Trinity is a small, highly selective liberal arts college. We recognize that there should be a place for students who, after enrolling at another college or university, find that transfer to Trinity is desirable. Accordingly, Trinity admits a limited number of transfer students both for entrance in the fall and at mid-year.
The number of openings for transfers varies somewhat from year-to-year, and several factors can affect the degree of competition for admission. Generally speaking, we suggest that candidates present a post-secondary cumulative grade point average equivalent to a B or better. The personal application invites candidates to express their reasons for transfer and to elaborate on any pertinent concerns or circumstances.
Application
All applicants must complete the Trinity College Application for Transfer Admission(you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download the application). You must print out, complete, and return the application by mail; it cannot be submitted online at this time. Please note that Trinity DOES NOT accept the Common Application for transfer admission. The application fee is $60. All application materials should be mailed to Trinity College Admissions Office, 300 Summit Street, Hartford, CT, 06106-3100.
Interviews
Personal interviews are not required but are recommended. Interviews may be scheduled by phoning our receptionist at (860) 297-2180.
Deadlines
For mid-year admission consideration, candidates are required to complete the application process by November 15. Mid-year admission candidates whose applications are properly completed by this deadline should receive a decision by early January.
Students desiring to commence their studies at Trinity in September must complete the application process by April 1. September admission candidates who have properly completed their applications will receive a decision by no later than mid-June.
No applicant shall be considered who is not in good standing at his or her college.
Credit
A candidate for the Bachelor's degree admitted by transfer to the regular program must receive at least 18-course credits through courses taught or supervised by Trinity faculty members. The number of course credits awarded to a transfer student for work completed at another institution prior to enrollment in Trinity College shall not exceed that which the student could reasonably have earned during a comparable period of residency at Trinity; i.e.; an average of nine course credits per year. Trinity College typically awards one credit per course, per semester. As a general rule, transfer credit will be given for courses comparable to those offered in the Trinity curriculum in which the applicant has received grades of C- or better. Trinity curriculum, as well as departmental contacts, can be viewed online (Note that each major link is a departmental summary with an option for further information through the "homepage" link. You will find course descriptions for each department on these pages).
Candidates for admission by transfer should be prepared to provide documentation that explains the content of college courses already completed and presently being studied. Those admitted by transfer will be notified of the credit to be transferred to the general requirements at Trinity and which, if any, of the five parts of the distribution requirement (one course in each of five categories: the Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences, Numerical & Symbolic Reasoning, and Social Sciences) have been satisfied by such credit. In all cases, the Director of Educational Services reserves the right to award or withhold credit. After entering Trinity, transfer students may petition the appropriate faculty regarding the use of transfer courses to satisfy major requirements and/or to replace up to three courses in an interdisciplinary minor. Grades in courses taken before matriculation at Trinity are neither entered into the student's Trinity record nor included in the student's grade-point average.
Financial Aid
Trinity does meet the demonstrated financial need of all of accepted transfer students. Candidates must submit tax returns, the CSS Profile, and the FAFSA application. Interested students should visit the Office of Financial Aid's website or contact the office by phone at (860) 297-2046.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (NON-US CITIZENS)
Language and testing requirements
Classes at Trinity are conducted in English, and assignments, papers, and tests must be written in acceptable English. Because Trinity does not offer any English as a Second Language courses for non-native speakers, students must be able to speak and write fluently.
We strongly recommend that non-native speakers of English take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Applicants may take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I) or the test of the American College Testing Program (ACT) in addition to, or in place of the TOEFL. We review these scores very carefully to ensure English proficiency.
Since postal delays often complicate the application process, international applicants are encouraged to initiate the application process well in advance of their intended enrollment date. We accept certified copies of score reports or reports sent to us directly by TOEFL, the College Board (SAT), or the American College Testing Program (ACT). Trinity's CEEB code is 3899.
Financial assistance
Trinity provides financial assistance for a limited number of international candidates. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and financial need. International students applying for financial assistance must submit the Certification of Finances and the Foreign Student Financial Aid Application.
RE-APPLYING CANDIDATES
Previous candidates who are currently enrolled in a college or university should print out, complete, and send in the following items from the Trinity College transfer application with updated information: Mid-term Grade Report, Dean of Students Report, College Faculty Evaluation. Along with these updated forms we require an official transcript through the current semester when it becomes available.
Previous candidates who are not currently enrolled in a college or university should submit a written statement describing his/her most recent educational pursuits, activities, and/or employment and verify that we have all final transcripts of previous collegiate work by phone at (860) 297-2180 or by e-mail (please include your name, address, and phone number).
Previous First-Year Applicants: Candidates who have applied previously as a first-year student and would like to reapply as a transfer student must complete the Trinity College Transfer Application. If you have applied within the last two years, please contact the Admissions Office at (860) 297-2180 or by e-mail (please include your name, address, and phone number) to verify that we have an official copy of your standardized test scores as well as your final secondary school transcript from your first-year application.
Previous Transfer Applicants: Candidates who have applied as a transfer student to Trinity College within the two semesters must send a letter stating your intention to re-apply to the Trinity College Admissions Office, 300 Summit Street, Hartford, CT, 06106-3100 or by email (please include your name, address, and phone number). Candidates must indicate for which semester they applied previously and for which semester they intend to re-apply. The written statement should also describe recent educational pursuits, activities, and/or employment.
QUESTIONS/CONTACT INFORMATION
Please contact Scott Herrmann-Keeling, Associate Director of Admissions and Transfer Admissions Coordinator, by e-mail (please include your name, address, and phone number) or by phone at (860) 297-2179 if you have questions regarding the transfer process.