S5E21: How College Transfer Admissions Really Work | Strategy, Timing, & What Top Schools Look For

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel is joined by Sonam Aidasani, Director of Product & Strategy at Admittedly and former Duke admissions officer, to break down one of the most misunderstood areas of college admissions: transferring. Is transferring actually an easier way into a highly selective college? What makes a compelling reason to transfer? And if you're already thinking about transferring before freshman year even begins, what should you be doing now? Thomas and Sonam unpack the different paths students take—from community college to four-year universities, to students realizing their current college simply isn't the right fit, to families considering transfer as a deliberate admissions strategy. They also explain why transfer admissions is its own process and why strong college grades alone aren't enough. Key Topics: The different reasons students pursue transfer admissions (and which ones make the strongest case) Why your high school transcript can still matter in transfer admissions The importance of college grades, professor relationships, recommendations, and campus involvement Why admissions officers scrutinize your reason for leaving your current institution Whether you can reuse essays from your original freshman application How SAT and ACT scores can factor into a transfer application Transfer vs. gap year: what students should consider before choosing either path Why every college's transfer policies, requirements, priorities, and credit rules need to be researched individually Considering a Transfer? Admittedly's transfer programs are designed for students preparing to apply now as well as students who are earlier in college and want to position themselves strategically for a potential transfer later. From course selection and academic performance to campus involvement, recommendations, testing, school selection, and the application itself, the decisions you make before applying can significantly shape your options. 📅 Speak with the Admittedly team about your transfer strategy: Apply for a Complimentary Strategy Call 📱 Follow Admittedly: Instagram & TikTok: @admittedlyco