Undergraduate Transfer Students
Each year, many students transfer from other institutions to the Elliott School. The Undergraduate Academic Advising Office is committed to serving the needs of students who transfer to GW by cultivating a sense of belonging, connecting students to academic resources, assisting students in building personal and professional networks, and supporting students in their progress toward graduation.
For information on how to transfer from outside of the University, please visit the University's Transfer Application Process page.
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External Transfer Students
Elliott School Curriculum
In order to get to know the Elliott School curriculum and the course registration process, please review your DegreeMap. This is a tool that shows you all the courses you have transferred over, the courses you are registered for and took at GW, and it shows you all of the remaining course requirements you have. DegreeMap will be a great tool for reviewing your coursework while you are here and you are expected to review it throughout every semester.
In order to explore different degrees offered at Elliott, and to see detailed information about concentrations offered to Elliott school students, please consult the Undergraduate Academics page on the Elliott website. To see all of the International Affairs course requirements please use and explore the GW Bulletin page. This will be a very useful toll as you explore which courses to take for your major requirements.
Prepare for Registration
Prior to registration, check that you have submitted all final official transcripts and AP/IB scores to the Office of the Registrar. Be sure to avoid registering for any courses that you may have transfer or AP/IB credit for. You cannot earn duplicate credit for the same course. If you are waiting on transfer credits, you can request those transfer credit equivalencies through a GW Admissions request form found here. This can be helpful when planning what courses to register for in the fall.
All of the tools you need to prepare for registration are available online. The GW Bulletin lists all academic policies and curriculums for the university. Cross reference the requirements of the Elliott School curriculum listed in the GW Bulletin with the Schedule of Classes in order to build your schedule.
When you register for your first semester classes, you may find that some classes are already closed. We recommend getting started as soon as possible, being flexible in your class selections, and being diligent in monitoring GWeb for open seats.
For step-by-step information on the registration process please review the How to Register Guide.
Other Curriculum Information for Registration
You'll need to take the online ALEKS math placement test if you will be registering for ECON 1001, or 1011, or a calculus class this fall. Please read all ALEKS math placement information carefully as you may be exempt from taking the ALEKS placement due to prior coursework or AP scores.
If you have studied a language before and would like to continue with that same language at GW to earn the required 3rd year language proficiency requirement, take an online language placement test. If you believe you are TRULY proficient in a foreign language already (for example, if you speak another language as a first or second language), here is information about requesting to take a proficiency exam to waive the language requirement.
All incoming students are strongly encouraged to take IAFF 1001 (First Year Experience) course in their first semester at GW. The course serves as an introduction to the Elliott school and its student resources, an introduction to the larger GW community, and as a tool for student’s professional development (through the completion of “Four-year academic plans” and similar assignments). We are designating a special section of IAFF 1001 for transfer students – Wednesdays at 5:10-6:00pm, Section #43, CRN: 85756.
Schedule an Appointment
Please schedule an on-campus or virtual appointment with your academic advisor through Calendly as soon as possible so that we can review your transfer credit and address your questions about registration.
Be sure to schedule a second appointment early in your first semester to discuss your long-term academic plans.
Resources
There are countless resources available to you at GW to help your transition and academic success. Your academic advisor can direct you to resources throughout your time at GW, here are a couple you might be interested in right now:
- Career Services & Elliott School Career Industry Coach
- DSS (Disability Support Services) for any accommodations needed
- Tutoring & Academic Support
- Elliott School Research Opportunities
Getting Involved on Campus
There are hundreds of student organizations on campus, so you're sure to find something that suits you! For instance, check out the International Affairs Society. Participation in student organizations is a great way to meet new people and get involved in the GW community. Visit the Office of Student Life for more information.
Attend GW's Undergraduate Orientation Program
At New Student Orientation, you will meet other students, familiarize yourself with various University services and opportunities, have time to take care of pre-semester business, hear from academic advisors, and much more!
Reminders
All the information you need to make good decisions is available online, and your academic advisor is happy to help you sift through it. Just remember that final responsibility for course selection and adherence to Elliott School and GW requirements and regulations rests with you.
As a transfer student, you have already experienced a college environment. As you adjust to your new campus, keep in mind that every college and university operates differently. You will need to educate yourself about the Elliott School and GW policies and practices rather than making assumptions, these policies can be found in the GW Bulletin.
Your peers will be an important resource to help you get settled at GW. However, make sure you check with us for the final word on all academic issues. Different GW schools have different policies and requirements, so don't assume that your roommate or classmate will be following the same guidelines and curriculum as you.
Internal Transfer Students
Current GW students wishing to transfer into the Elliott School from another school within GW must meet the following minimum requirements before submitting an Internal Transfer Request to the Office of the Registrar.
Minimum Requirements to Transfer
- Complete 24 semester hours in residence at GW with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Complete four of the following five courses: ECON 1011, ECON 1012, HIST 1011, PSC 1001, and PSC 1003 (in lieu of IAFF 1005)*
- Complete or waive the first year of a modern foreign language
*AP or transfer credit will be accepted in lieu of the above courses.
Please review the Registrar's Internal Transfer page for more information on forms and deadlines.
You can stop by our Drop-In Advising hours for quick questions related to your internal transfer. For more in depth information, you can schedule an appointment with the appropriate advisor (based on last name).