Debunking 7 Common Myths About Transferring to Meredith

Strong students transfer to Meredith every fall and spring term and for good reason. Meredith is a signatory school on articulation agreements with the North Carolina Community College system, which makes it easier to complete your degree here. We have scholarships just for transfer students. And our friendly campus makes it easy for transfer students to find their place in the Meredith community.

Even still, there are misconceptions about the transfer process and what it’s like to make that transition. Read on as we debunk some of the most common myths students have about transferring.

Myth 1: As a transfer student, it will be hard to find my friend group.

If you ask students what they like most about Meredith, chances are they’ll mention our strong sense of community. Yes, we have small class sizes, which can make it easier to meet other students who share your interests. But Meredith’s welcoming community extends far beyond the classroom – it’s truly a defining characteristic of our experience for all students, including those who transfer.

In addition, to help facilitate your transition as a transfer student, you’ll participate in New Student Orientation with a smaller sub-group of transfer students, which will provide you with an immediate opportunity to start making connections – both with other new transfer students and current Meredith students.

Myth 2: My academic options are limited because I’m coming in late.

Meredith’s personal approach to your education includes a desire to help you pursue more than one interest based on your strengths. Many of our students have multiple majors and/or minors. As a transfer student, you will work closely with academic and faculty advisors who can help you plan your schedule to make the most of your time at Meredith and explore multiple areas of study if that’s your goal. You can choose from more than 90 majors and minors.

Myth 3: It will be difficult to get involved on campus because everyone else will have already found their place.

With more than 100 campus clubs and organizations, there are plenty of opportunities to go around for everyone at Meredith.  For example, Grace Olufemi-Ajayi was a Broyhill scholar, student-athlete, and resident assistant, while participating in several student organizations.

“Meredith creates a good environment to be involved in a lot of things. You get to pick and choose which ones are your passions,” Grace said.  “You can pick a select few and just really tailor and focus your time to those. The fact that there’s so many of them really creates a space for everyone to feel included, like there’s something you can do that matches your interests.”

Myth 4: As a transfer student, I won’t be eligible to receive a merit scholarship.

In addition to need-based assistance that you can access by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Meredith has a range of merit scholarships to help fund your education. Over 95% of our students don’t pay the full cost to attend Meredith because of scholarships and grants – and that includes transfer students.

Transfer Tuition Grants and Merit Academic Scholarships recognize transfer students whose previous college records reflect superior academic ability, achievement, and leadership potential. Those awards range from $8,500 – $13,000, and the award can be renewed each year. The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) scholarship, which awards $5,000 per year to students who have been inducted into the PTK Honor Society, can be combined with other assistance and also renews.

Myth 5: I won’t be able to participate in the honors program.

Academically talented and motivated transfer students are encouraged to apply for the Honors program at Meredith. Participation in the Honors program at your previous institution is not required, but you must have completed at least 15 credit hours at a previous institution, and have at least 60 credit hours remaining at Meredith. Your transfer admissions counselor can help you determine if the honors program is right for you.

In addition, as a transfer student, you have other opportunities to challenge yourself academically, such as conducting undergraduate research or pursuing an internship.

Myth 6: I won’t be able to live on campus.

Our transfer students frequently choose to live on campus, whether in a residence hall or The Oaks, our campus apartments for juniors and seniors. Learn more about the benefits of living on campus

Myth 7: As a transfer student, I should know my major.

When you apply to Meredith, you are applying to the College rather than a particular major or school. Unlike some larger institutions where you may have to wait to be admitted into a particular school or major, this gives you the freedom to continue to explore areas of study, with the guidance of your faculty advisor. So, yes, it’s okay to enter college undecided. If you are admitted and already have an intended major in mind, you will begin working with a faculty advisor from that major right away to plan out your first semester’s courses and your path to graduation.

Aspen Degler, ’22, credits her transfer advisor and faculty mentors with helping her determine her strengths. “My transfer advisor took me under her wing and my faculty made me feel like I was going to be successful and built me up the entire time I was here.” 

These are just some of the myths we encounter with transfer students. If you have other concerns, let’s chat! Schedule a visit to Meredith and learn about how we can help you identify your strengths, complete your degree in a timely fashion, and prepare for the life you want to lead after graduation.