Transfer Institutions

Many physics departments require or recommend transfer students to take the entire basic calculus series (MATH& 151,152,153), the calculus physics series (PHYS 201, 202, 203), and at least one quarter of chemistry (CHEM& 161), in addition to general requirements (ENGL 101).

Always check with the school you’re looking to transfer to for your required classes! Many schools have transfer advisors whose specialty is to aid prospective students in their transfer journeys.

Specific requirements for transfer students are listed below:

• University of Washington, Seattle
• University of Washington, Bothell
• Washington State University (Pullman)
• Western Washington University
• Eastern Washington University
• Central Washington University
• Seattle University
  • Transfer requirements
• Seattle Pacific University
  • Transfer requirements

How to Decide Where to Apply

If you are unsure of which schools to transfer to, come talk to your faculty advisor. That is what we are here for! We recommend that you select at least three institutions to apply to so that you have some choice and can compare financial aid and scholarship offers. Remember that many private institutions have scholarships to offset the cost of tuition.

Some factors to consider when deciding where to apply:

• Size – do you want to go to a smaller institution where classes is smaller and community may be stronger or a larger institution where there are lots more people to meet and more available opportunities to keep things new and exciting?
• Location – does distance from home matter? Are you willing to go out of state?
• Available majors and classes – for smaller colleges, classes may be offered fewer times a year and choice of electives may be more restricted. If you are interested in a specialization, e.g. applied physics, make sure the department offers what you are looking for.
• Department success rate – how many students graduate from the program? Where do they go (graduate school, workforce, top companies that recruit from that department)?
• Housing options – do you need to live on campus? Off campus? At home? Make sure to visit campus and explore available food and housing options.
• Makeup of the student body – what kind of environment makes you feel like you belong? 
• Campus atmosphere – what is the campus like? What are the values and culture of the campus, and the specific program you want to enter? How does being part of the college make you feel? What do other students say about their experience?
• Available extracurricular activities – what are your interests and hobbies? What opportunities would you like to try out and would help you develop your leadership skills outside of class? What do you like to do for fun? Can you find these at the college?
• Student support services – how does the college support students to do well both in and out of class? What is the academic support provided? Are there learning communities for students like TRIO or MESA? Are there special seminars, study abroad, orientation or other enrichment opportunities? Are there any mentorship programs?
• Career and job preparation – how does the college help you prepare for and find a job? Is there a career center? Are there networking events, job fairs, resume and interview workshops?
• Research opportunities – how does the department support undergraduate students doing research? Are there enough labs that recruit undergraduates? Is there training and help provided in developing research skills?
• Graduate school – if you are interested in getting a Masters or doctorate, we encourage you to apply to a school that also offers these degrees for the program you are applying to.

No matter what happens remember that you are also interviewing the school! It’s important you pick a place where you feel you can be happy and can not just finish, but thrive and grow.