The Transfer
Scholar Journey
As a Transfer Scholar, you are part of a network of high-achieving community college students from across the country receiving dedicated support and guidance throughout your transfer journey. We’re there for you until when you transfer to a four-year college. What happens in the process?
STEP 1
Students are nominated by their community colleges…
Students receive a nomination letter to join the Transfer Scholars Network from senior leaders at participating community colleges based on TSN’s eligibility criteria, which include:
- Demonstrated academic achievement, typically after at least one semester of community college enrollment or in their second year of study
- High community college GPAs, typically 3.5, 3.75, or 4.0+
- Diverse life, leadership, professional, or service experiences within their community college, or where they live
- Students who intend to transfer to a four-year institution for the first time after community college
- Students who are likely to apply in spring 2026 to transfer in fall 2026 or in 2027.
- Students who would benefit from the generous financial aid offered at TSN's four-year partner schools.
Your nomination letter includes details on how to join the Transfer Scholars Network.
STEP 2
Students join the Transfer Scholars Network…
Nominated students will obtain exclusive access to TSN’s Student Portal, where they will:
- Create an individual account and their student profile.
- Complete and submit TSN’s Scholar Form—a short application that asks for your demographic information, including your personal/family income, and details related to your community college and academic journey.
- Select which TSN four-year partner institutions you want to learn more about. Students become virtually connected to the schools they are interested in, so that you can engage with their dedicated admission officers throughout the transfer admission cycle and process.
- Gain access to TSN’s informational resources, including webinars, videos, and materials designed to help you understand transfer opportunities at TSN partner schools and tips for becoming a competitive transfer student applicant.
- Update your list of TSN partner institutions as you explore and learn more over time.
STEP 3
Students engage with the Transfer Scholars Network and partners…
Transfer Scholars have exclusive access to a variety of virtual and recorded programming offered by TSN and our four-year partners.
- Invitations to participate in live webinars from September 2025 through February 2026 to connect with TSN, our partners, and other Transfer Scholars.
- Institutional spotlights to learn about each TSN partner and opportunities at their campuses.
- Topic-based webinars specific to transferring to a highly selective four-year institution.
- Transfer-focused programs hosted by TSN partners and their admissions teams.
Our programs, webinars, and resources are designed to help you understand what it’s like to consider applying and transferring to a highly selective four-year school, especially those within TSN:
- How can you determine if TSN partner schools are good fits for your educational goals?
- What do you need to know about being a competitive transfer applicant?
- What the transfer student experience is like at TSN schools?
Admission representatives at TSN partner schools can also help answer your questions about transfer admissions, financial aid, credit transfer, and many other topics.
STEP 4
Students consider applying to four-year schools…
Transfer Scholars can thrive and succeed at many public and private four-year colleges and universities. We encourage students to have multiple options in their transfer planning, as admission at TSN partner schools is exceptionally competitive and not guaranteed by TSN. Transfer Scholars must follow the transfer application process at any school they apply to.
In addition to your educational goals, think about your personal and life circumstances that influence your transfer experience, such as staying close to loved ones, managing work or family responsibilities, and finding a school that feels like the right fit for you.