Transfer Applicants
Welcome to RWU! Transfer students are an integral and influential part of our student body and we value the life and academic experience you bring to campus. Whether you are coming from a two-year or four-year school, from private or public, with a little or a lot of earned credit, we know that your needs will be different than entering first-year students. Regardless of the journey you have had so far, we'll make your transition into RWU as seamless and smooth as possible.
What We Look For
If you have earned a high school diploma or GED and have subsequently enrolled in and/or completed one or more college-level course(s), you will be considered as a transfer applicant to the university. The admission process for transfer students is competitive and personalized. While we consider your pre-college experience as part of the admission process, our primary focus is on your college-level achievement. The admission committee assesses all submitted materials to ensure that your academic preparation and experiences lend to a successful career at Roger Williams.
Transfer students bring their own unique perspective to our campus and classrooms. Your own college experiences add to the fabric of the larger Roger Williams experience; therefore, we seek students who want to bring their talents and abilities to RWU and do more than just “earn a degree” or learn one specific major.
A Glimpse of You
So what do we look for? We are looking for a glimpse of you—the student and the person—through the application materials you choose to present. We are excited to hear your story through the materials you share with us.
Academic Preparation
We consider the grades you have earned, the rigor of your school and courses, your grade trend over the years (improving? declining?) along with understanding the course subjects that are your strengths and weaknesses.
Essay/Statement of Intent
The essay, which is embedded in the application, gives us an understanding of who you are and of your intent. While it gives us a chance to hear you in your own words, we also use the essay to assess your level of writing (i.e. grammar, spelling, and ability to communicate your thoughts).
Conduct & Performance
The Transfer College Report gives us insight and a look at your conduct and performance at your current institution.
Meet us!
You can help make the admission process a more personal experience. If you have any unique circumstances that cannot be explained through the above materials or would like to connect with us regarding your admission to Roger Williams, give us a call or schedule a visit. We are glad to learn your story and offer help on how best to present it in your application for admission. Sometimes, we may even call you for more information before we act on your application. Mary Bubar (mbubar@rwu.edu), Assistant Director of Admission, is our Coordinator of Transfer Admission and works exclusively with transfer students!
Deadlines
Transfer students may apply for either fall or spring semester and we encourage you to apply as early as you are able. By doing so, we can guide you through the rest of the scholarship and financial process, ensuring that you are able to receive full consideration for Roger Williams programs.
| Spring Semester | Fall Semester | |
| Preferred Application Deadline | December 1 | Extended to June 1 |
| Admission Notification Date | Rolling | Rolling |
| Financial Aid Deadline | December 1 | Extended to June 1 |
Requirements
Application Checklist
- Your completed application which will include a statement of intent
- Transfer students can choose to complete the Transfer Common Application ($50 fee required) or our own free RWU Transfer Rapid App
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
- Official high school transcript or equivalent (listing graduation date)
- A Transfer College Report to be completed by a college official who has access to your academic and disciplinary records
Note: Portfolio or audition (where applicable) required for the following majors: Architecture, Performing Arts, Secondary Education, Elementary Education, Graphic Design Communication, Creative Writing and Visual Arts.
The following materials are optional but strongly recommended:
- Standardized Test Scores: With the exception of students applying to the School of Education, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) are optional for all students applying for admission. In accordance with anticipated requirements from the Rhode Island Department of Education, applicants to the School of Education must submit standardized test scores. Additional details can be found on the Test Optional Policy page.
- Mid-semester grades from your current semester
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- An admission interview can allow you to talk with someone about the University regarding specific concerns or unique circumstances you may have before you submit your application. Please call or e-mail our office to arrange an appointment.
Apply
Transfer students may choose between the Transfer Common Application or the RWU Transfer Rapid App. Review the “What We Look For” section for useful information on how to prepare all the necessary materials needed for admission and the “Deadlines” section for information on when to apply.
To complete your application, we require:
- A submitted application and the embedded essay/statement of intent
- Official high school transcripts
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
- Transfer College Report
- Standardized Test Scores are optional. But if you choose to submit use the following RWU school code
- College Board SAT and TOEFL: 3729
- ACT: 3814
- Students applying to Architecture, Graphic Design, Visual Arts or Creative Writing must submit a portfolio.
- Students applying to Dance must audition.
- Students applying for financial aid should file the FAFSA (Federal & State Aid) by June 1. Please note that the FAFSA is available online on October 1 and can be completed using the prior year's tax information.
Financial Aid
All students applying for admission will automatically be reviewed for various university-managed merit scholarships. If students are looking for federal or state grants, loan opportunities and student employment on campus, the FAFSA form must be completed. Visit the Financial Aid section of our website for details and timelines of the need-based aid process.
Merit scholarships for transfer students are based primarily on academic performance in college. Applicants with cumulative GPAs starting at 2.75 will be considered for a scholarship. Transfer merit awards range from $7,000 to approximately $10,000 and students who are admitted and qualify for a merit award will be notified at the time of admission. Merit awards are granted for up to three consecutive years and students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8 to retain scholarship eligibility.