Frequently Asked Questions About Transferring to Marist

Applying and Admission

What is required for admission to Marist College?

The application requirements for transfer applicants include:

• Application: You can choose between the Marist Application (online or print) or Common Application.
• Final official high school transcript
• Official college transcripts and current course schedule
• One Letter of Recommendation
• Personal essay
• SAT/ACT scores:  Marist is a test-optional school, but you can still submit your scores for consideration
• Any supplemental materials: Check if your desired program requires application supplements
• Supplemental materials can be submitted to our office electronically at admission@marist.edu or mailed to the following address:

Marist College, Attention:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
3399 North Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

• $50 application fee or fee waiver
• Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) results: if English is not your primary language.

What are the admission deadlines?

These are our preferred application deadlines for transfer students. Please note, we review applications on a rolling space-available basis.

Fall semester	July 1
Spring semester	December 1

When are admission decisions mailed?

Once a student's file is complete, we will review as an Admission Committee. We will notify students of their admission decision via email and mail.

What are the most important criteria in the admission review process?

The admission committee takes multiple aspects into consideration during the application review process, including your academic preparation and performance, extracurricular and leadership accomplishments, recommendations, essay, standardized test scores (Marist is now test-optional), and interest in Marist.

We understand that transfer students often take different paths prior to coming to Marist. The Committee is sensitive to the many challenges that some of our transfer students face.

What if I can't afford the application fee?

If the admission application fee poses a financial hardship on your family, the college will waive it. We accept the College Board Fee Waiver form (available from and completed by your transfer counselor) or a letter written on your behalf on official stationery from someone at your college who can attest to your inability to pay this fee.

Can you explain how transfer credits are determined?

College courses that you have may be considered for, and if appropriate, awarded transfer credit to Marist College. The courses must be taken at an accredited college or university, and students must earn a grade of "C" or higher in the course. Marist will review the course level and material to determine if it is viable for transfer.  Transfers from two-year colleges must complete at least 50 credits hours at Marist. Transfers from four-year colleges must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at Marist. Up to 70 credits may be accepted from a community college or accredited two-year institution, although fulfilling requirements toward a student's degree is dependent on meeting all specific program requirements for that degree. All transfer students must complete a minimum of 12 hours of upper-level credits in the major field. A maximum of eight transfer credits can be accepted towards a minor, concentration, or certificate.

Will Marist accept AP or IB credit?

Many students can accelerate their college program by earning advanced standing through AP and IB credit in high school. Please view the lists below of what is required on the exam(s) and how many credits the student will receive. All official test results should be submitted through College Board and sent directly to the Registrar Office.