Transfer Application deadlines
Transfer students can apply to Chapman via the Common App.
Spring 2027 deadline
Applications will be due October 15. Applications received after October 15 will be considered on a space-available basis.
Please note that spring applications are not available for majors in Dance, Film & Television Production, Screen Acting and Theatre Performance.
Fall 2027 deadline
Applications will be due February 15. Applications received after February 15 will be considered on a space-available basis.
Application steps and requirements
We encourage scheduling a one-on-one meeting with an admission counselor before applying. We'll review your coursework and plan your pathway to transfer. You can schedule a phone appointment by calling our office at (714) 997-6711.
Follow the steps below. Please only submit the University’s required documents.
Step 1: Complete and submit the Common App for transfer students
- Chapman University Questions are submitted along with your Common App. You can learn more on our Application Tips page.
- Chapman does not require all Common App forms at the point of application. The College Report Form, Secondary School Final Report and the Mid-Term Report are not required unless requested after an initial review of your application.
Step 2: Submit letter(s) of recommendation
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Chapman requires one letter of recommendation from all transfer applicants. Your recommender can be an academic, personal or professional resource. If you are applying to a talent-based or arts major, we encourage you to choose someone who can speak to your experience and fit for the major.
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First, register your recommender as a "personal recommender" in the Recommenders section of the Common App. This is required no matter how the letter will be submitted, and you cannot submit your Common App without a recommender listed. You do not need to wait for the letter itself to arrive before submitting your application.
- Once registered, your recommender can submit their letter one of three ways (for emailed
or mailed letters, the letter must include your first and last name so we can match
it to your file):
- Upload it through the link the Common App emails them
- Email it to transfers@chapman.edu
- Mail it to Chapman University, Attn. Office of Admission, One University Dr., Orange, CA 92866
Step 3: Pay application fee or submit a Fee Waiver Request
- You must submit the $70 non-refundable application fee via the Common Application
or select the fee waiver option if you meet the Common Application fee-waiver guidelines.
- If you selected a fee waiver option that requires a supporting statement of economic need, your college counselor must approve your fee waiver request. They can submit their statement online or submit a form (with your Common Application ID number) by mail or via email to transfers@chapman.edu. We require fee waiver approval prior to the review of your application.
Step 4: Submit official college transcripts
- You must submit individual transcripts from all 2- and 4-year colleges you have attended
or are currently attending. These will show any work completed and/or currently in
progress.
- Fall applicants: please wait to submit your official college transcripts until your final fall grades are posted after your winter break.
- Official transcripts can be submitted either through the Common Application or sent directly from the applicant to Chapman via mail or email. Applicants are responsible for ordering transcripts. If ordering them to be mailed directly to Chapman's Office of Admission. Some colleges have electronic options to order transcripts; as long as electronic transcripts are coming in from the college to Chapman they can be emailed to admtranscript@chapman.edu.
- Unofficial college transcripts, or copies submitted directly from the applicant, will not complete your file for review.
Additional required items for select applicants
The following items are required for select applicants.
Submit the Creative Supplement (for creative talent majors)
Applicants to academic majors within the colleges/departments below must also submit a Creative Supplement:
- College of Performing Arts
- Dodge College of Film and Media Arts
- Department of Art (excluding Art History)
You can only submit your Creative Supplement after submitting your Common App. Visit our Creative Supplement page for more information.
Submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile (for those looking to be considered for need-based aid)
To be considered for need-based aid, applicants must submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile. You will be able to indicate in the Common App whether you want to be considered for need-based aid.
Submit official high school transcripts (if applicable)
You must submit proof of high school graduation through one of the following: a final high school transcript, GED or State Proficiency Exam score report. This documentation must be official for Chapman to accept it. This only applies to transfer applicants who have less than 60 semester units or 90 quarter units completed at the time the application is submitted.
- If you need to submit final high school transcript, you should contact your former high school directly. A high school official can then email the transcript(s) to Chapman at admtranscript@chapman.edu. The email must come directly from someone that works at the high school. Applicants cannot mail their high school transcript directly to Chapman.
- Transcripts can also be sent through the mail (must be in a sealed high school envelope). Those can go to: Chapman University Attn. Office of Admission, One University Dr., Orange, CA 92866. You can also mail in your own transcripts but they must be official/sealed in the high school envelope.
- High school transcripts cannot be submitted through the Common Application.
- Applicants utilizing a GED or a State Proficiency Exam to show proof of high school graduation should work directly with the Transfer Team (transfers@chapman.edu). They will assist you on how to order and have sent official score reports in lieu of a final high school transcript.
Submit AP and/or IB test scores (if applicable)
Submit AP and/or IB test scores if you completed these exams in high school. Many times these previous scores can potentially be used towards college credit, either in your major or within general education at Chapman. You can use the following webpages to determine if you should send in your scores:
Submit official college transcripts for any dual enrollment (if applicable)
If you completed any dual enrollment courses while in high school, you will need to submit those transcripts.
Submit additional reports requested by Admission Committee (if applicable)
A College Officials Report and/or Mid-Term Report may be requested of certain applicants. Read more about these on our Transfer Reports page.
