In the best of worlds you compile a list of colleges, find the most compatible one, and are accepted. Then you have a great time, graduate, and head off to a budding career. 

Let's talk reality
Halfway through your first semester you come to the conclusion that you can't stand being where you are — for whatever reason. The courses don't match your interests. The campus is out in the boonies and you don't ever want to see another cow. You hate the dorm wallpaper (well, scratch that one). 

Or maybe you’ve methodically planned to go to a community college for two years and move to a four-year college to complete your degree. Or perhaps you didn't do that well in high school, but you've wised up and community college has brightened your prospects of getting your four-year degree.

Any one of these fit?
Circumstances shift, people change, and realistically speaking, it's not all that uncommon to transfer. The most common transfers are students who move from a two- to a four-year college or the person who opts for a career change midstream. However, the reasons why students transfer run the gamut.

"There are a zillion reasons why college students decide they don't want to be at an institution," says Dr. Rose Rothmeier, Director of Student Services and Counseling at Austin College in Sherman, TX. She has probably encountered every transfer situation there is. In fact, she began a pilot program to mentor incoming transfer students at her school, matching them their first semester with settled transfers. The project was a success and indicated a real need for efforts to reduce the problems that transfers run into. 

Think before you leap
People sometimes choose a college for arbitrary reasons, says Rothmeier. For that reason, admission departments try to ensure a good match between the student and campus before enrollment. Sometimes, however, students don't realize they've made a mistake until it's too late. 

If this is the case for you, transferring might be the solution, but extensively research the possibilities before making the move. Meet some students, talk to the admission office, and try to learn as much as you can about the school. 

Be prepared to question your decision
Transfers tend to be very goal directed. Don't be. This is the time to question the decisions you're making about your life. "It doesn't have to be catastrophic to think you might want to experience something else," Rothmeier advises.

Don't cram too many classes into your first semester
You want to have time for campus life, which is an important step in smoothing out the bumpy adjustment process.

Don't be a hermit
Transfers tend to be very academically focused, but in their fervor to crank out the grades they can become reclusive. Many colleges that accept a lot of transfers offer special receptions and gatherings. Get out and meet people. Join clubs. Participate in campus activities. (It's fun!)

Rothmeier spotlights the need to be an intentional transfer. That means you need to map out a plan based on information about yourself, your current college, and the one you want to attend. By putting in the time on the front end, you can ensure a happy and successful switch.