‘I was always wondering what it would’ve been like’: Students open up about transferring to TU

I talked to two students; both of whom transferred from American University in August 2015. They have very different majors and had different processes in choosing Tulane, but they are both glad that they chose TU.

Here’s what they both had to say about their transfer experience:

Student A: 20, Junior, Female, Finance and Management Major

Student B: 20, Junior, Female, Psychology Major

When did you transfer?

Student A: Beginning of my sophomore year.

Student B: Beginning of sophomore year.

Why did you decide to leave your old school?

Student A: I left because I changed my major to finance and wanted to attend a better business school. I also transferred because of the social environment. American wasn’t a fun school, there were no sporting events, was no school spirit and often times just didn’t feel like a college. I wanted a more typical college experience.

Student B: I was actually committed to Tulane senior year and it was a last minute decision to change to American. I didn’t hate American, but I think I was always questioning my decision and wondering what it would’ve been like if I picked Tulane, so I did.

Did you apply only to Tulane, or to multiple institutions?

Student A: I applied to Tulane and two other schools.

Student B: I only applied to transfer to Tulane because I didn’t decide until a few weeks after I finished freshman year. Since it was always Tulane as my other option, I knew this was the only other place I could go.

What made you choose Tulane? How is it different from and similar to your first school?

Student A: I liked the fact that Tulane had a great business school and was still a relatively small university. Tulane has a very different social aspect than American did. Going here is the typical college experience I wanted. It is also still located in a city which was another priority when choosing a school to transfer to. Lastly Tulane is very transfer friendly – they offer on-campus housing to all transfers. They also offer scholarships to transfers which can be rare and still give good financial aid packages to transfers.

Student B: It has a similar demographic of people, but it feels like a bigger school and the campus is definitely better.

How has the school helped you transition?

Student A: The transition was easy they had a quick one-day orientation which I liked. They also provide you with both an academic advisor for your major and a transfer advisor who oversees your total academic transfer which was super convenient.

Student B: The school had a transfer orientation and activities, but since I already knew people, I skipped most activities to hang out with preexisting friends.

How was the experience of transferring for you?

Student A: It has been good. I’ve been able to make friends, get good grade and join clubs easily.

Student B: I was lucky in that I had a lot of friends here already and they helped make the transition really easy. I met a lot of people who were friends and then friends of friends and it really made the experience feel like I have always been here.

Are you glad that you transferred? Are you glad that you chose Tulane?

Student A: Yes, I am very glad I transferred and choose Tulane. I could not imagine being at any other university.

Student B: I’m very glad I transferred here because I do love Tulane and have found that I’ve been able to explore more subject areas, and find more opportunities in areas I didn’t know I was interested in.

What advice would you give to other transfer students?

Student A: I would say don’t overthink the process. Be confident with the decision you made to transfer and embrace where you’ve chosen to go. Also don’t be afraid to say you’re a transfer student, but know if you do a conversation will start and by the time you graduate you’ll have answered the same questions a thousand times.

Student B: Branch out and go out with different people and meet their friend groups as much as possible, because it can be easy to find your group right off the back and never leave their sides. Also branch out from the transfer people because, in most cases, they won’t know as many people and you can find yourself standing in a circle at the boot and realizing you still don’t know anyone.

If you are a transfer student, or considering it, please tell us your experiences in the form of comments below!