frequently asked questions- transfer students

Do you recommend that I visit the campus and have a personal interview?
Absolutely. It's critical that you visit the campus, and we strongly encourage you to have a personal interview or attend one of our transfer information sessions. Having been through the college search process before, you know how important it is to get a feel for the atmosphere of the campus. We encourage you to attend a class, meet with a faculty member, or stay overnight with a student if that would be helpful. As for the interview, it's a great opportunity for us to get to know you as a person, and to hear more about your decision to transfer. And from your perspective, there's no better way to get answers to all your specific questions.

What criteria does the Admissions Committee use when reviewing candidates for transfer admission?
We have designed our admission process to be reflective of the institution and its values. Therefore, we're interested in students who value making a difference in the lives of others, and who have shown a commitment to community service. We're also looking for students who have developed the academic background and skills that will allow them to thrive and be successful in our academic programs. Each transfer applicant is reviewed individually with an emphasis placed on the work done in college as indicated by both grades and recommendations. Typically, successful transfer students have achieved at a minimum, a 2.5 GPA in prior college-level coursework.

What if I did not do well in high school, but have improved academically in college?
During the evaluation process we are reviewing your complete academic record, both high school and college, with a clear emphasis on the academic work that you've done in college. The primary concern of the Admissions Committee is to assess whether you have gained the academic skills necessary for success in Lesley College. The Committee views students who have taken advantage of the opportunity to ground themselves in the liberal arts while in college, and strengthen writing, math and critical thinking skills, in a positive light.

Do I need to submit SAT I or ACT scores, or my high school transcript?
Standardized test scores are not required of transfer applicants, but we do require you to submit your high school transcript.

Do I need to take the TOEFL if English is not my first language?
Yes, if English is not your first language, we do require that you take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). A minimum score of 173 on the computer-based version, or a 61 on the internet based test (ibt) is required for admission.

When is the deadline to apply for transfer admission?
Transfers can apply for either September of January admission to Lesley College. The preferred application deadline if you are applying for fall admission is May 1, although applications with continue to be accepted on a space available basis. The application deadline for spring admission is December 1.

What is the maximum number of credits that Lesley will accept?
Students can transfer a maximum of 65 credits into Lesley College. A minimum of 120 credits are required for graduation. Most students take five courses per semester, with the majority of Lesley's courses being 3 credit classes.

Which courses that I've taken will transfer to Lesley College, and when will I know?
All college level courses taken at regionally or nationally accredited institutions, with a grade of C or better, will be eligible for transfer to Lesley College. If you have taken a course for a pass/fail grade, it will only be eligible for transfer if it can be documented that the pass signifies a grade of C or better.

In determining which specific credits will transfer, every effort is made to match courses with their Lesley equivalents, allowing you to transfer as much credit as possible. A tentative credit evaluation is sent with your letter of admission.

Are there opportunities for cross-registration?
One of the benefits of being part of a larger institution is that Lesley College students do have the opportunity to cross-register for classes at the other schools within the University. A number of students take courses at The Art Institute of Boston and through the Adult Learning Division. Juniors and seniors also take advantage of the opportunity to try out graduate level classes in the School of Education or the Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences.

Does Lesley College offer any merit scholarships to transfer students?
Yes, Lesley has two different merit scholarships for transfer students. No separate application is required for the scholarships. All admitted transfers who meet the minimum scholarship criteria will be considered for the awards, but cannot be awarded both. Merit scholarships are not available to transfer applicants for the spring semester.

Each year, two renewable $6,000 Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships are awarded to students transferring from two-year colleges who have been inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. In order to be considered for this honor a student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.

In addition, Lesley awards a number of renewable $5,000 Transfer Scholarships. Scholarship recipients are selected from a pool of students who have achieved a 3.0 GPA or higher in college.

Is need-based financial aid available to transfers?
Yes. In fact, over 80% of Lesley students, both transfers and freshmen, receive need-based financial aid. In order to apply for financial aid you need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Assistance) and the Lesley Financial Aid Application. You'll also need to submit copies of your and your parents' most recent tax returns. The priority deadline for submitting these forms if you are applying for fall admission is March 1. If you are applying for spring admission, it is December 15. We strongly encourage you to file the forms well before the deadlines if possible because it takes a few weeks for the forms to be processed. The FAFSA can be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Click here for more information regarding Costs and Financial Aid at Lesley College

Are transfers able to apply to Dual Degree Programs (accelerated bachelor's/master's programs)?
Yes, transfer students are able to apply to the Lesley College Dual Degree Programs once they are enrolled and have begun taking classes at Lesley College. Because Dual Degree students must be admitted to the program and ready to begin taking graduate level courses during their junior year, we would encourage you to sit down with the appropriate Program Advisor as soon as you arrive at Lesley to talk about the possibilities. Depending upon what coursework you have done prior to attending Lesley, and the number of credits transferred in to Lesley, you may need to apply to the program soon after beginning your Lesley College coursework.

Are transfers eligible for the Lesley Dividend?
A transfer student who enrolls in Lesley College and requires six semesters or more to complete their bachelor's degree can take full advantage of the Lesley Dividend (twelve credits of free graduate study). Transfer students with less than six semesters to complete their undergraduate program are eligible for six credits of free graduate study. The Lesley Dividend requires that students have been enrolled in continuous full-time study and have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher.

Click here for more information about the Lesley Dividend

Is housing available for transfers?
Yes, historically we have been able to house any transfer student who has requested on-campus housing. Residence halls range from traditional style dormitories to college owned Victorian homes on the Lesley campus.

If I've been out of college for several years, would I find my place at Lesley?
Second Start is a network of students who have interrupted their higher education at some point and who have chosen to enroll at Lesley College to resume their undergraduate education in a traditional, daytime setting. We welcome the insight and experience these students bring to the classroom. If you have been out of school for a length of time and are unable to obtain a teacher recommendation, you may submit a second personal recommendation instead.

If I'm enrolling at Lesley, when will I register for classes?
After submitting your enrollment deposit contract you will be contacted and instructed on how to register for courses.

Is there a fall orientation program for transfer students?
Yes, despite the fact that you have already registered for classes, we feel it is essential that all transfer students attend the formal orientation program in order to ensure a smooth transition to Lesley. Orientation begins several days prior to the start of classes each semester, giving new students a chance to meet each other before the return of continuing students. While some portions of transfer orientation are combined with first-year students, there are a number of sessions geared specifically toward the special interests and concerns of transfers.