Transfer Students

The Ultimate Transfer Student Q&A

jpow — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 16:06:53 +0000

The Ultimate Transfer Student Q&A jpow Wed, 02/19/2025 - 11:06

We spoke with four UM-Dearborn transfer students from all four of our different colleges to get their insight on transferring to a new campus, overall experience, and tips they have for students transferring to UM-Dearborn.

Our interviewees:

Cayley Catlett, College of Business

Sophia Hawkins, College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences

Hasan Termos, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Kimberly Bertges, College of Education, Health, and Human Services

Why did you decide to transfer to UM-Dearborn?

I decided to transfer to UM-Dearborn because I was attracted to the smaller class sizes. I am a person who really benefits from having that one-on-one interaction with my professor. I like being able to know that I can reach out to my professor and it's not going to take two to three weeks to respond. That's something I really appreciate about UM-Dearborn.
- Sophia Hawkins

How was your experience transferring here? Is there a moment that stands out?

It was a very easy transition… I came from a school with almost 40,000 people. So, here it feels like you definitely meet more professors one-on-one and get to experience that, and it's easier to bond with people. I met one of my best friends in the first class I ever had here and we still talk and hang out once a week.
- Cayley Catlett

Have any professors made an impact on your experience here?

One is Professor Eric Ratz, I took thermodynamics and thermofluids with him. I remember asking him a lot of questions and he never not answered my question. Also, he would help me outside the classroom. I'm applying to a master's at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and he would give me tips on how to write my statement of purpose and even help me decide what I want to do with my master's.
- Hasan Termos

Which clubs and organizations are you involved in?

I am a part of the First-Gen organization. I'm also a part of TRIO, both the Student Support Services (SSS) and Select Student Support Services (4S), and then, I help out with Dearborn Support. I'm also a part of the Criminology and Criminal Justice Collective (CCJC).
-Kimberly Bertges

Learn more about our over 150 student organizations!

What practice-based learning opportunities have you been involved in?

I have an internship with the university where I'm helping with their social media accounts, which is something I've always dreamed of doing professionally once I graduate. So, that's allowing me to make connections and build a portfolio to add to my resume and build up more experience.
- Cayley Catlett

What do you enjoy most about being a student at UM-Dearborn?

I think I've met some of the kindest and most genuine people throughout my time at UM-Dearborn. It feels like there are people there for you. Even people that you don't know. But it seems like there's always somebody there for you. It never feels like I'm alone. There's always somewhere on campus for me to go and get what I need. So, I really like that about UM-Dearborn.
- Sophia Hawkins

What tips do you have for someone who is transferring to UM-Dearborn?

The Consensus: Get Involved!

My biggest tip for anyone transferring to UM-Dearborn is to get involved, and to look for other people. They don't even have to be your age. I have friends who are literally the same age as my oldest child. So, I would say just get involved, get in the organizations, and put yourself out there.
- Kimberly Bertges

Get involved! When I first transferred here I was pretty nervous to get involved in different organizations by myself without having a person with me, but it definitely has helped me grow as an individual to be able to go and get involved in organizations that are part of my interests. They may not be connected to other people but they're connected to me.
- Sophia Hawkins

The biggest tip is to be more involved on campus. If I was more involved in my first year, I think I would have gained a lot of outside or beyond my coursework experience. And whoever is transferring here should consider being part of clubs, organizations, or societies. It’s very beneficial.
- Hasan Termos

Talk to people! Everyone here is so nice and wants to make friends. There is a good amount of transfer students here, so we're all in the same boat together.
-Cayley Catlett

Current Resources for Transfer Students:

Course Transfer System - We’ve developed the Course Transfer System, a tool to help you determine how much of your existing coursework will transfer to our campus.

Meet Our Transfer Specialists - Our Transfer Team provides pre-transfer advising to help ensure that you have a smooth transition. Whether you are just starting your academic journey or are ready to transfer, they are here to help with your success.

Apply as a Transfer Student - Get all the information you need to start your application to the ÿ�մ��!

Transfer Students

UM-Dearborn Experience

Wed, 02/19/2025 - 16:06

Your Most Pressing Questions Answered by Current UM-Dearborn Transfer Students

UM-Dearborn Admissions Blog

The not-so-ordinary story of a CASL transfer student

jpow — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:36:23 +0000

The not-so-ordinary story of a CASL transfer student jpow Wed, 02/05/2025 - 10:36

Blog Post Written by Bryanna Worthy

That day was strange. No one came to school except me and a few close friends. The image of running through the empty halls is clear in my mind. We were all clueless and had no idea what was happening. The government had announced that we were going into a pandemic and that, for a short period of time, the schools would be closed. At first, I was optimistic about having some time away from classes, but I was entirely wrong. After that day in March, running through the halls of a seemingly abandoned school, I didn’t realize it would be my last time there.

The first year of the pandemic was difficult. In addition to a general uncertainty about what would happen, my grades took a massive hit. I had begun my freshman year of college, and by the end of my first semester, my overall GPA was low. I mean really low. My motivation was gone.

When I began my sophomore year it was quite the journey. The lockdown had been lifted and I was back in a physical classroom after almost two years at home. While I was excited to have in-person classes again, it didn’t feel like a real experience. People were spaced out and wearing masks, and the lack of human connection made me feel distant.

However, it was during my junior year that everything changed. It was a few months after my mom had a heart attack and a year after going back to in-person classes. My mom’s health scare was an event that shook me and put a lot into perspective. No longer would I sit in the passenger seat. That’s when I decided to make a change.

I transferred from my local community college to the ÿ�մ��. As I entered the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters auditorium, I was amazed at the very thought of me making it here. As the weeks flew by, I met so many amazing people who would change my life forever. I met Teaching Professor Jerilyn Mannion who encouraged me to get involved in the French department. I also met Associate Professor Margaret Murray who helped me transition into becoming a public relations student and later find employment as a Language, Culture, and the Arts Student Ambassador.

I remember the first time I visited the French Club. The experience I had was amazing and enlightening. I was so fortunate to have met Professor Mannion, who helped me realize that I still had a passion for the language. She also helped me receive a minor in French studies. Never would I have imagined that after a few months working alongside Professor Mannion — and previous French Club President Jay Cormier — it would lead me to the position I’m in now.

Later that year, I won multiple awards. My grade point average improved — a lot. I made it onto the French Honors Convocation list and the Dean's List, and it's all because of the chance I took here at the ÿ�մ�� (with the encouragement of my family). I elevated myself by going after my dreams, and the vast resources available here at the university helped me do so.

Even though I started as a not-so-motivated college student in the middle of a pandemic, I was fortunate enough to have such a great supportive system that led me to where I am today. I’ve found that, in the face of adversity, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s just waiting for you to make that first step.

Majors & Careers

Student Stories

Transfer Students

Understanding College Admissions

Wed, 02/05/2025 - 15:36

CASL transfer student Bryanna Worthy documents her journey from an unmotivated first-year student in the midst of a pandemic to a thriving senior who has made her way on the Dean's list and is leading multiple organizations on campus.

UM-Dearborn Admissions Blog

Being a college transfer student — should I stay or should I go?

jpow — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 14:05:46 +0000

Being a college transfer student — should I stay or should I go? jpow Mon, 06/13/2022 - 10:05

Blog post written by Bella Porbe

Whenever I’m identified as a transfer student, I am asked the same three questions: Why did you decide to transfer?; Was the process difficult?; and, Did you feel like you missed out on the “Freshman experience?” These questions are usually asked with the hopes of receiving a quick yes or no answer, but the reality is a little more complex than that. So to shed some light for those who may be going down a similar path (over 1 million students every year), here’s the rundown of how I got from point A to point B, and then to point C.

When I was in high school, there were four colleges I knew I wanted to apply to: Western Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, ÿ�մ��, and Michigan State University. I applied to all of them but never expected to find myself enrolled in a community college. Due to health concerns, I attended my first two years at Washtenaw Community College (WCC) with little choice. And although I loved it and was grateful to have all in-person classes my first year, I knew I couldn’t stay there forever. I needed to transfer to another school after completing my associate's degree. Transferring after two years of comfort and familiarity wasn’t going to be easy, but I was ready for the challenge.

Having a conversation with my WCC counselor about where I would go next was an encouraging experience. In the past, I had doubted my intellectual and educational abilities and was told that I wouldn’t get into the University of Michigan without a perfect GPA, attendance, and community involvement. But this time around, my counselor helped me explore all my options and made sure to prioritize my personal needs. With my newfound optimism, I resorted back to my high school dream, UM-Dearborn. I strived to be in a tight-knit diverse community with an intimate classroom setting and a location that was close to home. The 300-person lecture halls were not for me.

The educational aspect was an easier process than I anticipated. Most of my credits were transferable, I continued to follow my major, and the financial aid office helped me with expenses. And once I got to UM-Dearborn, there were so many resources, departments, and individual mentors that made the first week go incredibly smooth. CRUISE to Success for incoming freshman and transfer students, my counselor, and the Wolverine Mentor Collective were there for me every step of the way, just to name a few. Having four different colleges on campus, College of Business, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, College of Education, Health, and Human Services, and College of Engineering and Computer Science, also helped me to make a distinction between the buildings. (Not to mention, the campus is beautiful).

In terms of missing out on my “Freshman year experience,” it didn’t feel like that was the case. When I transferred, I knew I wanted to get involved as much as possible. Outside of grade school, I never joined a club and wanted to build friendships that would last long after I graduated. So, I went out of my comfort zone and did some organization hunting. I interviewed with multiple groups and associations which aligned with my goals and desires and found the harmony I was searching for. Students and professors welcomed me with open arms whenever I showed the slightest interest. Talking to as many people as I could definitely paid off. Whether it’s complimenting someone’s shoes, holding the door, or explaining a lesson to your classmate, it makes all the difference.

Since we are also a commuter campus, there are fewer opportunities to meet students off-campus than at universities with dorm life. But participating in events, meetings, and organizations is a great way to become involved and spend your time creating connections at Dearborn.

I never thought I would be able to transfer to the ÿ�մ��. When my advisor told me I could 100% go to UM-Dearborn I genuinely couldn’t believe it. Since arriving, I’ve met so many new people and have garnered multiple new perspectives on life. I am so thankful to have the amazing experience UM-Dearborn has blessed me with and am excited to see what my senior year will bring.

Student Stories

Transfer Students

Understanding College Admissions

Mon, 06/13/2022 - 14:05

From deciding what college to attend to making friends at a new school, student blogger Bella shares her experiences as a transfer student.

UM-Dearborn Admissions Blog

Decoding UM-Dearborn’s Transfer Tools

jpow — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 15:03:02 +0000

Decoding UM-Dearborn’s Transfer Tools jpow Fri, 10/29/2021 - 11:03

Transferring to a new university is a process — a possibly daunting one without a little guidance along the way. At ÿ�մ��, nearly 50% of our students have transferred from community colleges and four-year schools across the country. That means, our faculty and staff have years of experience helping transfer students navigate the transition to our campus with ease. There are a number of resources available to support all students every step of the way, but a few were designed with you in mind.

Course Transfer System
To determine how much of your existing coursework will transfer to our campus, simply use our Course Transfer System. The database will tell you exactly how your previous coursework is recognized at UM-Dearborn.

Michigan Community College Transfer Hubs
Interested in transferring from a community college in the state of Michigan? If so, your college may be one of our Transfer Hubs — the 13 most-attended community colleges among our transfer students. If your school is on the list, we’ve developed easy-to-follow guides for applying to UM-Dearborn according to your college and prospective major.

MiTransfer Pathways
MiTransfer Pathways is a statewide initiative created to simplify the transfer experience. Any credits earned by completing Pathways courses, will apply to both an associate degree at say, your previous university or community college, as well as a bachelor's degree at UM-Dearborn. We’re proud to participate in all applicable Pathways!

Michigan Transfer Agreement
If you’re currently enrolled in a local community college, you’re in luck! The Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) is a resource that allows transfer students enrolled in Michigan-based community colleges, to complete a 30-credit block that satisfies most of the general education requirements at Michigan universities like UM-Dearborn. As of fall 2014, students at Michigan community colleges must complete 30 hours with at least a C or better in each approved course. Your community college should have a website that lists the approved courses for completing the MTA. Solomon — a current transfer student who made his way to UM-Dearborn via Schoolcraft College — says it best!

Transfer Scholarships
UM-Dearborn is committed to making the world-renowned Michigan degree accessible to all students. As a transfer student, you may be eligible for scholarships designed just for you. From Community College Transfer Scholarships to the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, our Transfer Scholarships site offers a list of resources for you to discover. Most recently, UM-Dearborn announced the launch of Go Blue Guarantee on our campus. The scholarship program is University of Michigan’s landmark promise of free tuition for high-achieving in-state undergraduate students from low-income backgrounds. Visit the Go Blue Guarantee site to see if you qualify.

Transfer Students

Understanding College Admissions

Fri, 10/29/2021 - 15:03

UM-Dearborn Admissions Blog