How easily does GPA transfer when moving to a new college?

I'm planning to leave my current college and start somewhere else. What happens to my GPA during the transfer? Does it reset, or carry over to the new college?

When you transfer to a new college, your GPA typically does not carry with it. Instead, what usually happens is that your transcript from the college you're leaving will come along with you and be evaluated by your new institution. They will look at the courses you've taken and the grades you earned in the classes to establish which credits will transfer over, but these grades typically do not factor into your GPA at the new institution. This can depend on school policies, however, and it is always worth checking with the specific colleges you're interested in.

Once you begin your coursework at your new college, your GPA will essentially reset, and only the grades you earn at the new school will count toward your GPA there. In other words, for your academic record at the new institution, you are pretty much starting with a clean slate.

Do bear in mind though, that if you apply for graduate school later on, they may consider transcripts from both institutions to gain a wider perspective of your academic history. If you have lots of low grades at your previous school, those won't disappear entirely from your academic record even if they don't affect your GPA at your new school. So, it's always best to aim high and work hard, no matter where you're studying.