Observations From a Transfer Student: How to Make a Successful Transition to Ohio State

By: Malachi Brooks

Sometimes it can be tough figuring out where you belong, especially during college. For me, it took two years to decide that pursuing a degree at a small liberal arts college was not in my best interest. Transferring to Ohio State this semester was one of the best decisions I made for my academic success. However, that decision did not come without any effort. Luckily for me (and anyone else thinking about transferring to Ohio State) there are plenty of resources for transfer students. Let’s talk about how students can make a strong transition to Ohio State from another institution.

With a transfer acceptance rate of 84.25%, Ohio State University is a great option for students looking to switch schools. 

One of the most important things to note when transferring schools is making sure you are meeting deadlines. Ohio State has resources to help make sure you know important dates as well as other information about transferring on http://undergrad.osu.edu/apply/transfer. The website essentially takes you through the entire transfer process, from the admission criteria from your old school all the way to what steps to take after you’ve been admitted.

Following steps online can often feel impersonal and tedious, which is why speaking with someone at the undergraduate admissions office is a great idea as well. They are more than happy to answer questions about the transfer process or general questions about admission to Ohio State. When I was in the process of transferring here, the admissions office was great about giving me as much information as possible and it made my experience a breeze. They can be contacted by phone Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm. 

Once you’ve been accepted and been through the transfer process, it’s important to get acquainted with Ohio State. This was the unwritten rule that I was unaware of when I transferred schools. Ohio State University has a large campus and it can be easy to get lost in the sea of students. Thankfully, transfer students have the option to tour the campus and familiarize themselves with the place they will be spending a lot of time.

Finally, the Ohio State Buckeyes are what make this school so unique. It is so important that transfer students have fun on campus! There are events constantly happening all around campus and most of them are free to attend. Going to events like the student involvement fair or sporting events are great ways to make friends at your new school. The people I have met here have sculpted my experience and there is no other place I’d rather be.

Make the best of your time here and be sure to get involved. This school has so much to offer a student like you!

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