Frequently Asked Questions/ FAQs about transferring to SVSU
- I want to take more classes at my community college before transferring to SVSU: Where can I find additional information about which classes to choose for transfer credit?
- Is an associate degree required before I can transfer?
- When should I apply to SVSU?
- What is the maximum number of credits I can transfer from my transfer school?
- What kind of Grade Point Average (GPA) is needed to be admissible to SVSU?
- How much does it cost to apply to SVSU?
- What do I need to apply to SVSU?
- Do I need to have my high school transcripts and ACT/SAT scores sent?
- Does SVSU have a special Orientation/Registration program for newly admitted transfer students?
- What if I’m not sure that I want to apply yet: Can I meet with an SVSU representative and tour campus to help me make my decision?
How many college credits must I earn before I can transfer to SVSU?
Transfer status is assigned to applicants who have earned any transferable college-level course work after completion of high school.
What if I apply and get accepted but then decide to wait a semester to enroll at SVSU?
E-mail admissions(at)svsu.edu or call (989) 964.4200 or toll free (800) 968-9500 the Office of Admissions to inform them of your decision to delay enrollment: This will help keep your records current so that you will not need to re-apply later.
What should I bring with me to an appointment with an Admissions representative?
At a minimum, bring a student/unofficial copy of your transcript or your grade reports from each institution attended, and a specific list of any courses in progress. Bring any other information which you believe may be useful (such as a list of any Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment courses, ACT scores, and either high school transcript, diploma or GED, etc.).
Do I have to be admitted to the University and have a password in order to be able to search for available classes in SVSU’s on-line Cardinal Direct system?
No. But you will, of course, need to be admitted and have a password in order to register for classes. Students not yet admitted can still search course offerings through Cardinal Direct.
As a newly admitted transfer student, when can I enroll in classes for my first semester at SVSU?
Generally speaking, transfer students need to attend a Transfer Registration Program (TRP), and will be notified of available TRP dates upon admission to the University.
What if I have questions about Financial Aid?
Contact the SVSU Scholarships and Financial Aid Office. Students planning to use financial aid (federal and state student grants, work-study and loans) should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with SVSU's School Code (002314). For best results, submit as early as possible on or after January 1.
Financial aid award amounts are affected by the number of credit hours officially transferred to SVSU. Therefore, official transcripts are recommended to be sent to SVSU as soon as possible, even if a semester is still in progress. Final official transcripts will still need to be sent after all courses are completed.
What if I have questions about on-campus Housing?
Contact the SVSU Housing & Auxiliary Operations Office. Housing contracts will be accepted only for students who are admitted to the University. Therefore, it is recommended that your apply and get admitted to SVSU at your earliest opportunity.
If you would like to tour campus and see our state-of-the-art upperclassmen housing, please call the Office of Admissions at (989) 964-4200 or toll free at (800) 968-9500.
Does SVSU list on-line how courses will transfer into SVSU?
Transfer information for several institutions is listed on-line; however, students are strongly encouraged to use this information in consultation with an SVSU Admissions representative. Not all schools are currently listed. Please schedule an appointment with the Office of Admissions if you would like an unofficial evaluation of your credits
Does SVSU list on-line how courses will transfer from SVSU to another institution?
No, because transferability of courses is determined by the receiving, not the sending, institution.
Who should I contact about transfer scholarships?
E-mail your questions to admissions(at)svsu.edu, and they will be forwarded to the appropriate representative for reply.
What is the difference between an unofficial, an official, and a final official transcript?
An official transcript is one which carries the issuing institution’s raised seal and which is issued by the originating school and mailed directly to another institution per the written request of the student. This may include reference to a semester still in progress. A final official transcript (see below) would still be required upon completion of final courses.
A final official transcript is an official transcript which lists all coursework from the issuing institution, including all grades earned in the student’s final courses.
An unofficial/student transcript is generally one released to the student; it may or may not include a raised seal. This can include a photocopy, web printout, faxed copy or grade reports.
I want to take more classes at my community college before transferring to SVSU: Where can I find additional information about which classes to choose for transfer credit?
Simply make an appointment with SVSU's Office of Admissions for assistance in choosing appropriate courses from your transfer school.
Be sure to bring with you at least an unofficial/student copy of your transcripts from all institutions attended so that the SVSU representative assisting you will know what you have already taken or are currently taking.
Is an associate degree required before I can transfer?
No. It is a matter of individual choice.
SVSU operates on a rolling admission basis; however, for best results, application is encouraged by February 15 for Fall, October 1 for Winter and February 1 for Spring and/or Summer.
What is the maximum number of credits I can transfer from my transfer school?
The maximum number of credits accepted from all two-year institutions for an undergraduate degree program at SVSU is 62 credits total. (Note: Some special agreements with community colleges allow for additional credits to transfer. Inquire at the SVSU Admissions Office for details.)
The maximum number of credits accepted from all sources for an undergraduate degree program is 93 credits (with the exception of the 150-credit hour accounting program).
What kind of Grade Point Average (GPA) is needed to be admissible to SVSU?
A minimum 2.0 GPA from all college courses taken is required; however, special circumstances may be reviewed with an Admissions representative.
How much does it cost to apply to SVSU?
A one-time, non-refundable $25 fee is due upon application.
What do I need to apply to SVSU?
- Submit a completed application to the SVSU Office of Admissions. You can apply on-line or download the application from the SVSU website. Paper copies are also available upon request.
- Official transcripts should be mailed directly from the Registrar's Office at any institution(s) attended to the SVSU Office of Admissions.
- Transcripts should be sent as soon as possible, even if courses are currently still in progress. A final official transcript would still be required upon completion of final courses.
Do I need to have my high school transcripts and ACT/SAT scores sent?
Transfer students without an associate degree may be able to waive out of certain of the University's basic skills testing requirements based upon ACT/SAT scores and high school GPA. Therefore, it is recommended that you have your high school transcripts and ACT/SAT scores, if taken, sent to SVSU. Otherwise, a copy of your high school diploma or GED is required. Proof of high school graduation may be faxed to the Admissions Office at (989) 790-0180.
Does SVSU have an Orientation/Registration program for newly admitted transfer students?
Yes. Students who apply and are admitted early will be able to take advantage of early registration. New transfer students are required to sign up for a Transfer Registration Program (TRP). This will ensure for you an opportunity--all in one day--to do any basic skills placement testing (if needed), have financial aid/scholarship questions answered, and meet with an advisor to help you select and register for your first-semester schedule. Students attending a TRP are allowed to register even though registration is otherwise closed.
What if I’m not sure that I want to apply yet: Can I meet with an SVSU representative and tour campus to help me make my decision?
Yes. The best way to learn about a school and whether or not that school's campus and programs are right for you is simply to arrange a visit.
If you would like to tour campus and meet with an Admissions representative, please call the Office of Admissions at (989) 964-4200 or toll free at (800) 968-9500.