One of the most important (and often overlooked) pieces of a college transfer application is the recommendation letter — especially one written by a professor at your current institution. A strong letter can show admissions officers how you’ve matured academically, contributed to your college community, and are ready to thrive at a new school. 

Why Transfer Letters Matter

Unlike first-year applicants, transfer students can’t rely on high school letters to carry their file. Admissions committees want to hear about how you’ve grown since you arrived on campus. That makes your college professors, advisors, or even teaching assistants the best people to speak to your academic performance, intellectual curiosity, and potential.

Which letter writers are best? 

If you are planning to ask for a letter of recommendation, the same rules apply as when you applied to college in the first place: 

• A professor who knows you beyond the gradebook — ideally someone who has seen you engage in class, seek feedback, or lead a project. Ideally one you’ve had recently, which will ensure the letter is up-to-date. 
• Someone in your desired major or academic field (especially important if your target school is known for strength in that area).
• If a professor isn’t possible, consider a teaching assistant or academic advisor who can provide specifics — but aim for at least one faculty member.

When should you ask for a letter of recommendation?

Timing matters when it comes to letters of recommendation. At the end of a semester, many professors, especially the ones that are well-liked or popular with students, are inundated by requests for letters of recommendation as well as with other end-of-semester responsibilities.

Here are some quick tips:  

• Start early. Ideally, you’ll ask at least 4–6 weeks before your transfer application is due. That gives your recommender time to write thoughtfully, and you time to follow up politely if needed.
• Approach your professor during office hours or at a time when they otherwise are not busy to ensure that the request sticks in their mind and so they do not forget about it and so your request is not a source of frustration.
• Try to approach your professor at a time when they are not dealing with other responsibilities. You do not want your letter to be just another item on a long list of things that your professor has to accomplish.

How to ask (and help them help you)

Many college professors see hundreds of students coming through their classrooms every day. Even a professor with whom you have had a great relationship or who doubles as your advisor might need a little assistance putting together a solid letter of recommendation that reflects all of the qualities that make you unique. To get the best possible letter of recommendation, try offering a little help:

Request a meeting or send a clear, respectful email outlining your plans to transfer. Remember to keep it brief! You do not want to write your own letter, just jog your professor’s memory to get the best possible letter possible.

• Provide a brief cover letter that outlines some of your contributions to the class. Don’t be wordy! Instead, allow your professor to evaluate.
• Offer a verbal reminder of some of the memories you have of interacting with that professor.
• Provide context: why you’re applying elsewhere, what you’re hoping to study, and why this professor’s perspective would be valuable.
• Share your resume, transcript, and any standout assignments from their class.
• If you can, give them a rough draft of your transfer personal statement — it will help them align their letter with your narrative.

Final Tip

Let your recommender know why you chose them. A little gratitude and specificity can go a long way.

Need help building a transfer timeline, choosing recommenders, or crafting your essays? AtomicMind’s team of admissions specialists can help.

About the Author: Dylan is a Head Advisor at AtomicMind based in Southern California. He graduated from Stanford University with a major in International Relations and a minor in French. His passion for learning and education shaped his current endeavor of helping students design their own unique path to college, which he does in addition to his hobbies of hiking, traveling, and reading.