Three Tips for Transfer Students

Dear Transfers,

Welcome to William & Mary! My name is Jacinta Das, and I am the Peer Advising Chair on the Executive Board of our Peer Advising Program. More importantly, I am also a transfer student. I am not going to say “I’ve been in your shoes” because the fact of the transfer experience is that each one is incredibly unique (and special). However, I hope that the couple of points I brainstormed to share with you will be helpful in the remainder of your academic journey. Upon reflecting on my own experiences as a transfer student as well as the conversations I’ve had with fellow transfers, I decided that it’s important for me to share with you:

1. It’s okay if you don’t know what you want to do. As a transfer student, you may feel that  you are expected to have a major or potential career path, and that’s not the case. You have the right to explore and take as much time as you need to decide on a major and path that is best for you.
2. It’s okay to change your mind. In my time at William & Mary, I have changed my major three times. It cost me nothing except a little pride, and ultimately changing as my interests adapted and I matured was the right thing for me.
3. It’s okay if you know what you want to do. Plenty of people will encourage you to explore, but you know yourself best and your decisions about what to do with your time at William & Mary are yours. If you already explored at your previous institution or just came into college knowing exactly what you want to do, it is completely fine to hone in on one discipline during your time at W&M (as long as you meet your COLL requirements).

What all this boils down to is: whatever your past experiences and current path, it’s okay. There’s no right or wrong answer, and although in the next few months you’ll receive a lot of advice, the voice that matters the most is your own.

Good luck with everything, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about the transfer experience or W&M in general. Your peer advisors and the Office of Academic Advising are always happy to help, and my inbox is also always open.

Sincerely,

Jacinta Das