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Transfer Student Admissions

We are proud to work closely with 2- and 4-year institutions of higher education to ensure a seamless transition to McDaniel College. This includes personalized support from the beginning, where you'll work with your designated transfer counselor to make the application process efficient and easy.  


McDaniel will consider all applicants who have earned a high school diploma and have more than 12 transferable college credits.

 

McDaniel Application Common App for Transfer Students Transfer Student Guide
Contact your Admissions Counselor Financial Aid for Transfer Students
students walk on campus

As part of our commitment to college access, we do not charge an application fee.

Transfer Application Requirements

Transcript(s)

Unofficial transcript(s) from from all colleges or universities attended will suffice for your admission review.  Official transcripts, however, will be needed to evaluate which courses will transfer to McDaniel as well as for enrollment.

High School Transcript

Copy of your high school transcript or GED that shows proof of high school graduation.

Personal Essay (Optional)

Your personal essay helps us become acquainted with you as a person and student, apart from courses and grades. It will also demonstrate your ability to organize your thoughts and express yourself. 

Letter of Recommendation (Optional)

Letters of recommendation are optional but strongly suggested.

SAT or ACT Scores (Optional)

McDaniel is proudly test-optional but students who believe their test scores demonstrate their ability or enhance their application are welcome to submit them.

WES Evaluation (International Students)

If you are transferring from a non-US college or university or have completed credits from a non-US college or university, an official evaluation by WES  will be required. We recommend the course-by-course evaluation option if you plan to pursue an academic program that has similar required coursework. A degree only evaluation isn’t detailed enough for us to award course equivalency credit.

Scholarship for Transfer Students!

When you apply for admission to McDaniel, you will automatically be considered for a McDaniel Merit Scholarship. A variety of other scholarships are available for transfer students, including Alumni, Educators, and Military Legacy Scholarships. 

Learn more about Scholarships for Transfer Students

Will my prior college coursework credits transfer to McDaniel? Check out the Transfer Evaluation System

 

Understanding how your prior college coursework credit will transfer to your new institution is a key piece of information when making the decision to transfer. The Transfer Evaluation System will provide you guidance on how courses from other colleges/universities will be accepted for transfer credit at McDaniel College.

Transfer Evaluation System

Quick Links for Transfer Students

Student Life at McDaniel Student Resources List Commuter Student Resources Living in Westminster Dining and Meal Plans Internships and Campus Employment Health & Wellness SASS (Student Accessibility & Support Services)
Photo of Stephanie Stahler.

Stephanie Stahler Transfer Admissions Counselor


You work with Stephanie if you are

  • transferring from a two- or four-year college or university 
  • seeking a second bachelor's degree from McDaniel College
  • re-applying to McDaniel College
  • a U.S. citizen living outside the United States
  • a student with an international status

  • a homeschool student

     

    sstahler@mcdaniel.edu | 410-386-4857    Set up a time to chat with Stephanie

     

Welcome Flag with campus building and people in background

Visit McDaniel College McDaniel has many ways for you to explore campus.


The best way to experience McDaniel is to spend some time on the Hill. Discover how McDaniel College works with you to ensure a smooth transfer process so you can reach your academic goals.

Your personal transfer admissions counselor will help you realize all that you can become on the Hill. And while you're here, take a tour of our beautiful hilltop campus, converse with students, and grab a meal in our dining facility. You'll leave knowing you belong. 

Register for your visit today.

Students walking under the arch

Applying to McDaniel Apply for either fall or spring semester admission.


Application deadlines: March 1 or July 15 for fall enrollment; December 1 for spring enrollment.
To transfer to McDaniel College, students should submit

Learn about everything you need to know to  transfer to McDaniel.

student engagement

Block Transfer

McDaniel College has adopted a block transfer policy. If you enter McDaniel with an Associate of Arts (A.A.), an Associate of Science (A.S.), or an Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) from an accredited U.S. institution, you will have met all McDaniel general education requirements (our McDaniel Plan). You'll be able to jump right into your major program requirements! If you have specific questions, contact your Admissions counselor using the information links above.

Learn more about the McDaniel Plan
Academic Symposium

Transfer Plus Admissions with Carroll Community College

McDaniel is proud to offer a transfer plus admissions agreement with Carroll Community College, offering students who transfer to McDaniel directly from Carroll a clear pathway to a bachelor’s degree after completing an associate degree at Carroll. Students transferring from Carroll can apply to the transfer plus admissions program after completing 30 credits at Carroll and McDaniel will accept all Carroll Community College coursework for transfer up to 64 credits as agreed upon by a McDaniel advisor. For more information, contact your advisor at Carroll Community College to complete intent form or visit the Transfer Plus webpage.  Then you must apply to McDaniel by September 15 for the spring semester and by February 1 for the fall semester.

Learn more about the Dual Admissions Agreement

Frequently Asked Questions

What are McDaniel's transfer credit policies?

McDaniel College will accept up to a maximum of 64 credit hours from a two-year college and a maximum of 96 credit hours from a four-year college or university to be applied towards the McDaniel degree. No more than 96 credit hours will be accepted in total.

You must earn a grade of “C-” or better for the credit to transfer. McDaniel College grants transfer credit for courses that are standard liberal arts courses or that compare to the offerings of the College from institutions accredited by accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Transfer students seeking advanced placement should consult with their academic advisor and the Registrar’s Office to determine applicable requirements. View the full transfer credit policy.

How do transfers register?

Once you have decided to attend McDaniel, completed all transfer work, and sent your final official transcripts, an updated credit evaluation is performed and posted on the McDaniel portal showing how your credits apply to specific degree requirements for graduation. Shortly after you submit your enrollment deposit, the Academic Life Office will contact you with your advisor assignment and course registration information.

What kind of housing is available for transfer students?

As a residential college, almost 85% of our enrolled students live in campus housing in a variety of residence halls, special interest houses, and apartments. McDaniel requires on-campus residency for nearly all of our students through their junior year unless the student is over the age of 24, has their own children, is married or will live with their parent(s) or legal guardian within 30 miles of campus and commute from their home.

New transfer students will be housed within our upperclassmen residence facilities, which includes our three traditional residence halls. These are Albert Norman Ward Hall, Blanche Ward Hall, and McDaniel Hall, and they contain single, double, and triple rooms. Daniel MacLea Hall is designed for suite style living with a cluster of bedrooms connected to 1-2 bathrooms and a common lounge area.

Upperclassmen may also live in North Village and Garden Apartments shared by four, five, or six students (some equipped with their own kitchen), or in our Pennsylvania Avenue College-owned houses. 

Learn more about living on campus. 

Is there a transfer student orientation?

Orientation for transfers is offered at the beginning of each semester, with a multi-day experience provided in the fall and a one-day orientation before the spring term begins. In addition to moving into the residence halls and a welcome event, you’ll attend sessions regarding academic expectations here, meet transfer peer mentors who can help you navigate through your college transition, and take care of all the details such as parking permits, ID photos, and so forth.

View a sample fall orientation brochure

How do I get involved at McDaniel and become part of the community?

Students are very active and involved at McDaniel, and that’s what makes our community so vibrant. There are over 90 clubs and organizations on campus to suit many interests, and if a club doesn’t exist that fits an interest of yours, it is very easy to start one. Your transfer peer mentor will play a vital role in getting you involved immediately when you transfer. By asking questions and sharing your interests with them, they will help you connect with current campus leaders. There are also a number of department-based organizations, such as the Social Work Club and the Pre-Health Club, that your academic advisor will be able to suggest to you.

A McDaniel College degree and the experiences you have while you are here provide you with a world of possibilities for future employment and schooling. Our graduates work and go to graduate school all over the world and have limitless opportunities.

Learn more about how to get involved at McDaniel

Where do McDaniel graduates work?

Recent graduates have taken positions working in systems engineering at Northrup Grumman, financial operations at T. Rowe Price, teaching in Honduras, intelligence with FBI, acting with CenterStage (Baltimore) and The National Players, and as a therapist for children with autism. McDaniel graduates go on to become lawyers, doctors, writers, artists, scientists, CEOs, teachers, lobbyists and television producers. McDaniel graduates are also known for giving back to the community, so it’s not surprising that many graduates have participated in Teach for America, the Peace Corps and VISTA. And whether they work for a multinational conglomerate or a nonprofit, our graduates bring the energy, vision, and determination that it takes to make the world a better place.

Visit the Center for Experience and Opportunity to learn more about our career services.

If you are planning to be a residential student, Criminal History Self-Disclosure and Conduct History Release forms will be required.

Scholarship for Transfer Students!

When you apply for admission to McDaniel, you will automatically be considered for a McDaniel Merit Scholarship. A variety of other scholarships are available for transfer students, including Alumni, Educators, and Military Legacy Scholarships. 

Learn more about Scholarships for Transfer Students
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Westminster, MD, 21157
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