Transfer Student FAQ

Learn about transfer admission criteria at the Office of Admissions website.

There are three basic steps for application to the U.

1. First fill out an application. This can most easily be done online.
2. You must also have transcripts sent from all previous schools.
3. Finally, you must pay an application fee, or request an application fee waiver.

• The Office of Admissions will begin processing your application once all fees and supporting documents have been received.
• Once all information is received, it can take from 2 to 4 weeks depending on how many applications are submitted when you apply. Transfer applications are rolling admissions, meaning Admissions starts reviewing once they receive a completed application.
• You can see if you are missing any information or documents on your transfer application by using the application tracker.
• Don't wait for the deadline. Apply early!

Connect with an Admissions Counselor to discuss when is the best time for you to apply.

It is wise to begin applying at least a semester before you plan to attend the U. You want to have plenty of time for your application to be processed and to get signed up for an early Orientation session. This will allow you to register with the rest of the students at the U. The following are good guidelines for early admission:

• You will receive an acceptance letter from the Office of Admissions if you have been admitted.
• A "Summary of Transfer Credit" showing all the coursework that has been accepted will also be sent, as well as information on how to sign up for a Transfer New Student Orientation.
• You can track the status of your application using the Office of Admission's application tracker. 

Check out our After Admissions checklist!

You will be eligible to register once you have:

• Confirmed your intent to enroll by paying your Enrollment Deposit.
  • If the enrollment deposit is a financial challenge, you may request a deposit extension. All requests must be in writing and submitted to admissions_appeal@utah.edu.
• Attended a Transfer New Student Orientation. You will receive information upon admission on how to attend an orientation session, or you can visit the Orientation website for more information. Don't delay attending an Orientation; the earlier you attend, the better your options for selecting classes will be. 
• Met with an academic advisor. There will be time at the end of Transfer New Student Orientation to connect with your college.

• Many housing options are available through Housing and Residential Education (HRE). Qualified transfer students may choose between apartments, single or double occupancy dormitory-style rooms, as well as a wide variety of Living Learning Communities for different academic specializations. Registered students can see how to apply for housing on HRE's Application and Reservation Process page.
• There is also a listing of off-campus housing options.

• Classes taken at colleges and universities within the state of Utah may be automatically recognized for transfer credit and by the prerequisite checking system at the U. Course equivalencies can be checked through the Utah Transfer Guide or Transferology.
• Out of state students can check out the U of U Transfer Credit Equivalency Guide
• For students applying for the Spring 2023 term and after, the Office of Admissions will accept all out-of-state transfer courses from US regionally accredited institutions as long as the courses are non-remedial, non-graduate level, or have not been applied to a previous bachelor’s degree. Grades must be a D- or higher to count for credit. General education, bachelor's degree, and major requirements may require higher letter grades in order for them to apply to these areas. If these courses have not been previously reviewed by the U, it may come in initially as elective credit. See more Transfer Articulation Policies
• A student's major department will evaluate transfer credit for applicability to major requirements. It is important for students to meet with their departmental advisor as soon as possible to discuss these requirements.
• Check out our more detailed transfer credit webpage.

The University of Utah offers over 200 majors, minors, and certificates that students can choose to build their own unique academic experience. Quick guide to all U of U majors, minors and certificates.

You must meet with the departmental advisor of your major who can formally admit you to your degree-granting college.

• You can find major-specific events and info sessions through the exploration events calendar
• You can research departmental home pages online
• You can review potential paths and quick guides to majors through Major Maps
• You can identify the departmental advisor or the program you are interested in pursuing
  
  • Depending on the major, the major may only offer appointments with peer advisors if transfer students are not yet admitted to the U
• You can find information on all requirements in the U’s General Catalog

A restricted major is one that requires a student to go through some sort of acceptance process to enter that program. This acceptance is separate from your initial admission to the U, and will require some sort of additional application to your major department. The requirements for acceptance to these restricted programs are varied but can include: completion of prerequisite classes, GPA, personal statement, portfolio, and volunteer/work experience. Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Nursing, Education, Architecture, Communications, and Pharmacy are just a few examples of restricted majors at the U.

• One of the best resources for exploring financial assistance at the U is the website for our Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
• Transfer students should pay particular attention to the scholarships offered by their major department and home college. List of U of U scholarships by college, department, and organization.
• Check out our list of scholarships specific and/or relevant to transfer students.
• Private and online scholarship resources
• Scholarship opportunities for international students

• Yes! Check out our list of transfer cohort and academic programs
• Most transfer cohort courses meet Bachelor Degree requirements that are not cleared with an Associate Degree, such as the International Requirement (IR) or upper division Communication & Writing (CW) requirement.

• Yes! There is the Crimson Transfer Honor Society (CTHS), which strives to recognize the academic excellence attained by transfer students during their first semesters at the University of Utah.
  • See the requirements to join CTHS, and their current student leadership
• There is also the Business Transfer Student Society (BTSS), which is dedicated to creating community for transfer students passionate about business. Find your home at Eccles, establish a lasting professional network, and make new friendships
  • See more information and upcoming events for BTSS

• Check out our list of High Impact Opportunities and Resources for transfer students
  • Native Excellence
  • Center for Campus Wellness
  • Center for Community & Cultural Engagement
  • Center for Student Access and Resources
  • Student Leadership & Involvement
    • ASUU (Student Government)
    • Find Student Groups
  • Veterans Support Center

College Specific Opportunities

• College of Humanities, Writing & Rhetoric Studies (WRS)
  • No matter what your major or career goals, writing will be important to your success. The Department of Writing & Rhetoric Studies (WRS) is here to help you become an effective and flexible writer in your U classes and beyond.
• College of Science, Science Research Initiative (SRI)
  • The (SRI) program offers College of Science students the opportunity to participate in discovery-based scientific research starting your first day on campus, with no prior research experience required. The SRI will jumpstart your path of academic success, and give you needed skills to prepare for an internship or a career - whether that's in a research lab, an office, or one of the many other opportunities open to our graduates.

• Yes! Check out our list of High Impact Opportunities and Resources for transfer students
  
  • These opportunities and resources are featured in terms of their relevance and importance for transfer students.
  • Many of the videos/workshop recordings on the page feature transfer students speaking about their experiences setting up and participating in the office or resource that is presented.
• You can join our Transfer Workshop Series to get tailored information related to how to navigate opportunities as transfer students.
  • See our list of upcoming and recently passed transfer workshops (most past transfer workshops have recordings of the workshops posted)
• Follow our Transfer Student Success YouTube channel to see video recordings of past transfer workshops or transfer related events
• Follow our Transfer Student Success Instagram to see current opportunities for transfer students at the U
• Watch a recording of U of U transfer student alumni reflecting on their transfer experience
  • U of U transfer alumni speakers have completed graduate degrees, a Fulbright US Student Program (in Spain), a Rotary International Peace Fellowship (in Japan), a Foreign Language and Areas Studies (FLAS) scholarship and Learning Abroad, a Hinckley Institute Washington, DC internship, Crimson Transfer Honor Society (CTHS) leadership positions, and more!
  • Transfer alumni speakers address imposter syndrome, watch that section here
  • U of U transfer alumni speakers transferred from Salt Lake Community College as well as out of state
• National Transfer Student Week is in October. Check out our U of U National Transfer Student Week page, highlighting upcoming or past events

The University Graduation Requirements at the U consist of 2 parts:

General Education

• General Education includes course requirements in the areas of Fine Arts, Humanities, Physical & Life Sciences, Social Sciences, Writing, American Institutions, and Quantitative Literacy.

• The Bachelor Degree requirements make up the second part of the University Graduation Requirements. These include an upper division Communication/Writing requirement, a DV course, an upper division International course, and a Quantitative Intensive requirement or foreign language courses, depending on what type of degree you are seeking.

Please refer to the Office of General Education for more details

Note: If you are considering a major in the College of Engineering, there are specific General Education requirements that need to be met, and you should see a departmental advisor as soon as possible.

An Associate of Science (AS) or an Associate of Arts (AA) degree (not an Associate of Applied Science) or an Interstate Passport or Certificate of Completion from an accredited Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) institution will waive your General Education requirements. U of U Bachelors Degree requirements are not cleared by these degrees and certifications.

An Associate of Science (AS) or an Associate of Arts (AA) degree (not an Associate of Applied Science) from an out-of-state institution should clear the Writing and Intellectual Exploration requirements (Fine Arts, Humanities, Physical & Life Sciences, and Social Sciences). Students transferring from out-of-state may also clear the Quantitative Reasoning and American Institutions requirements if they are transferring in comparable classes.

• If you think a transfer course could fulfill a university general education or bachelor degree requirement, submit a “Quick Question Advising” request by calling 801-581-8146 or going online to have a general advisor review the course . Be prepared to provide a copy of the course description and syllabus.
  • General Education Appeal form
• If you think a transfer course could fulfill a major requirement, take a course description and syllabus to your departmental advisor
  • Department Transfer Course Evaluations/Petitions and Permission Codes

The length of time you spend at the U depends on a variety of factors, such as the number of units transferred, your major, and personal factors. Speaking with an advisor will help keep you on track.