Transferred Undergrad...

[runaway]

Some applications ask for all institutions attended, but others ask only for institutions that granted you a degree (or you expect to receive one). Should I include the institution I transferred from?

I shifted my course of study greatly afterwards, so the work I did there doesn't have that much relevance, and I did much better (as I was much happier) after I transferred. My application looks stronger without it, but it seems disingenuous not to list it. The courses I took there appear on my degree-granting uni, but without grades, as they didn't get computed into my new GPA.

Thoughts?

Edited November 17, 2012 by runaway

[grazzle]

If they ask for all your transcripts, you have to submit it. If they only ask for the transcripts from your degree granting institution, then leave it off. You might have to report your cumulative GPA anyway, which would include the transfer credits. Though I had some schools that asked for GPA by institution, which looked better for me.

[anoveldave]

I also transferred after my freshman year, also a (slight) change in course of study. I feel that it actually makes my application stronger because it demonstrates 'purpose' to a certain extent, and also shows that you took initiative in your studies, especially if your academic work improved following the transfer. I've made sure to include it in all of my applications, including transcripts, excepting the few schools that only wanted degree-granting institutions. I figure it's also better to be up front with all of your academic history so that way you can get in your version of the story if there's room for misreading.

[runaway]

Thanks! I reread my post and realized I wasn't clear: I'm definitely including it on applications that don't specify 'degree-granting institutions.' I'm just wondering if it counts as 'degree granting' since I enrolled originally to earn a degree, but ended up getting that degree elsewhere.

[anoveldave]

Ah in that case, I left the institution I transferred out of off of the "degree granting" only apps. I did ask certain schools because it didn't seem too clear (plus I didn't want to have to order transcripts if I didn't need to).

[runaway]

Thanks, anoveldave! I think I'll do the same, then.