Do you lose college credits when transferring to another school?

I'm really worried about losing credits when transferring colleges. Does anyone have advice on how to ensure most (if not all) credits are accepted by the new school? Thanks for any tips you can share!

When it comes to transferring colleges, a common concern is indeed the potential loss of credits. Here are a few tips to increase the likelihood that most of your credits will transfer.

1. Research Transfer Policies: Before making your decision to transfer, take the time to thoroughly research the transfer policies of your prospective school. Many institutions list their transfer policies on their websites, often in the Admissions or Registrar's Office section. Remember, each college has its own policy regarding which credits it accepts, so doing your homework is critical. Some colleges even have partnerships with other schools to facilitate transfers, like community colleges to state universities.

2. Seek Advice from Advisors: It's crucial to seek direct advice from your current academic advisor and the admissions or transfer counselor at the school to which you're considering transferring. They can help guide you on which credits are likely to transfer and may help you appeal for credits to be recognized.

3. Leverage Course Syllabi: To evaluate the compatibility of your previous courses, the receiving school often refers to the syllabi. Ensure you have copies of course syllabi from your previous institution as they might be instrumental in getting more of your credits accepted.

4. Check Accreditation: Typically, regionally accredited colleges and universities are more likely to accept credits from other regionally accredited institutions. National accreditation is not as widely respected or recognized, making the transfer of credits from nationally accredited schools more challenging.

5. Use Transfer Credit Evaluation Services: Some institutions provide a preliminary review of your credits before you apply to transfer. In addition, websites like Transferology and CollegeTransfer.Net allow students to enter their courses taken and see which colleges will accept those credits.

Finally, be aware that even when credits transfer, some might not count toward the specific degree you're pursuing at the new institution. The process may seem challenging, but with proper research and advice, you can successfully navigate it.