How to Transfer from a Junior College to a Four-Year School: What You Need to Know

At SRUSA, we help athletes navigate the college soccer system, from getting recruited out of high school to transferring between colleges. One of the most common questions we get is from players already in the junior college (JUCO) system who want to move up to a four-year program.

The truth is, there's a lot you can do to make that happen. But it's not as simple as sending a few emails and hoping for interest. Let's break it down.

1. Let Your Play Do the Talking

This is the most important thing you can take from this article. If you want to transfer to a top program, your performances must speak for themselves. Coaches at four-year schools aren't just looking for highlight reels, they're looking for proven, consistent impact.

That means:

• Playing regularly and starting as often as possible

• Contributing to wins (goals, assists, clean sheets, leadership)

• Winning awards such as All-Conference, All-Region, or even All-American honors

These recognitions show that you're standing out at the JUCO level. If you're not winning awards, that doesn't mean you can't move up, but it does mean you'll need to work harder to stand out in other ways.

2. Build and Update Your Highlight Video

Your video is one of your biggest tools for getting noticed. A coach might never see you play live, so what you send them has to make an impression.

A few quick tips:

• Keep it short (3–5 minutes max)

• Lead with your strongest clips

• Include game context (opponent, score, position)

• Update it every season

And here's something that can really separate you from the rest: create every-touch videos for a few of your games. These show coaches how you actually play throughout a match, including your decision-making, positioning, work rate, and consistency. Every-touch footage gives a more complete picture of how you perform over 90 minutes, which can be even more useful than a highlight reel alone.

3. Be Realistic About Your Level

A lot of players make the mistake of thinking Division 1 or nothing. But that mindset can hold you back. You need to understand your true level right now.

Winning awards and performing consistently will tell you something about where you might fit. Your current coach can also give you an honest opinion about the level you should be targeting.

And here's what many people don't realize: there are levels within the divisions too. In our opinion, the top 15 Division 2 teams are as good as the top 50 Division 1 programs, and the top 10 Division 3 teams can compete at a similar standard as well. So if you're aiming for a strong D2 or D3 program, you're still talking about a very high level of college soccer.

The point is, get realistic with who you're aiming at. Don't just chase a division label. Focus on the right fit based on your current ability, style of play, and academic situation. There's no shame in playing for a strong D2 or NAIA school if that's where you'll play, develop, and grow.

4. If You're Not Winning Awards, What Can You Do?

Not every standout player wins official recognition, and that's okay. Awards are nice, but they're not the only way to show your value. Here's what you can focus on instead:

• Gather coach recommendations. A strong testimonial from your current coach can go a long way.

• Track your stats. Keep detailed records such as minutes, goals, assists, and clean sheets.

• Collect full-match footage. A few strong, complete games show your consistency.

• Train smart and stay sharp. When opportunities come, you need to be ready.

• Network. Talk to teammates or alumni who've already transferred. They can offer advice or even introductions.

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What matters most is showing progression, that you're developing, improving, and ready for the next step.

5. Start the Process Early

If you're a sophomore, now is the time to start getting everything in place. You don't need to have it all ready immediately, but the sooner you can get your video, transcripts, and references organized, the better positioned you'll be when opportunities arise.

If you're a freshman, focus on laying the groundwork. Perform well, record your games, and build a strong foundation for next year. The players who prepare early are always the ones who end up with more options.

6. How SRUSA Supports You

When you work with us, we're with you the whole way through your college journey, not just when you sign. Our job is to give you advice, feedback, and guidance as you move through the system. Whether it's assessing your level, improving your video, or helping you understand transfer opportunities, we'll make sure you know what to do and when to do it.

Final Thoughts

Transferring from a junior college to a four-year school isn't about luck. It's about performance, preparation, and perspective. Your play creates the interest, your preparation supports it, and your understanding of your level makes sure you end up in the right place.

Keep improving, keep recording, and keep learning. Because when the time comes, your game will do the talking.

For all College Soccer Recruiting Advice, check out SRUSA, America's Number One College Soccer Recruiting Agency. www.sportsrecruitingusa.com