R.F. asks: I see that many universities have satellite campuses, either inside the country or abroad. Can you apply to them first, and then transfer to the main campus? If so, are they any easier to get in to?
Amber Bisnauth, director of admissions at CollegeAdvisor.com and a former admissions officer for Stanford University, responds:
Each school and each satellite campus is unique, so I can’t make a blanket comparison between all satellite campuses and their main campuses. The process for applying to satellite campuses also varies, though it can be relatively simple.
Let’s take New York University, which has degree-granting campuses in New York City, Abu Dhabi and Shanghai. NYU is very clear that students will only be offered admission to one of their three campuses. Beyond a couple of factual questions, the standard NYU application has no substantial additional requirements to be considered for any of the satellite campuses. Students can only transfer between the campuses under exceptional circumstances noted on their website.
The Ohio State University, in contrast, has a pretty straightforward process for transferring from a regional campus to the main campus. And yet other schools, such as Florida State University, will offer an option to complete the first semester or year abroad, and then attend subsequent semesters on the main campus.
Get the admissions edge with ‘Getting In’!
Have the parent playbook for applying to college delivered to your inbox each Thursday.
Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S. News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy.
