Though your college journey has already started, you can change course and transfer to HWS. We are ready to help you discover and chart your goals so that you get an excellent education that leads to a fulfilling career or graduate school.
If you’ve already mapped your academic path, great. We’ll help you achieve your objectives.
If you’d like to continue exploring, we’ll provide the space to do so and the guidance to graduate on time.
Our faculty will meet you where you are - inviting you to join in the sharing of ideas, the solving of problems, the invention of a better world.
Don’t just take our word for it. Come and see for yourself! Prospective transfer students are welcome and encouraged to visit HWS Monday through Saturday for an information session, tour and/or interview. Click here to start your journey.
Transferring to HWS is easy.
Our transfer admissions counselor is dedicated to helping you explore your options and navigate the application process. Whether you are coming to HWS from a two- or four-year institution, or hoping to enter in the spring or fall semester, we welcome the opportunity to work with you.
Contact
Our transfer admissions counselor is ready to help you learn more about HWS and the transfer process.
Melanie N. Sage ’95, P’25, P’27 Senior Associate Director of Admissions, Director of Transfer Admissions Phone: (315) 781-4499 msage@hws.edu
HWS accepts a maximum of two years of college-level work (up to 16 three-credit-hour courses) from other undergraduate institutions. Only courses of three or more hours in which you have earned a C- or better are considered for transfer credit. Transfer credits are used to determine placement in the curriculum and to exempt you from curriculum requirements.
If you have completed an associate’s degree, you may enter with junior standing. However, depending on your intended major and previous program of study, it may take longer than two years to complete your bachelor’s degree. We will work with you to figure this out and to plan your academic and professional strategy.
Transfer students must spend a minimum of two years in residence at Hobart and William Smith.
Want to know what it's like transferring to HWS? Hear what some recent transfer students have to say.
jordan britton '24
Major: Environmental Studies Minor: Geoscience
Jordan's time at HWS took off after transferring from Monroe Community College. This included participating in many organizations on campus such as the Pre-Orientation Adventure Program, working as a First-Year and a Study Mentor. In addition, he studied the geology of beaches in the Bahamas, hiked in Wales and worked with kids with learning disabilities in New Zealand, all part of study abroad trips.
“When you meet people who you enjoy being around and who help you grow as a person, you really appreciate the time that you get to be with them and make that one of your top priorities, because the friends and connections you make during college are the most important part of the experience.”
hailee catalano '25
Major: Media and Society Minors: Business Management and entrepreneurship, psychological science
A transfer from Pace University, Hailee has become involved in professional experiences in the Office of Admissions, the Centennial Center and through internships with Walt Disney World and Sing Me a Story Foundation, all while building lasting connections with her peers on campus.
"Because of orientation, I was able to not only meet new students but specifically bond with other transfers in my group. They are now my lifelong friends that I’ll forever be grateful for having in my life. On top of this, I think my favorite thing about HWS is the connections you build during your career here. From friends during my orientation group, friends from class, professors, mentors and even alumni, it’s endless.”
Violet Francis '25, Mhel '26
Major: Media and Society minor: Entrepreneurial Studies
Violet transferred from the University of Rhode Island and is preparing for a career in event management as a career development intern in the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but as soon as I arrived at HWS, I was blown away by the lakeside view, the warm community welcome, and the immediate sense of belonging. I want to emphasize how impressed I was by the confidence of HWS students; they are welcoming, kind, articulate and engaging.”
A transfer student from Fairfield University, Sophie's time at HWS has been shaped by joining the Teacher Education Program to obtain her New York State teaching certificate and, especially, studying abroad in Puerto Rico and Wales.
"These experiences were so amazing, I cannot even put into words. The programs, the locations, the professors, the students, everything was perfect and I am so lucky to have been in such an amazing program. Learning about the importance of other cultures and embracing outdoor education definitely helped me expand my perspectives as a future teacher.”
anjalee Wanduragala '25
majors: Economics, Environmental Studies Minor: International Relations
Transferring from the University of Colombo in Sri Lanka, Anjalee has taken on a true liberal arts experience, being elected a Student Trustee, joining many clubs such as the Asian Student Union and Campus Greens, working as a Study Mentor and studying the history of the Berlin Wall in Germany and Maori culture in New Zealand.
“Make sure you go in with an open mind and be willing to grab hold of any opportunity that comes your way. By taking a chance you will either know that the opportunity was for you or not so either way you win at the end of the day."
