Undergraduate Transfer Students

four students sit on the roof of the Elliott School drinking, eating and talking on a sunny day

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

Prepare for Registration

Prior to registration check that you have submitted all final official transcripts and AP 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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!

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.

Let Us Know

Please share constructive feedback with us. What has been helpful? What could we do to make your transition into the Elliott School even smoother? Please share your thoughts!


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.

Online Information Session

As you plan to transfer to the Elliott School, please complete the Internal Transfer information session (PDF) and subsequent planning form. After you complete the information session, you can meet one-to-one with an Elliott School advisor.