Transfer students at the University of Utah face a unique set of challenges, including navigating transfer credits, building a sense of community, and adjusting to a new campus culture. The Honors College recognized these hurdles and has developed specific resources to help transfer students thrive academically and socially.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

While transitioning from high school to college is often daunting, transfer students experience this shift multiple times—first at their original institution and again upon entering a new university. For non-traditional students or international students, this process can be even more complex and isolating.

“The difference between your first year and your first transfer year is like night and day. You don’t know what you don’t know,” said honors student Erika Peterson.

To ease this transition, the Honors College offers a tailored academic path for transfer students. “Students who enter the Honors Program, if they have earned at least 60 credit hours, can complete a shortened version of the Honors pathway,” said Madison Abele, Assistant Director of Advising. This streamlined pathway requires just 15 credit hours (five courses), compared to the 21 credits required of first-year entrants, ensuring that transfer students can earn an honors degree without falling behind.

Additionally, students who complete the Honors Program at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) are now granted direct admission to the University of Utah Honors College—no additional application is required.

STUDENT EXPERIENCE: ALIJAH COBERLY

Beyond academics, one of the most valuable aspects of the Honors College is the chance to become involved in a community of like-minded students that fosters connection and collaboration.

“One of the most challenging aspects of being at the University of Utah was connecting with other students,” said Alijah Coberly, a double major in Anthropology and Middle East Studies. “When I graduated high school, my senior year was in the midst of COVID-19, and many social skills were lost in the process.”

Alijah found meaningful engagement through the upper-division Intellectual Traditions and writing courses: “The Honors College provided me with spaces of high-level discussions and allowed me to be taken seriously as an academic.”

Alijah is on track to graduate in Spring 2026 with a completed thesis analyzing the pilgrimage in the Ottoman period and hopes to pursue his master’s at either Harvard or Princeton.

The Honors College is committed to helping transfer students succeed academically, socially, and professionally. If you are interested in the Honors College as a transfer student, reach out to admissions@honors.utah.edu or schedule an appointment with an Honors Advisor here.

Aspen Delis | Journalism Intern, University of Utah Honors College