51ÊÓƵ

Your Most Pressing Questions Answered by Current 51ÊÓƵ-Dearborn Transfer Students

February 19, 2025

We spoke with four 51ÊÓƵ-Dearborn transfer students from all four of our different colleges to get their insight on transferring to a new campus, overall experience, and tips they have for students transferring to 51ÊÓƵ-Dearborn.

Our interviewees:

Cayley Catlett, College of Business

Sophia Hawkins, College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences

Hasan Termos, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Kimberly Bertges, College of Education, Health, and Human Services

Why did you decide to transfer to 51ÊÓƵ-Dearborn?

I decided to transfer to 51ÊÓƵ-Dearborn because I was attracted to the smaller class sizes. I am a person who really benefits from having that one-on-one interaction with my professor. I like being able to know that I can reach out to my professor and it's not going to take two to three weeks to respond. That's something I really appreciate about 51ÊÓƵ-Dearborn.
- Sophia Hawkins

How was your experience transferring here? Is there a moment that stands out?

It was a very easy transition… I came from a school with almost 40,000 people. So, here it feels like you definitely meet more professors one-on-one and get to experience that, and it's easier to bond with people. I met one of my best friends in the first class I ever had here and we still talk and hang out once a week. 
- Cayley Catlett

Have any professors made an impact on your experience here?

One is Professor Eric Ratz, I took thermodynamics and thermofluids with him. I remember asking him a lot of questions and he never not answered my question. Also, he would help me outside the classroom. I'm applying to a master's at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and he would give me tips on how to write my statement of purpose and even help me decide what I want to do with my master's.
- Hasan Termos

Which clubs and organizations are you involved in?

I am a part of the First-Gen organization. I'm also a part of TRIO, both the Student Support Services (SSS) and Select Student Support Services (4S), and then, I help out with Dearborn Support. I'm also a part of the Criminology and Criminal Justice Collective (CCJC). 
-Kimberly Bertges

Learn more about our over 150 student organizations!

What practice-based learning opportunities have you been involved in?

I have an internship with the university where I'm helping with their social media accounts, which is something I've always dreamed of doing professionally once I graduate. So, that's allowing me to make connections and build a portfolio to add to my resume and build up more experience. 
- Cayley Catlett

What do you enjoy most about being a student at 51ÊÓƵ-Dearborn?

I think I've met some of the kindest and most genuine people throughout my time at 51ÊÓƵ-Dearborn. It feels like there are people there for you. Even people that you don't know. But it seems like there's always somebody there for you. It never feels like I'm alone. There's always somewhere on campus for me to go and get what I need. So, I really like that about 51ÊÓƵ-Dearborn. 
- Sophia Hawkins

What tips do you have for someone who is transferring to 51ÊÓƵ-Dearborn?

The Consensus: Get Involved!

My biggest tip for anyone transferring to 51ÊÓƵ-Dearborn is to get involved, and to look for other people. They don't even have to be your age. I have friends who are literally the same age as my oldest child. So, I would say just get involved, get in the organizations, and put yourself out there.  
- Kimberly Bertges

Get involved! When I first transferred here I was pretty nervous to get involved in different organizations by myself without having a person with me, but it definitely has helped me grow as an individual to be able to go and get involved in organizations that are part of my interests. They may not be connected to other people but they're connected to me. 
- Sophia Hawkins

The biggest tip is to be more involved on campus. If I was more involved in my first year, I think I would have gained a lot of outside or beyond my coursework experience. And whoever is transferring here should consider being part of clubs, organizations, or societies. It’s very beneficial. 
- Hasan Termos

Talk to people! Everyone here is so nice and wants to make friends. There is a good amount of transfer students here, so we're all in the same boat together. 
-Cayley Catlett

Current Resources for Transfer Students:

Course Transfer System  - We’ve developed the Course Transfer System, a tool to help you determine how much of your existing coursework will transfer to our campus.

Meet Our Transfer Specialists - Our Transfer Team provides pre-transfer advising to help ensure that you have a smooth transition. Whether you are just starting your academic journey or are ready to transfer, they are here to help with your success.

Apply as a Transfer Student - Get all the information you need to start your application to the University of Michigan-Dearborn!