?? Marymount University: Championing the Success of Transfer Students ??

Transfer students, a unique group in the university community, often encounter a distinct set of challenges when transitioning to a new institution. These challenges, which differ from those faced by traditional students, include:

·???????? Credit Transfer Issues: One of the most significant hurdles is difficulty transferring credits. This leads to lost time and incurs additional costs as students may need to retake courses, a financial burden that many transfer students face.

·???????? Academic Adjustment: Adjusting to different educational standards, teaching styles, and expectations can be stressful. Transfer students might find the coursework more challenging or the grading criteria different from what they are used to.

·???????? Social Integration: Many transfer students face emotional challenges when trying to integrate into the social fabric of their new university. They often enter without an established social network, leading to feelings of isolation and difficulty in making new friends.

·???????? Orientation and Support: Universities often have robust orientation programs for freshmen, but transfer students may receive less comprehensive support. This can leave them feeling unprepared and disconnected from campus resources and services.

·???????? Housing Challenges: Securing housing can be more challenging for transfer students, especially if they transfer mid-year. They might end up in less desirable accommodations or struggle to find housing altogether.

·???????? Financial Aid and Scholarships: Financial aid can be more complex for transfer students. They might lose scholarships from their previous institution and face difficulties securing new ones.

·???????? Administrative Hurdles: The administrative transfer process can be cumbersome, involving extensive paperwork, deadlines, and bureaucratic processes that can be overwhelming.

·???????? Identity and Belonging: Transfer students often grapple with a sense of belonging and identity at their new institution. They may feel like outsiders compared to students who started as freshmen, impacting their overall college experience.

Addressing these issues requires targeted support programs, clear communication, and resources designed to help transfer students succeed academically and socially.

Marymount University Difference

At Marymount University, we sincerely appreciate transfer students' unique contributions to our community. Their diverse experiences, skills, and perspectives enrich our academic environment in countless ways.

However, we recognize transfer students' unique challenges and are committed to supporting their journey toward immediate and long-term success.

Comprehensive Support Systems for Transfer Students

From day one, transfer students at Marymount have access to resources designed to make their transition smooth and comfortable. Our onboarding process includes:

- Specialized orientation programs

- Academic advising

- Peer mentoring from successful transfer students

We aim to ensure that every transfer student feels academically and socially supported.

Tailored Academic Pathways

Not all transfer students are the same. Some come from two-year colleges, others from four-year institutions, and some have non-traditional educational backgrounds. Marymount offers tailored academic pathways to meet each student’s needs. Whether it’s transferring credits, career counseling, or degree planning, we’ve got it covered.

Flexible Course Scheduling

Transfer students often balance academics with other responsibilities, like jobs or family commitments. To accommodate this, we offer flexible scheduling options, including evening classes, online courses, and hybrid models. We aim to make higher education accessible to all, regardless of their circumstances.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Transfer Students

Financial challenges can be a significant barrier for transfer students. Marymount addresses this with various financial aid options, including exclusive scholarships for transfer students:

- Academic Distinction Scholarship

- Academic Excellence Scholarship

- Saints Scholarship

- Opportunity Scholarship

-Workforce Scholarships for ABSN students who work at Sibley Memorial Hospital or Virginia Health Center

These scholarships are renewable for up to four years, provided students maintain full-time enrollment and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Students should submit their application and supporting documents by the published admissions priority date for priority consideration. Each student is eligible for only one of these tuition-specific scholarships.

Partnerships with Community Colleges and Transferable Credits

We prioritize building educational connections. Our partnerships with local community colleges, like Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and Montgomery College (MC), provide a smooth pathway for students to transfer credits and earn their bachelor’s degree. NOVA graduates and MC graduates can qualify for scholarships and grants per year, and every transfer student receives a merit scholarship based on their GPA.

A Sense of Community and Belonging

Marymount is more than just academics. Our campus has diverse clubs, organizations, and events that help transfer students connect with peers and foster a sense of belonging. As a Marymount student, you’ll be part of a close-knit community that values your journey and is dedicated to your success.

See Yourself at MU

At Marymount, we don’t just accept transfer students — we embrace them. With tailored programs, financial support, and a welcoming community, we make the transition smooth and fulfilling. We aim to equip every transfer student with the skills, experiences, and sense of community they need for future success.

If you’re a transfer student seeking new opportunities, explore what Marymount offers. Join our community and experience the difference!

#HigherEducation #TransferStudents #EducationForAll #MarymountUniversity #CommunityEngagement

If you have questions about transferring to Marymount, please contact Rob Schickler at [email protected] ?(703)-908-7809 for nursing programs or Hunter Ratliff at (703) 526-6854 [email protected] for all other programs.? Dr. Louis Frisenda, [email protected] assistant vice president of enrollment initiatives, or Sara Hedayat, [email protected] director of international recruitment and admissions.