Congratulations, transfer students. Longwood is going to be your new home for the next few years. Hopefully, you'll get some advice and understand why this university was the right place for you. You all chose this school for a reason, and Longwood wants you to take advantage of your time here and get the most out of it.
Ashley Woodard, senior assistant director of Admissions, took the time to answer my email with advice, tips and information about transfer students.
Q: What's some advice you can give to the new transfer students this semester? A: Ask questions! I've found the best way for transfer students to navigate the admissions process and the transition... to Longwood is for them to speak up and ask questions ... This will make their transition much smoother.
Q: Are transfer students a minority at Longwood?
A: The majority of the students who apply and enroll at Longwood are freshmen. With that said, there are services available to help transfer students transition to this new environment. As a whole, the university understands that, although transfer students were [previously] enrolled at another college/university, coming to Longwood will be a different experience – just like it is for students who graduate from high school and then immediately en- roll in college. Therefore, we make sure to have services in place (e.g Transfer Orientation) to get this particular population of students the information and assistance they need.
Q: Who's in charge of the majority of transfer students?
A: The Admissions staff is generally the first contact transfer students have with the university. I am the transfer counselor, so for the most part, I meet with prospective transfer students, review their application packets and visit community colleges in Virginia and Maryland. The entire Admissions staff has been trained to [both] speak with and assist other transfer students.
Q: Is it easier for a transfer student to adjust to a new university, or is it easier for a new high school graduate?
A: There is no way of determining whose experience is “harder” or easier. Each population (i.e., freshmen and transfers) have their own unique challenges. Further, even though a transfer student went to another college/university, that does not mean they automatically “get it” when they apply and enroll here. Each college/university is different, and the process [of] transferring from school to school differs.
Q: Besides their advisors, where else can transfer students go if they have problems with their transfer courses? A: At the front end, a transfer student's best resources are the Admissions Office or the Office of the Registrar. Q: Is there anyone else they could benefit from in asking for advice?
A: Yes, the Office of First Year Experience, Academic and Career Advising Center and their advisors. I, myself, am a transfer student at Longwood. Here are some tips that I've learned: The most helpful thing you can do is ask questions. Ask questions to the staff or other fellow Longwood students. Everyone is willing to help you. You just need to take the first step and ask. Don't be afraid to ask your advisors questions, either! If they don't know the answer, they will probably direct you to the person who does. Get involved! At Longwood, there is an opportunity for everyone to find something they love to do. I was a loner at my community college, mainly because they didn't have much that interested me, but this fall I'm finding myself wanting to try a little bit of everything that Longwood offers. Plus, the best way to make friends is by getting involved.
Finally, time management is key. I know it's hard to juggle your classes and homework, and not to mention your extracurricular activities, but try to have some time to yourself! You work hard, so you deserve a break now and then. If you don't give yourself a break to refuel, you'll burn out. Try to find the balance between work and play time.
