries.

Let's dive into how people can find scholarships for transfer students.

Transfer student scholarship types

• Academic merit scholarships recognize academic success from high GPAs and good test scores. Students who participate in a lot of activities will probably get a boost.
• Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid will determine whether a student qualifies for need-based aid. Students with difficult financial situations can get more money.
• Students in certain study areas might qualify for field-specific scholarships. The bonus to these awards is that they often have good job placement rates after graduation.
• Students moving to a new school might find scholarships for only transfer students. These might be easier to get because the field of candidates is smaller.
• If you are on active military service, a veteran or a military retiree, there are special financial aid opportunities.

Contact the financial aid office of the schools you are considering transferring to and ask them for specifics about the scholarships they offer transfer students.

Going for gold: Full-ride scholarships

Full-ride scholarships may seem out of reach, but with the right tools, they are entirely achievable. Seek out scholarships offering tuition, room and board and fees. Some students might find full-ride awards that provide money for programs like study abroad and internships.

The application process simplified

Applying for scholarships as a transfer student doesn't need to be difficult. The steps involved closely mirror those of high school scholarships. Here's a streamlined guide:

1. Find scholarship opportunities: Thumb through online databases, the websites of universities of interest, and professional associations for potential scholarships.
2. Tick the boxes: Make sure you qualify for an award. Those include GPA, test scores or participation in certain activities.
3. Compile essential documents: Gather all necessary paperwork such as transcripts, recommendation letters and essays.
4. Stay ahead of deadlines: Stick to a strict timeline since most applications have non-negotiable deadlines.
5. Ensure follow-up: If you don't hear back within a good timeframe, contact the scholarship office for updates.
   

FAFSA and transfer students

It’s important to fill out FAFSA every year to avoid missing out on aid for transfer students. Financial aid also doesn’t automatically follow students to a new school. If you don't fill it out, you could find that money you qualified for at your old school isn't available.

Completing the FAFSA application is vital to getting financial aid. Filing the FAFSA helps prove that you are eligible for federal aid including grants, loans and work-study programs.

More ways to earn

1. The early bird catches the worm: Start your scholarship hunt well ahead of deadlines to leave ample time to prepare your application.
2. Turn your transfer status into an asset: Show off the skills you built and what you did at your former institution.
3. Create a robust profile: Participate in activities and clubs for a compelling application.
4. Get to know your professors: Get recommendation letters from faculty familiar with your academic work and potential.
5. Apply: Even if you fall short on a few requirements, it never hurts to apply for an award.

While finding scholarships as a transfer student might feel hard, there are more opportunities available than you may think and using the information above can help you get a jump start.