Tips for Transfer Applicants

In the foreground are yellow small daisies. In the background is the main entrance to College Hall with a stone facing and large wooden doors. There is a student walking in front of College Hall wearing a black tee shirt.

March 08, 2024
Lindsey Spencer, Transfer Admission Counselor

Transfer students are a diverse group of students from a variety of educational backgrounds. We are happy to provide support and information throughout the admission process! Here are some tips to help you get started.

1. Don’t be intimidated by the transfer application process.

At Gonzaga, transfer students are not competing with other students to gain admission. Majors and minors are also not restricted to a limited number of spots. Let your passions, interests, and merits shine through in your application! The application’s personal statement is a great opportunity to tell us about yourself, your educational journey, and your goals.

Our transfer webpage is a great place to get started as you’re considering this pathway to Gonzaga.

 

2. Pay attention to the recommended transfer timeline, required documents, and admission guidelines.

Gonzaga admits transfer applicants year-round, but there are ideal times to complete an application, confirm your enrollment, and apply for housing and scholarships. The recommended transfer deadlines are strategic to ensure that you are not missing out on opportunities for best class placement, preferred housing (if you’ll be living on campus), and other enrollment activities.

For Fall applicants, our priority deadline is March 1st and our final deadline is June 1st (though you can apply earlier – decisions are rolling!). Typically, admitted students can expect the housing application to be immediately available after admission (if you’ll be living on campus) and registration will begin for confirmed students typically around early May. Students are asked to confirm enrollment by July 1st. For Spring applicants, our deadline is November 15th. Similarly, if you’re living on campus, the housing application will be available after admission is offered. We ask students to confirm enrollment by December 1st and registration for confirmed students is around early December.

It’s also important to make sure to submit all necessary documents. You can complete your application and check on your application checklist in your application portal.

I also recommend checking out our transfer admission guidelines, including minimum GPA. To see more information about our transfer admission process, check out our transfer webpage. If you are at all confused or concerned by our admission guidelines, you’re welcome to email me at spencerL2@gonzaga.edu to set up a meeting (phone, Zoom, or in-person); I am happy to provide guidance!

 

3. Check your email frequently for updates on your application status.

Once your transfer application has been received, we will keep you regularly informed of any documents needed to complete your application. Don’t be afraid to respond and ask questions!

4. Complete the FAFSA or add Gonzaga's school code to your current FAFSA.

The FAFSA is a great opportunity to supplement the cost of attendance; it’s a free application for federal student aid (grants, work-study, loans, etc.), but it also provides Gonzaga with an opportunity to offer you institutional aid (Gonzaga grants and other forms of aid). Don’t forget to add Gonzaga’s school code: 003778.

If you are applying for Fall 2024, we know that the FAFSA has been experiencing significant issues and delays. If you need assistance, our Financial Aid Office is a great resource.

5. Visit Gonzaga's Campus.

We have multiple in-person visit options, including campus tours, information sessions, meetings with admission counselors, faculty interactions, and Preview Days. We also offer virtual options, including information sessions, meetings with admission counselors, and faculty and current student interactions. You can also check out our virtual tours.

6. Check out Gonzaga’s resources.

Gonzaga has a great Transfer, Veteran, and Returning Adult office that hosts regular events, social opportunities, and resources. There are also a multitude of other offices on campus that work to serve and support students during their time here.

 

7. Ask questions!

This is the most important tip on this list! I am an email or call away if you have any questions during this process. You can email me at spencerL2@gonzaga.edu or call me 509-313-6579.

 

For more information, check out the links below: