Transferring to an Ivy League school can be an undertaking not unlike the process of applying to college in the first place. However, that doesn't mean transfer students aren't welcome; in fact, most of these schools welcome transfer students with open arms. Keep reading to discover more about transferring to an Ivy League school, including typical requirements and eligibility.
Ivy League Schools that Accept Transfer Students
| School | Average Undergraduate Tuition (2021-2022)* | Some Transfer Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | $55,587 | Transcripts, School Reports, Application Fee |
| Yale University | $59,950 | SAT/ACT Scores, Two Academic Evaluations, Transcripts |
| Brown University | $62,304 | Application Fee, Two Instructor Evaluations, Transcripts |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $63,530 | GPA of 3.5, Standardized Test Scores, Personal Essay |
| Princeton University | $56,010 | Transfer Supplement to the Application, Transcripts, College Report |
| University of Pennsylvania | $61,710 | SAT/ACT Score, Transcripts, Essay |
| Dartmouth College | $60,870 | Common Application, SAT/ACT Scores, Two Academic Evaluations |
| Cornell University | $61,015 | Transcripts, Midterm Report, Common Application |
*Source: NCES
Qualities of Ivy League Transfer Students
Many Ivy League schools are looking for transfer students who have the following qualities:
- Exhibit signs of pushing themselves to their fullest potential academically or at work, with capacity to work even more
- Demonstrate strong personal motivation and leadership abilities
- Display prior academic success
- Present a commitment to extracurricular pursuits
Since it is important to have an impressive academic record and work ethic, it might be a good idea to boost your college resume with extracurricular activities. It might also be a good plan to demonstrate leadership by taking any opportunities that may arise. Overall, it is important to read over any enrollment statistics for transfer students at the specific Ivy League school you are interested in to see what type of transfer applicants usually end up being admitted; for example, at Brown University, the average composite ACT score for students transferring in Spring 2016 was 31-34.
Transfer Eligibility
Students looking forward to transferring to an Ivy League school in the midst of their college education should know what things make them eligible to transfer. At most schools, they look for transfer students who have completed one year of full-time undergraduate work; some schools, such as Harvard, Yale, and Brown, also stipulate that transfers have not completed more than two years of full-time coursework. Most schools, like Dartmouth, admit transfer students as sophomores or juniors. Finally, most Ivy League schools listed above do not allow students holding bachelor's degrees to transfer, and they usually require that students with dual-enrollment in high school and college apply as first-time students instead of transfer students.
When To Enroll
Some Ivy League schools allow transfer students to apply for both the fall or spring semesters, like Brown. However, other schools, like Yale and Princeton, limit applications from transfer students to the fall semester only. If you are considering transferring to an Ivy League school, it is important to check deadlines frequently so that you can ensure you have the opportunity to get enrolled for your desired academic year and semester.
