Typical Transfer Student Questions

Q: I am not sure yet what I want to major in?

A: It is okay if you are undecided about your major. Majors vary in the number of credit hours they require so for students with 45 or more credits it would be best to make a decision as soon as possible. Additionally, students who will have 60 or more credit hours completed should be accepted into a department upon enrolling.

Q: Why do I have to choose an intended major?

A: In order to register for courses, a student must select an intended major (you can change it at any time). Once a student is registered, a DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System) report will be generated, based upon the intended major. The DARS report outlines all of the major and general education courses a student must complete in order to graduate from the university. DARS is an important tool for students and advisors when selecting courses in the future. If you are not sure about your intended major, you should schedule an appointment to talk with an academic advisor and a Career counselor to investigate alternative majors.

Q: What if I have changed my mind about the major I indicated on my application?

A: If you decide that you are interested in pursuing a different major, then you must write a letter indicating your new intended major and send it to the Office of Admissions (UNLESS you have already registered for classes, then contact your advisor). Remember, the courses that we have recommended are based upon the intended major we initially discussed. We will work with you to make any necessary changes to your schedule should your intended major change.

Q: What if I decide that I don't want to take a course for which I am registered?

A: You will know how to use both the web and telephone registration systems so you will be able to make changes to your own schedule. However, it is strongly recommended that you consult with your advisor before making any changes so that you do not repeat a course you have already been given credit for, or take a course which you are not prepared to complete. You can also meet with an advisor and make changes at your orientation program.

Q: I was told I do not have to complete the General Education program yet my DARS still shows that I do, why is that?

A: You should have received an updated DARS by now which shows how your transfer courses meet the UB/SUNY gened requirements. If your school is one that provided a SUNY gened transcript that showed you already completed a certain requirement, then you have also completed that requirement at UB. If your school did not provide this transcript then we can only allow courses that are articulated to UB courses to fulfill specific requirements.

Q: My major requires that I take MTH 121/141. However, I am registered for ULC 147 or 148.

A: Math placement is based upon the courses you took in high school or college. At UB, we realize that students come to us with many different math backgrounds, and we are very careful about placing each individual student in the appropriate math course. If you take calculus, without being fully prepared, you are putting yourself at risk of failing the course. I strongly encourage you to attend the ULC class, and speak with your instructor about your concerns. Students can also consult with a staff member in The Math Place (209 Baldy Hall) about appropriate placement or can consider taking a math class during the summer.

Q: I am only registered for 13 credit hours, but at my previous institution I took 16 each semester, why is that?

A: You will likely be faced with some adjustment issues during your transition to UB and you may find that the courses here are more challenging than at your previous campus so we feel that taking 12-14 credits in the first semester after you transfer is more likely to result in academic success.