It's that time of year again when students transfer in and outof The University of Memphis.
The reasons they have for leaving vary, but most times studentsjust want to find the school that suits them personally.
Michelle Edwards, junior psychology major, said usually it's aculmination of things that students wanting to transferconsider.
"Academics was the biggest issue," Edwards said. "I'm going tograduate school, so I was looking at universities that were morenationally recognized. I was looking for a more academicallychallenging environment. Secondly, I was looking for an environmentthat would be my type of people.
"I was looking at going to a couple of religious schools. Iwanted to be around people that were more like me and not so mucharound people that I didn't have anything in common with."
Memphis is a commuter school, so the college experience isslightly different than that of other schools, another reasonEdwards said she wanted to leave.
"I was looking for more of a college town atmosphere. All theschools I was looking at were in smaller towns and the college lifewas a big part of that town," Edwards said. "Those places where allcollege students are everywhere, they just provide a reallydifferent atmosphere that I was attracted to."
However, because Edwards has only a short period of time untilshe graduates, she decided it would be best if she remained at TheU of M.
Junior Laura Moore, a Brigham Young University transfer to The Uof M, is now in the process of applying to the University ofTennessee, Memphis, for dental hygiene.
Moore said she left BYU because she wanted to come backhome.
"I loved the school, don't get me wrong," Moore said. "But rentand school and everything is very expensive. Living at home beatsthe cost."
Moore said although she hasn't had any trouble trying totransfer, others should acknowledge the withdrawalrequirements.
"Make sure you follow all processes that would allow youacceptance back into the school, should you decide you want to goback." Moore said. "You want to make sure that door is notclosed."
Because the decision to transfer from a university requires muchthought, students should be fully prepared. The office of AcademicTransfer and Articulation (ATA) lists steps students should takewhen switching institutions.
The first step is to start early and plan ahead. The sooner youbegin your process, the more time you will have to enjoy the payoffwhen you make the transition.
Then choose the right institution. Consider the location, thesize, whether it's public or private, the cost and majors.
The next step is investigating your choices. Know aboutadmissions requirements, minimum and maximum credits allowed andschedule a campus visit.
The fourth step is to get organized. Know the application andfinancial aid deadlines and keep records of everything yousubmit.
Finally, try to develop a strategy. Work with your transferadvisor and counselor. And have an alternative plan, in case youaren't admitted, financial aid doesn't work out or you changemind.
The ATA office said although the transfer process is animportant one, it doesn't have to be a chore.
