How to transfer as a Birmingham-Southern College student

Oglethorpe University is providing Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) students with multiple options to complete your college degree. The closure of BSC is devastating, and Oglethorpe is ready to welcome you to our community by providing holistic admission, transfer, and co-curriculum options for incoming first-year and transfer students. Oglethorpe’s Office of Admission has been working directly with BSC and is listed on Birmingham-Southern’s website as having an official transfer agreement. The steps of that agreement are outlined below and know that the Stormy Petrel community is here to make your journey as smooth as possible.

 

Incoming First-Year Students

• Application fee waived through June 1, 2024.
• If you were admitted to Birmingham-Southern College as a first-time, full-time student, you qualify for direct admission to Oglethorpe University in Fall 2024.
  • Click on the apply now button to complete the early bird application (there are specific instructions for BSC students).
  • Upload a photo of your official BSC acceptance letter for Fall 2024 as part of your application.
• After you’ve been conditionally accepted, complete an OU application and send us your transcripts to be considered for merit scholarships, including Flagship 50.
• All students are required to include a personal statement essay as a part of their OU application.
• Test scores are optional.

Note: you must submit a final transcript to register for MAP and enroll for your Fall classes.

Rising Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors

• Application fee waived through June 30, 2024.
• If you are currently enrolled at Birmingham-Southern College and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, you qualify for direct admission to OU.
• All students are required to include a personal statement essay as a part of their OU application.
• Rising seniors may elect to take a free, 4-credit hour remote class this summer to help fulfill the OU residency requirement.
• Note: You must submit an official copy of your transcript(s) to receive an official credit-for-credit course equivalency report. Official transcripts must be ordered from your school directly and sent to Oglethorpe’s Registrar office via email or physical mail.
• If you have a 3.6 cumulative GPA or higher (as calculated by OU), you will be eligible for our Flagship 50 scholarship at the University of Alabama rate. This offer is renewable for up to 3 years.*
• If you have a GPA of 3.59 or lower, are an international student, or forgo the Flagship 50 award to live off-campus, you can still receive standard OU transfer merit scholarships ranging from $17,000 – $26,000.
  • After all Oglethorpe aid is considered, if a BSC student owes more than 2023-2024 published tuition and fees for Birmingham-Southern College ($21,500), OU will award a BSC Grant to bring the net tuition amount down to that published rate.

*Flagship 50 recipients are required to live on-campus to receive their award.

CORE Equivalencies for BSC Transfer Students

Oglethorpe has a unique general education program, the Core. Core fulfillment may not be required for rising BSC seniors with over 97 credit hours, an overall grade of C- or higher, and if you have completed all your general elective courses (known as the general education or the Explorations curriculum) with a grade of C- or higher. In order to determine whether you qualify for exemption from our Core requirements, you must have your official transcript sent to Oglethorpe University’s Office of the Registrar. The Registrar will not be able to conduct an official evaluation of your transfer credits until your official transcript has been received.

Plan your visit to Oglethorpe

Come see our beautiful Atlanta campus in-person, then fill out this travel form for a travel reimbursement of up to $215. Make sure you have your Birmingham-Southern student ID and a record of your mileage on hand — you’ll need both to complete the reimbursement form.

Support for your transfer to OU

• Designated BSC suites and/or floors will be available within our residence halls. Availability in these spaces will be based on those who are admitted, deposit and complete the housing application first.
• Dedicated peer mentors will be available to help with any questions or concerns you have as you transition into your new life at Oglethorpe.
• President Kathryn McClymond will host a welcome reception during the first week of class for all BSC transfer students.
• Oglethorpe University will be hosting BSC-specific programs throughout the fall semester to welcome you into the OU community.

Note: Oglethorpe University may deny admission if coursework falls below minimum admission standards or applicants are not in good academic or conduct standing.

 

QUESTIONS?