Have you graduated but have an extra year of eligibility? Are you thinking of using that year somewhere other than the university you graduated from? Maybe you want to try training at a more elite program or vice versa. Either way many athletes decide that they want to experience another year of college elsewhere. Check out these important pointers to make sure you as a graduate transfer are prepared for that transition.

Related: Realities of Being an Upperclassman Transfer Athlete

Know What You Want To Study

Before deciding to transfer, ask yourself: Why do you want to go to grad school? Are you interested in a certain program? Then, look into schools that offer the best programs in what you're interested in studying. As a college athlete, academics should be your top priority so start this process by deciding what school would provide the best opportunities for you academically. Ask your academic advisor prior to graduating to help you start this search, so you have an idea of what to look for.

Check Your Grades and Standardized Test Scores

Having good grades is key to getting into the university you want, academically and athletically. So make sure your grades are in check and you've taken any necessary tests (GRE, LSAT, MCAT, etc) required to apply. Coaches also may be looking for athletes who can help boost the team's overall GPA, so having good grades will absolutely help you throughout this process.

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

Your Time Management Skills

It can depend on the program, but most of the time grad school is a pretty big step up from undergrad. Classes are usually way more strenuous and intense, since they are more specific and targeted at a certain subject. Make sure you know how to balance your sport and classes properly in order to succeed. It is important to keep in mind that if you struggled with time management as an undergraduate student athlete, grad school will most likely not be any better.

Grad school and undergrad may be similar, but there are also key differences both athletically and academically for graduate transfers to be aware of. Be sure to cover all of your bases and go into the transfer process with confidence!

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* Originally published on August 10, 2022, by Sammie Grant