Transfer Requirements

Apply as a transfer student if you are currently enrolled at a college or university and you will complete 9 or more college credits prior to your desired start term at Emerson.

Learn more about transfer admission with our Transfer student FAQ and our Transfer counselor FAQ.

1. Common Application and Emerson College Supplement

Apply online with the Common Application »

We require that you submit the Common Application, Emerson College Supplement, and $65 application fee before we can begin to review your application. You will receive an application acknowledgement via email once these three application components have been submitted. You will also receive acknowledgement via email when your application becomes complete.

2. Supporting Academic Credentials 

The following supporting materials are required for transfer applicants. If you are an international transfer student, please visit the international transfer student page. Please include your full name and date of birth on all application materials that you submit.  

• High school transcript or GED: An official, final high school transcript or GED indicating your date of graduation, is required. You do not need to submit a Secondary School Report/Final Report.
• College/University transcript(s): An official transcript is required from each college or university you have attended. For your current institution, make sure the transcript indicates courses in progress. Successful candidates typically have maintained a 3.0 grade point average in previous college coursework. However, we will consider any special circumstances you list in your application. If you did not graduate from a U.S. accredited secondary school, request a credential evaluation of your non-U.S. diploma/certificate stating it is equivalent to a U.S. diploma. We require World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, or the Center for Educational Documentation. We do not require a College Official's Report.

• Instructor Evaluation: An evaluation or recommendation is required from someone who has taught you in a college subject. Instructor Evaluation form (PDF)
• Mid-Term Report: Includes estimated grades from your current semester. If you are not currently attending college, we will waive the mid-term report requirement. Mid-Term Report (PDF)
• SAT or ACT test results: SAT code: 3367, ACT code: 1820

Test scores are not required if by the time you enroll:

• You will earn an associate's degree
• You will have junior status or above at your current institution (60 to 64 credits)
• You graduated from high school (or received a GED) three or more years ago

We will periodically review incoming applications and apply SAT/ACT and/or midterm report waivers for those who qualify. If you are expecting a waiver, please allow at least a week for it to show in the Application Portal after you have submitted your application materials.

3. Major- or Program-specific Requirements

Additional application materials are required for the following:

• Performing Arts Applicants
• Cinematography/Videography or Film Applicants

The Department of Performing Arts only accepts transfer applications for the fall term and does not accept transfer applications for BFA Acting or BFA Musical Theatre.

4. Check the Status of Your Application Credentials

Within 1 week of submitting your application, you will receive an email from Emerson College with an Emerson ID. You can use your Emerson ID and date of birth to log into the Application Portal to determine whether your application is complete or incomplete.

Please keep in mind that it may take up to 2 weeks for credentials to show in our system after they have been received. Materials that are postmarked by the appropriate application deadline will be considered on time. Feel free to contact us if your application materials do not show in the Application Portal within 2 weeks.

5. Apply for Financial Aid and learn about Merit Scholarships

There is specific information available for transfer students regarding merit scholarships and the financial aid process. Please do not wait for an admission decision before you complete your financial aid application.

Financial aid application instructions »

Merit scholarship information »

6. Watch for Updates from Emerson College

We will send you information to the mailing address and email address listed on your application. Please make sure to check your mail and email so that we can provide you with important updates. We also ask that you update your email settings to allow correspondence from admission@emerson.edu. Remember that if you opt out of emails from Emerson College, you may miss important deadline reminders!

7. Decision Notification

Notification deadlines are posted on our dates, deadlines, and options for admission page.