Transfer Students
We recognize that transferring into Marlboro as a sophomore or junior may feel as if you have to hit the ground running. We expect you will need time to get to know faculty and decide what you are going to do on Plan. So…
Think ahead.
Before you even come to Marlboro, try to have a working idea of what you’d like to study: have a degree field (or two, or three) in mind. This is especially important if you’re coming to Marlboro as a junior; knowing what you’re interested in, and being able to talk about it with your advisor and potential Plan sponsor(s), will help you get started.
Work closely with your advisor.
Because you are new to Marlboro and have a relatively short learning curve before you go on Plan, regular meetings with your advisor or a potential Plan sponsor are essential.
Take time to get to know faculty.
You may be shifting gears from where you were before. If you were on a narrow track in biology at the University of Arizona and you have decided to study literature and philosophy at Marlboro, you’ll have some catching up to do. Go to as many of the introductory course sessions during the first two days of class as you can. Take courses that speak to your interests, but also talk to your advisor; talk to your professors. Become familiar with the faculty members who teach in your area of interest, so that you can decide early in the process who you really want to work with.
Attend Plan Presentations and Workshops.
You will not only get critical information about the process of going on Plan, but in small group sessions you will be able to ask questions of current Plan students and faculty who have years of experience with all varieties of Plans. You’ll find out how to approach a faculty member about a tutorial, how tutorials work, and the differences between the Sophomore Review, Preliminary Plan Application, and Final Plan Application.
Submit a portfolio for the Clear Writing Requirement.
It is essential that you submit for the Clear Writing Requirement during your first semester, since you will likely be beginning your preparations for Plan.
Continue to explore.
You may not have the flexibility in course choices that first year students do, but explore as broadly as possible.
Talk
Talk to your professors, your roommates, Plan students, other students who have transferred to Marlboro, and the Director of Academic Advising. Ask for help when you need it.