Transfer Student Application Process
At John Carroll, we recognize that many students take unique paths to their degree, and we're committed to supporting and welcoming transfer students as they continue their academic journey with us.
John Carroll defines transfer students as anyone who attended an accredited college, university, or community college after high school. We understand that students transfer for many reasons, and we are here to ensure that your transition is smooth and your future bright.
How to Apply
To transfer to John Carroll, you must have a high school diploma (or equivalent) and be in good academic standing at your current or most recent college after high school. John Carroll reviews applications for admission holistically. While we do not have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement, a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher is recommended.
Application Requirements
To apply to John Carroll University, you will need to submit your online application. You will also need to send your complete credentials directly to the Office of Admission. These include:
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities you've attended
- High school transcript—required only if you have completed fewer than 24 semester hours after high school graduation
- Standardized test scores (optional)
Important: Failure to report attendance at any college or university may result in immediate dismissal.
Where to Submit Your Credentials
All transcripts must be sent directly from each institution to John Carroll University by mail or email; hand-delivered transcripts cannot be accepted. Documents should be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admission or via secure electronic delivery (Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse) via admission@jcu.edu.
Alternatively, documents can be mailed to:
John Carroll University
Office of Undergraduate Admission
1 John Carroll Boulevard
University Heights, OH 44118
Transfer Application Review Timeline
Transfer applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Application review begins in October for spring semester entry and in February for fall semester entry.
| Start Term | Application Opens | What You Should Know |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 Current Cycle | Now | Fall classes at JCU start on August 27th, 2026! Submit your transfer application and official transcripts today. Application review begins in February. |
| Spring 2027 | Now | Spring classes at JCU start in January 2027! Submit your transfer application and official transcripts today. Application review will begin in October 2026. |
See more dates
| Start Term | Application Opens | What You Should Know |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 | September 2026 | Applications for Fall 2027 will open in a few months. Want to learn more about JCU while you wait? Explore our programs or plan a visit to campus. |
| Spring 2028 | January 2027 | Applications for Spring 2028 will open next year. Want to learn more about JCU while you wait? Explore our programs or plan a visit to campus. |
Transfer Students Earn Scholarships
Merit awards based on your college GPA—no extra application needed. View Scholarships
International applicants should review the International Student Application Process for testing requirements.
Transcripts must be sent directly from each institution by mail or secure electronic delivery (Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse) to admission@jcu.edu. Failure to report attendance at any college may result in dismissal.
Occasionally, your admission counselor will ask you to complete a Transfer Reference Form, which documents your conduct record from your current or most recent institution. which documents your conduct record from your current or most recent institution. If you've been asked: fill out part one with your information, then forward the form to the Dean of Students (or a judicial affairs administrator) at your current or most recent college to complete part two.
See exactly how your credits map at JCU — request an unofficial credit evaluation.
Learn more about course credit at JCU, or browse our transfer credit spreadsheet (Google Sheet) to see how courses have previously transferred.
Learn more about course credit at JCU — including AP, IB, and CLEP score requirements and JCU course equivalents.
Have a mix of college coursework and AP/IB scores? You can include AP exams when you request an unofficial credit evaluation.
For a personalized review, contact your admission counselor.
Once you've been admitted, confirmed your enrollment, and completed your pre-registration steps, an academic advisor will contact you to guide you through course registration. If you complete your pre-registration requirements ahead of time, you can work with their advisor to register for courses early; otherwise, you’ll register for your first semester courses during Transfer Transition Day, a few days before classes start.
After you’ve confirmed your enrollment, your myJCU Gateway Portal will contain a full list of your pre-registration requirements:
- Submit final fall and spring transcripts from any colleges you're currently attending.
- Register for Transfer Transition Day — JCU's one-day orientation session for transfer students.
- Complete the Academic and Career Interest Form — a short survey which helps your advisor plan your first course schedule at JCU.
- Complete your Financial Responsibility Form.
- Take a foreign language placement test, if you choose to. If you opt in to a placement test, it must be completed before you can register for courses.
Transfer Transition Day is JCU's one-day orientation for transfer students. You'll meet your academic advisor, register for your first semester of classes, and get oriented to campus. It's typically held twice a year, the week before fall and spring classes begin.
What Happens Next
Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your myJCU Gateway applicant portal login. Through myJCU Gateway, you can track your application status, see any missing materials, and connect with your admission counselor.
Choose Another Path
Not a transfer student?
However your path begins, you belong here. Choose the option that fits you best, and we’ll guide you forward.
