Though your college journey has already begun, you can change course and transfer to HWS.
At Hobart and William Smith, we will help you discover and chart your goals through a personalized, engaged education that prepares you for competitive first jobs and graduate school placements and launches you into fulfilling, successful careers.
Prospective transfer students are encouraged to visit HWS for a dedicated transfer visit experience:
Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Fridays at 9 a.m.
Enhance your visit with optional add-ons: attend a class, enjoy lunch with a current student, and review your transcript with a Dean or Registrar to see how your credits will apply to your degree program.
Can’t make a transfer visit? Join us Monday through Saturday for a traditional campus visit or email admissions@hws.edu.
If you’ve already mapped your academic path, great. We’ll help you achieve your objectives.
If you’re still exploring, we’ll provide the space to do so, along with the guidance to stay on track and graduate on time.
Our faculty meet you where you are, inviting you to join an academic community defined by the exchange of ideas, the solving of complex problems, and the shared work of building a better world.
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 dedicated to helping you explore your options and navigate the application process.
Grace Petry Senior Assistant Director of Admissions Phone: (315) 781-4782 Text: (315) 828-0841 petry@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.
Ava Shiff ’27
Majors: Media and Society, Writing and Rhetoric
After transferring from Fairfield University, Ava has embraced the full liberal arts experience at HWS. She serves as Arts & Entertainment Editor for The Herald student newspaper and is a volunteer with Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a member of the Student Government Folk Fest Marketing Committee, and a dancer with KDC and the Dance and Movement Studies department.
"I am so glad I made the decision to transfer to HWS! I could not imagine myself learning and growing as a student and person anywhere else. I feel immensely supported and welcomed by the entire HWS community."
Ameya Moncrieffe ’27
Major: Architectural Studies Minor: Business Management and Entrepreneurship
After transferring from Norwich University, Ameya has become involved in both academic and extracurricular life at HWS. She is a member of the William Smith Soccer Team and participates in HWS American Institute of Architecture Students, advancing her interests in design, service and leadership.
“My experience here at HWS has been amazing. As soon as I stepped on campus, I felt like I found my home away from home. From the people, the classes and the beautiful lake, everything clicked.”
Nathan Jones '29
Major: Economics minor: History
A transfer from SUNY Buffalo, Nathan enrolled at HWS in the spring of his first year. Now preparing for a career in finance, he is building his professional network by connecting with alumni and learning about internship opportunities. On campus, Nathan is a member of the Finance Society and the HWS Investment Club.
"I have built close relationships with my professors and have taken advantage of countless opportunities presented to me, from taking part in clubs, to working with the staff at our Career Center. Everything done at HWS is clearly aimed toward the success of students."
