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Transfer student at UVF

Transfer Student Q&A: Moriah Hansen’s Journey to UVF 

Thinking about transferring to the University of Valley Forge? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to walk that process alone either. We sat down with Moriah Hansen, an Early Childhood Education major who graduated in 2025, to hear what her transition to UVF was really like. 

If you’re exploring your next step, visit valleyforge.edu/transfer to learn more. 

How did UVF help in the transfer process? 

“UVF made the transfer process feel incredibly personal and supportive. Admissions and financial services walked with me through every step—answering questions, checking in, and making sure I didn’t feel like I had to navigate anything alone. Even before I arrived on campus, people called just to make sure I felt cared for. That intentionality took so much stress out of the transition and helped me feel confident and prepared as I stepped into this new season.” 

What surprised you most about transferring to UVF? 

“I was genuinely surprised by how deeply people here care. I expected a typical college welcome, but what I found was a community that listens, supports, and encourages from day one. The sincerity of the staff, professors, and students really stood out. It wasn’t surface-level friendliness—people truly wanted me to thrive in every part of my life.” 

How quickly did you feel connected once you arrived? 

“Honestly, I felt connected very quickly. Between my classes, the warmth and approachability of my professors, and going to chapel, I sensed right away that UVF is a place where people genuinely care. I found community fast—people who helped me grow spiritually, socially, and academically. It didn’t take long before I felt like part of the UVF family.” 

What moment made you feel like you belonged? 

“There wasn’t one big moment—it was a series of small ones. Conversations after chapel, professors remembering my name, friends inviting me into their routines, and the overall warmth of campus life all added up. One day it just clicked: I wasn’t “new” anymore. I belonged, and I was surrounded by people who genuinely wanted to walk through life with me.” 

 How did the UVF community come alongside you? 

“When I first transferred, I was carrying a lot of grief because my dad had unexpectedly passed away shortly before I came to campus. Being in such a Christ-centered community made a huge difference as I navigated preparing for my career while also healing personally. Even during the admissions process, people reached out just to see how I was doing and to make sure I didn’t feel alone.” 

“Once I arrived, the support continued. Staff, professors, and students surrounded me with encouragement, spiritual guidance, and genuine care. UVF has truly blessed me in so many ways, and I’m continually thankful for how God used this community to help me grow and prepare to serve both in the church and the world.” 

What advice would you give someone looking to transfer? 

“Be open to connection, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. UVF is full of people who genuinely want to help you succeed—let them walk alongside you. Give yourself grace as you adjust, but stay engaged. Go to chapel. Talk to people. Ask your professors for help. Get involved in campus life. If you’re willing to lean in, you’ll find your place here faster than you think—and you’ll be amazed by how deeply this community can shape your life.”

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Thinking about your own transfer journey? Discover your next steps and connect with our admissions team by applying at apply.valleyforge.edu. 

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Admissions FAQs

Yes, most colleges and universities accept homeschool transcripts. You’ll need to create a transcript that lists all courses taken, grades earned, and a brief description of each subject. Many colleges may ask for additional documentation to verify the curriculum or learning outcomes. 

A homeschool transcript should include the following:   

  • Student’s name and contact information   
  • A list of courses by grade level (9th-12th)   
  • The grades and credits earned for each course   
  • GPA  

You can use online tools or templates to help structure your transcript.

Transcript Template (Right-click and “Save Link As” to download)

No, colleges understand that homeschool students may follow a non-traditional curriculum. You are not required to use a specific homeschooling program, but the courses should be rigorous and meet the academic standards of the college. 

UVF is test-optional, . It’s best to check each college’s specific testing policy. If you submit them, we will use those test scores for placement into math and English courses.  If you don’t submit test scores, we have placement tests that we designed that you will take instead. 

Homeschool students are encouraged to get involved in extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, volunteering, internships, etc.). For letters of recommendation, you can ask mentors, tutors, employers, or community leaders who are familiar with your work and character. We understand that your experiences may look different from those of traditional students. 

Homeschool students typically don’t have a GPA or class rank based on a standardized grading system. You may be asked to provide your grading scale (e.g., A = 90-100, B = 80-89, etc.) and explain how you evaluate coursework. . 

If your grading was pass/fail, a work sample does help us evaluate the rigor of your coursework. 

Yes, homeschooled students are eligible for the same federal and state financial aid (e.g., FAFSA) as other students. You are also eligible for institutional scholarships. 

You may be asked to provide documentation showing that your homeschooling complies with the laws of your state (e.g., notice of intent to homeschool, records of testing or assessments). We are familiar with most states’ homeschool laws. 

Yes, you can still apply as a homeschooled student if you were homeschooled for any portion of high school. You’ll need to explain the structure of your education and provide transcripts for both your public/private school and homeschool years, if applicable. 

A GED is not required if you have completed your high school education through homeschooling, provided you can submit a detailed transcript and meet the other application requirements. However, if you took the GED, you may submit those scores as part of your application if they are beneficial. 

We value the self-motivation and discipline that often come with homeschooling.  Our homeschooled students typically excel in academic curiosity, resilience, and ability to work independently. 

We always encourage students to come for an on-campus visit.  It can be a great opportunity to showcase your personality and explain your homeschooling background in person. It’s also a chance to ask questions about the college and demonstrate your interest in the school. 

Homeschooling allows you to tailor your education to your interests and strengths. We appreciate the diversity of perspectives that homeschool students bring, so don’t be afraid to highlight how your education has been non-traditional but still rigorous and meaningful. 

If you’ve taken college-level courses during high school (dual enrollment), make sure to include those credits on your application. You’ll need to request official transcripts from the college(s) where you took courses and submit them to your prospective schools. 

Some scholarships are specifically for homeschool graduates. These may be offered by homeschool associations, local foundations, or certain colleges. It’s a good idea to research scholarships in your area or inquire about opportunities at the colleges you’re applying to.