Transfer Student FAQs
We get asked many questions during the admissions process. So we're listing the answers here in case you're curious, too.
For the fall academic semester, Early Priority applications are due March 1, and Regular Decision applications are due June 1. For the spring academic semester, regular decisions applications are due January 1. However, if students apply late, we will still review their application once completed.
For admission consideration transfer candidates should have:
- Must have graduated from high school or complete the equivalent
- 23 transferable academic semester units or 34 transferable academic quarter units
- 2.0 minimum college GPA
If you have less than 23 transferable academic semester units or 34 transferable academic quarter units, we may need to review your high school transcript and ACT or SAT test scores to consider you for admission.
The average GPA for entering transfer students is 3.2.
Official copies of all transcripts from colleges and/or universities attended are required for admission, whether the student completed the term(s) or not.
Official Final High School transcripts are needed if you are applying with less than 23 academic semester units (or 34 quarter units).
All transferable academic coursework is considered in determining eligibility for admission. When courses are repeated, only the better grade will be computed into the grade point average in determining the minimum admission standard.
New student orientations, including a transfer student-specific session, are coordinated by the New Student and Family Programs Office. For details about orientation, please see their page.
Courses that are transferable to the University of California (UC) system from California Community Colleges or other accredited colleges or universities, with completion of letter marks will be applied for credit toward graduation. Upon enrolling at Saint Mary's, only courses with grades of C- and above are acceptable for credit toward graduation. Courses in remedial subjects, vocational fields, secondary school mathematics, and non-academic areas are not acceptable for transfer credit to Saint Mary's.
To view our Articulation Agreements with California Community Colleges, click here.
The maximum number of lower division units, which are transferable to Saint Mary's from any college, is 64 semester units (95 quarter units). If you are enrolled in a 4-year college, upper division units (beyond the 64 lower division) will be evaluated and may be accepted for credit toward graduation.
The average class size is 19 students.
The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1.
The most popular majors are Business, Communication, Psychology, Kinesiology and Education (JCL).
None of our majors are impacted.
All students are assigned a faculty advisor. It is required for all students to meet with their major-specific faculty advisor to be approved for registration and course planning.
Yes, all students, including transfer students, have access to a variety of free academic resources. Some of the resources students have access to are:
- Career and Professional Development Services (CPDS)
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Health and Wellness Center
- The Center for Writing Across the Curriculum (CWAC)
- Student Success Office
- High Potential Program
- Student Disability Services (SDS)
- Student Engagement and Academic Success (SEAS)
- Tutorial and Academic Skills Center (TASC)
The Campus Housing Office works hard to place all students who express interest in living on campus into housing.
For the 2020-2021 Academic Year, housing is available for students but is not required. We encourage all students, if they can, to live on campus to take advantage of all of the benefits it provides.
Transfer students are guaranteed to house for the fall term. Students entering in the spring term who wish to have housing should contact campus housing directly.
No. 55% of our students identify themselves as Catholics, while others identify with faiths of other denominations.
Since Saint Mary's is a residential college, there is a strong on-campus community. The Student Government, clubs and dorms sponsor parties, movies, comedy nights, dances and dinners. There are more than 40 clubs on campus ranging from the Pre-Law program to the Black Student Union. Campus Ministry and CILSA coordinate volunteer opportunities throughout the Bay Area.
Applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. There is no fee associated with the FAFSA.
California residents who wish to apply for Cal Grants A and/or B must also ask their current college to fill out the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form.
The priority deadline for all financial aid forms is February 15th. Transfer students wanting priority financial aid consideration (Fall Term) should get their admission application and all supplemental documents by February 15th.
Students who are applying for the Spring Term should submit all financial aid forms as soon as possible.
Students can submit their FASFA information at any time and it will be evaluated by the financial aid department once received for possible need-based aid.
85% of our undergraduates receive financial aid from a variety of sources, including institutional merit-based and need-based aid.
Yes, we offer a wide range of guaranteed scholarships for incoming transfer students. Here is a link to our scholarships page for more information.