The Truth About Transferring

On the Road and Never Looking Back

After high school, Nicole Gilbert was immediately attracted to Grand Valley State University, with a diving scholarship driving the force behind her attraction. Nicole didn’t even feel the need to check out other options; she was confident that Grand Valley would be the place for her. “It felt good to have my talent recognized by a Division II college,” said Gilbert. “I was blinded from considering any other choices.” Nicole said she could tell something wasn’t right during her summer break after her high school graduation but wanted to give college a fair shot. However, when she arrived for her first semester; she felt lost on such a large campus. Nicole’s diving teammates kept her sticking around though, and she said the competitive force inside her made her want to conquer college. After three semesters, Nicole was tired of feeling like just “another student,” and decided she needed to make a change.

Down a Different Path

Now a junior, Nicole has settled into Olivet and is here to stay. Once hearing about the college from friends, taking a tour and getting in contact with the admissions office, Nicole made her transfer halfway through her sophomore year. Sticking with her biology major, Nicole said classes were never an issue. Enrollment and registration was quick and simple; even better, all Nicole’s credits from Grand Valley transferred. She even received four scholarships! Nicole did however, make one big change: she quit diving altogether and took up track and field, a sport she had never tried before.

Teammates Make the Best Welcoming Committee

Running has been a hobby for Nicole but not a competitive sport until she transferred to Olivet. “I just couldn’t keep diving,” said Nicole. “Now, it’s just linked to all my bad memories from Grand Valley and I don’t want that following me around anymore.” Nicole’s new track teammates made her feel welcome right away. “They’re the type of friends that I feel like I’ve known forever, we have so much in common and always have a great time together,” Nicole said.

No Stress for the Future

Now, Nicole’s just taking time to enjoy college for her first time. She says she feels comfortable and confident with what her future will bring, even though she’s not sure what her next step is. Nicole is deciding between furthering her education or entering the health administration workforce after she graduates from Olivet, which she’s on track to accomplish a semester early. Nicole said she knows the right choice will become evident with time since Olivet has so many opportunities and helpful professors.

“I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what I’d do if I could start my college experience all over again. Sometimes I wish I would have come to Olivet right away because it would have been great from the start, but if I did that I don’t think I would appreciate it as much,” Nicole said. Nicole wants other students considering a transfer to know that the most important thing is to enjoy college and don’t be afraid to do whatever it takes to make sure you’re doing just that.

Schedule a Tour

Open your options by scheduling a visit to Olivet’s campus today or contacting admissions at 800.456.7189 or ocadmissions@uolivet.edu. Request Nicole to be your tour guide!