How can you tell if college credits transfer?

I'm trying to figure out if the credits I'd earn from AP classes or a dual-enrollment program will actually transfer to the colleges I'm interested in. What steps should I take to confirm this before applying?

The process of verifying whether your AP or college credits will transfer involves a bit of research. Here are the general steps you can follow:

1. Review School Policies: Start by going to the websites of the colleges you're interested in. Many schools outline their credit transfer policies online. Look specifically for sections dedicated to advanced standing credit, AP, IB, or dual-enrollment credits.

2. Check AP Policies: For AP credits, the College Board AP Credit Policy Search allows you to search for individual colleges' AP credit policies. Find out the minimum AP score that these colleges require for credit.

3. Acceptance of Dual-Enrollment: If you're enrolled in dual credit courses, these are actual college classes, so they’re more universally accepted than AP or IB credits. However, acceptability can still vary. At some schools, you'll just need a C or better, while other colleges require a B or better in transferred courses.

4. Contact Admissions: If the transfer policy is not clearly stated online, contact the school's admissions office. They can provide details on their transfer credit policies.

5. Speak with College Advisers: For enrolled students, talking to a college adviser can further clarify credit transferability. They are typically well-versed in explaining this process and can help you understand it.

6. Get Course Descriptions: Have course descriptions and syllabi handy from your dual-enrollment courses. An admissions officer or faculty member might want to review these to make sure the classes you took align with their curriculum.

The key takeaway here is to not make any assumptions and to carry out the due diligence by contacting schools directly if the information isn't clear. Policies can change often and vary greatly between institutions, so confirming directly is your best bet.