Admissions

Transfer students

Transferring to WMU

Getting started
Applying and admission
Transfer credit
After admission
Financial aid and scholarships
Transfer Checklist
International Student Admissions

Where do I start?

You can start by visiting the WMU representative when he or she comes to your Michigan community college. Because your representative is familiar with your school and its programs, he or she is uniquely prepared to assist you at a very critical point in your educational planning. If you are unable to meet with them on your campus, call (269) 387-2000 for information about an admission appointment. Remember: Plan ahead and apply early! Our checklist can help you plan.

Are there special visit programs for transfer students?

Transfer students find that a tour of campus is a helpful introduction to WMU. While you can benefit from any of our tour options, the Friday and Saturday programs are offered throughout the year and also include a 30-minute presentation for prospective transfer students. These programs begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m. The extra presentation includes information about how to make your transfer to WMU a smooth one. Academic advising will not be included in these programs. To make a reservation (capacity is limited), call (269) 387-2000, or visit our campus visit web page.

What do I need to know about applying?

Earlier is better! Ideally, you should apply in January for the Fall semester, in September for the Spring semester, and in December for the Summer I or Summer II. (Some programs have a separate admissions process and you may need to apply earlier--see the WMU catalog.) We strongly recommend that you apply by the time you begin your last semester/quarter at your present college or university. Do not wait until you have completed your last class. You will find that the earlier you are admitted, the greater the availability of classes. Having an updated transcript sent after the completion of each semester / quarter may also allow you a better (earlier) opportunity to register for classes. Applications for admission are available from your college counseling office or WMU's Office of Admissions, or you can apply online. When you apply, request every college you have attended to mail an official transcript of all work completed to WMU's Office of Admissions. Hand-carried transcripts, with or without a registrar's seal, are considered unofficial.

What are the admission requirements for transfers?

Transfer students who present a minimum of 26 transferable hours (39 quarter / term hours) at the time of application and a grade point average of at least 2.00 (C) may be considered for admission. Courses completed as well as the trend of the most recent grades will also be taken into account.

Applicants who have earned fewer than 26 semester hours (39 quarter / term hours) at the time of their application for admission must also have their high school transcript sent for review.

Where do I find a catalog?

Western Michigan University's Academic Catalogs are available online.

What will transfer and how will I know?

Before you apply...
If you are a student at a Michigan community college, you may plan your transfer program using the information WMU provides to your school. WMU works closely with your community college to make certain that your courses will transfer, and your college counseling office receives updated information regularly about the transferability of courses in your school's catalog. Michigan community college transfer equivalency information is available online via the Web. Contact your college counseling office for assistance.

Knowing how a course transfers toward degree requirements at WMU is equally as important as whether it transfers for University credit. Curriculum guides are available for a number of WMU programs in which you may be interested. These guides will help you plan your transfer program beginning at the community college and make for a smooth transition as you continue your program at WMU. WMU's General Education Transfer Guides for all Michigan community colleges list the community college courses that can be used to fulfill Western's general education requirements and these guides are available online.

WMU's commitment to Michigan community college students is also guaranteed in writing by the MACRAO Agreement. If your college has signed this agreement and you complete its requirements, you have met WMU's freshman / sophomore general education requirements. For more information about curriculum guides or the MACRAO Agreement, contact your college counseling office.

If you are transferring from an accredited two-or four-year school, in- or out-of- state, you will usually receive full credit for the courses which are equivalent to courses offered at WMU. No courses with earned grades less than "C" (2.00) will transfer to WMU. To learn more, visit the transfer policy information page.

After you apply...
Admitted students will receive a credit evaluation. This important document is the essential first step before you meet with an academic adviser at WMU. The credit evaluation will show how your courses transfer for University credit.

Credits, alone, transfer to WMU. While your cumulative transfer grade point average is used for admission and scholarship consideration, it does not transfer or follow you. You will begin with a new grade point average.

How will my coursework transfer and how long will it take to complete my bachelor's degree?

The answer to this universal question begins when you bring us a complete picture, or one as nearly complete as possible, of your college work to date. For this reason, it is helpful to bring an unofficial copy of your transcript(s) when you visit WMU. Academic advising--applying the credit you are transferring in to your curriculum / major / minor here--is only done by University advisors after you have been admitted. At this point, however, an admissions officer can help you determine how your previous college work might fit with one of the more than 150 academic programs at WMU.

What about advising and registration for classes?

After you are admitted, a copy of "Transfer Notes," containing specific information about advising and registration, will be sent with your credit evaluation. You will then meet with an academic adviser, an essential step before you register via the Web. Registration information is available at The Office of the Registrar.

Being admitted early and seeing an advisor promptly will allow you to benefit from priority registration. This will ensure that you have the best selection of classes.

Will I have an orientation to WMU?

For students starting at WMU in the Fall or Spring semester, one-day Transfer Transition programs will be held just before each semester begins. The Transfer Transition Program will cover vital information about the library, campus facilities, academic expectations, University services, and student activities. Information will be sent to you after admission.

What housing is available on campus for transfer students?

Residence Life is committed to supporting Western's transfer students by sponsoring Tenzing House. A unique community for new and returning transfer students, Tenzing offers an August retreat, a unique community environment, and social programs and events to connect students to the WMU and Kalamazoo communities. The goal of Tenzing House is to facilitate the transition to WMU for transfer students. For more information, please call the Residence Life Office at (269) 387-4735.

The WMU Apartments house over 1,000 residents in almost 600 apartments. These residents include married students (with or without children), single parents, and single students who are at least 21 years of age. Convenient campus locations, flexible leases, and competitive rental rates that include all utilities and University parking are some of the features that make these apartments an excellent value. Any resident who prefers the convenience of prepared meals on campus may select from a variety of dining plans offered by WMU Dining Services. For more information, please call the WMU Apartments Office at (269) 387-2175.

I'm a member of Phi Theta Kappa. What does WMU offer me?

As a member in good standing of Phi Theta Kappa at your community college, you are eligible for membership in WMU's Phi Theta Kappa alumni chapter, Alpha of Michigan. Alpha of Michigan was the first Phi Theta Kappa alumni chapter at a four-year institution in Michigan. Alumni members have a built-in connection with new and returning Phi Theta Kappans at WMU. Be sure to make your membership known when you write or speak with your WMU representative or apply for admission.

What financial aid is available?

WMU participates in all the state and federal aid programs. To apply for grant and loan programs and for College Work / Study, you should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Again, the earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting a satisfactory financial aid package.

To be considered for all need-based financial assistance, students should complete and submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1. WMU's FAFSA code number is 002330. Because certain financial aid programs have limited dollars, early application and submission of all required documents are essential. In March, award letters will be mailed by WMU's Student Financial Aid Office to students who are admitted and have filed a FAFSA.

What scholarships are available for transfer students from Michigan community colleges?

Scholarship recipients may receive one of the following merit-based awards. To be considered for the Primary transfer scholarships, you must submit all documents required for admission, including up-to-date transcripts, to the Office of Admissions and postmarked by August 1, 2012 for consideration. Recipients of this award will be notified on a rolling basis, as long as funds are available.

To be considered for the Competitive transfer scholarships, you must submit all documents required for admission, including up-to-date transcripts, to the Office of Admissions and postmarked by March 1, 2012. Recipients of these scholarships will be selected by the Transfer Scholarship Selection Committee and notified in April, 2012.

Both the Primary and Competitive Transfer Scholarships require that you have transferred at least 26 semester hours by the above deadlines. In addition, students must have at least a 3.5 grade point average in transferable courses for consideration, unless a different minimum is indicated below. For all Primary and Competitive transfer scholarships, recipients must be U.S. citizens or legal residents. The Transfer Academic Scholarship requires that recipients enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours in each of the fall and spring semesters; all other scholarships listed below require full-time (minimum 12 credit hours per semester) enrollment. Disbursement of all awards starts with the Fall 2012 semester. The following information describes transfer scholarships to be awarded for 2012 entry only. Future years' scholarships are determined on an annual basis and are subject to change.

Primary transfer scholarships

Transfer Scholarship for Achievement: $1,000 for the 2012-13 academic year

Requires a 3.25 -3.49 GPA in transferable courses and completion of at least 26 transferable credit hours.
Available to students entering any time in 2012 (not exclusive to fall entry students), but disbursed starting with fall 2012 semester.
Most recent work completed must be from a Michigan community college.
No scholarship application required.
Must enroll as a full time student (12 or more credit hours a semester)

Transfer Academic Scholarship: $3,000 ($1,500/year)

Requires minimum GPA of 3.5 in transferable courses and completion of at least 26 transferable credit hours by August 1 st deadline.
Most recent work completed must be from a Michigan community college.
No scholarship application required.
Awarded four semesters (fall/spring) or until graduation, whichever comes first. Subject to maintenance criteria.
Must enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester (fall/spring)
Replaces Transfer Scholarship for Achievement for qualifying students.

Metro Detroit Transfer Scholarship: $1,000 for the 2012-13 academic year

For students transferring from Henry Ford CC, Macomb CC, Oakland CC, Schoolcraft College, or Wayne County CC. Transfer College is determined by the most recent, completed transfer work completed at the time of application.
Must have completed at least 26 transferable credit hours by August 1 st deadline.
Minimum transferable course GPA of 3.00
May be combined with the Transfer Scholarship for Achievement or the Transfer Academic Scholarship (see requirements above)
Available to students entering any time in 2012 (not exclusive to fall entry students), but disbursed starting with fall 2012 semester.
Must enroll as a full time student (12 or more credit hours a semester)
No scholarship application required.

Competitive transfer scholarships (Recipients may receive only one of the following.)

Distinguished Community College Scholars Award : $6,500 ($3,250/year)

Requires a minimum 3.75 GPA and completion of an associate's degree before entering WMU.
Requires membership in WMU’s Lee Honors College
Awarded to 20 students selected by the Transfer Scholarship Committee
Must have completed at least 26 transferrable credit hours by the March 1 st deadline.
Most recent work completed must be from a Michigan community college

Community College President's Scholarship : $5,000 ($2,500/year)

Requires a minimum 3.5 transferable GPA
Awarded to 20 students selected by the Transfer Scholarship Committee
Must have completed at least 26 transferable credit hours by the March 1 st deadline.
Most recent work completed must be from a Michigan community college

Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Scholarship: $4,500 ($2,250/year)

Requires a minimum 3.5 transferable GPA
Requires Phi Theta Kappa membership in good standing for consideration.
Awarded to one student per Phi Theta Kappa Chapter
Must have completed at least 26 transferrable credit hours by the March 1 st deadline.
Most recent work completed must be from a Michigan community college.

All newly admitted transfer students who are eligible for transfer scholarships will automatically be mailed information. For complete scholarship details, contact the Office of Admissions to request the Transfer Student brochure at (269) 387-2000.

From application to enrollment: A checklist

Arrange for a campus visit. (See the special transfer visit information.) Call (269) 387-2000 early because some days / times fill quickly.
Submit an application for admission to WMU's Office of Admissions. (Some programs have a separate admissions process with deadlines.)
Request every college you have attended to send transcripts to the Office of Admissions.
For scholarship consideration, all materials necessary for admission must be received in the Office of Admissions by the deadlines above.
Complete a financial aid application (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1 if you wish to receive financial assistance.
Receive your certificate of admission, "Transfer Notes," and credit evaluation.
Call promptly for an appointment with your college advising office for academic advising (refer to "Transfer Notes" for telephone numbers).
If curriculum requires it, make an appointment for major/minor advising with department advisers(s).
Visit The Office of The Registrar for registration information.
Register for classes online.
Receive and return housing contract promptly.
Receive and return Transfer Transition reservation. (Fall and Spring semesters only).
Attend Transfer Transition Program.
Request final transcript to be sent from your transferring college to the Office of Admissions.
Begin classes.

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