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Fact Sheet 05
Revised August 2005
Transfer Admissions
There are many reasons why students transfer from one college to another. Some choose to enroll at a community or junior college after high school to strengthen their academic preparation or to save money before continuing in a baccalaureate program. Other individuals may find themselves enrolled at a postsecondary institution that is not meeting their academic or personal needs and wish to make a change. Whatever the reason, making a successful transfer requires careful planning and information gathering.
West Chester University enrolls more than 1,400 transfer students each academic year, most of whom enter in the fall semester. A transfer applicant is defined as someone who has attended any postsecondary institution after graduating from high school, or has attended West Chester University on a nondegree basis.
Requirements for Admission
While the minimum cumulative grade point average for transfer consideration to the University is 2.00, a 2.30 is recommended. However, priority is given to applicants with the strongest credentials, normally those with the highest grade point averages and greatest number of earned credits. Students whose secondary school credentials do not meet freshman entrance requirements must complete, or be in the process of completing, the equivalent of one full academic year of college course work (with a minimum of 24 credits) to be eligible for transfer consideration.
Some academic departments have established prerequisite courses and GPA requirements that must be met prior to transfer into particular programs of study. For further information, please visit our Web site at www.wcupa.edu.
Academic Passport
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) has adopted an Academic Passport policy to maximize access to higher education for all Pennsylvanians. Special consideration is given to graduates of Pennsylvania community colleges and to students transferring from other universities in the PASSHE. Specifics of this policy can be obtained from the Office of Admissions, the Office of the Registrar, or in the Undergraduate Catalog.
How and When to Apply
West Chester University operates on a modified rolling admissions policy, whereby applicants who apply early with the strongest academic credentials are given priority processing and notified as quickly as possible of their status. Other applicants are evaluated as their files become complete and may have final decisions deferred until later in the processing cycle, depending upon their individual academic profile.
Transfer applicants for the fall semester should begin the application process early in the preceding spring semester, preferably by April 15. It is recommended that spring semester applications be submitted by November 15. If enrollment limits are met before these dates, admissions will be closed. The following must be submitted for transfer admissions consideration:
*If you have earned fewer than 30 college credits at the time of application, you also must provide an official high school transcript and scores from either the SAT or the American College Test (ACT).
Accelerated Application Process
For quicker consideration of your application, we encourage you to apply online at www.wcupa.edu.
Transfer Credit and Scheduling
Accepted students can expect to receive a transfer credit evaluation 12 - 14 days after their acceptance and prior to their advance deposit due date. The associate registrar will assess credentials on all completed course work, in accordance with both general University and academic departmental policies. Scheduling and course selection are done in consultation with an assigned academic adviser.
Questions relative to the transfer credit evaluation process should be directed to the associate registrar by calling 610-436-3541. Transfer students are encouraged to reference the "Transfer Course Equivalencies" section of the Registrar's Web site (http://www.wcupa.edu/registrar/) as a resource throughout the transfer planning process.
Articulation Students
West Chester University and Delaware County Community College have an articulation agreement, which facilitates the enrollment of graduates with associate degrees into specific, compatible four-year degree programs. Qualified students must file a letter of intent with the transfer counselor at the community college within the first 30 credits of course work earned. This information will be forwarded to West Chester's Office of Admissions, and application materials and instructions will be provided and must be submitted at the appropriate time. Articulation students are given priority in the admissions process and guaranteed enrollment at West Chester University in accordance with the conditions of the agreement.