Transferring colleges means managing two moves at once: getting credits, applications and deadlines right before you leave, and finding your footing quickly at a school where everyone else already knows the system. Blackburn Mentoring pairs a transfer student with one dedicated mentor who meets with them regularly by video, with text and phone check-ins in between, from the planning stage through the first term at the new school. Mentoring works anywhere in the US, and in person in Los Angeles.
When students and families reach out
- Planning a move from community college to a four-year school; see transfer agreements explained
- Unsure which credits will count; see transfer credits explained
- Transferring because the first school was not a fit; see transferring colleges
- The first term at the new school feels harder than expected; see transfer shock
- Commuting or working while finishing a degree; see commuter college students
- Parents helping a student think through whether and when to transfer
What a mentor works on
- The decision. The real reasons for the move, the options and the timing, so the transfer solves the problem it is meant to solve.
- The timeline. Applications, transcripts, financial aid and housing deadlines in one calendar, with the student checking each school’s rules.
- Credits and the degree plan. Preparing for advising on both ends, keeping course syllabi, and asking for a credit evaluation early.
- The first term. Registration, office hours and a study routine at the new school; see how to register for college classes.
- Settling in. Building a routine, finding people and using campus resources at a school that is new to the student.
For parents
A transfer can look like a setback from the outside, even when it is the right move. A mentor helps the student plan it carefully and follow through, and with the student’s permission, mentors share progress updates with parents.
What it is, and what it is not
- It is one-on-one mentoring and coaching for direction, structure and follow-through, by video anywhere in the US or in person in Los Angeles.
- It is not admissions consulting, and no one can promise admission or how credits will transfer. The receiving school’s admissions office and registrar make those decisions.
- If a student is dealing with depression, anxiety or substance use, a licensed professional is the right step, and a mentor can work alongside them. In a crisis, call or text 988.
How to start
- Book a free intro call. A free 20-minute video call with a member of our team. Calls are weekdays, 9 to 5 Pacific. Choose a time.
- Get matched. New clients are matched with a mentor within 2 business days.
- Start the plan. Sessions by video, scheduled in your local time, with early morning, evening and weekend times available.
Questions about mentoring for transfer students
When should a student start planning a transfer?
Ideally a term or two ahead, because application, transcript and financial aid deadlines often come well before the move. Check each school’s transfer deadlines.
Will all my credits transfer?
Not always. The receiving school decides which credits count and how. Transfer agreements, where they exist, can help. Ask the receiving school for a credit evaluation as early as you can.
What is transfer shock?
A dip in grades or confidence in the first term after transferring, often because the pace, size or expectations are different. Planning the first term carefully and asking for help early can soften it. See transfer shock.
Do you help with transfer applications?
Mentors help students plan, stay organized and meet deadlines. The student writes and submits their own applications, and mentoring is not an admissions consulting service.
How much does it cost?
We do not publish prices. See how much a mentor costs, or ask on the free intro call.
Planning a transfer from a community college in Los Angeles County? See community college to UC transfer in Los Angeles.
Related
- Transferring colleges
- Transfer shock
- Transfer credits explained
- Transfer agreements explained
- Mentoring for community college students
- Mentoring for first-generation college students
Get started
Planning a transfer, or just arrived at a new school? Call (888) 305-5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or book a free intro call. You can also start with a short assessment.
Free, by video, 20 minutes, with a member of our team. Weekdays 9 to 5 Pacific.