What does it mean if a college asks for my high school transcript for transfer?

I'm a bit confused because a college I'm applying to as a transfer student requested my high school transcript. Is this normal, and how much weight does it carry in the transfer admissions process?

Yes, it's pretty normal for colleges to ask for your high school transcript when you're applying as a transfer student. They usually do it to confirm that you've met their minimum high school academic requirements and to get a more comprehensive picture of your academic history.

The significance of your high school transcript in the transfer admissions process varies by college and can depend on how many college credits you've completed. In general, the more college credits you've earned, the less emphasis will be placed on your high school performance. Some colleges even set a benchmark for this - for instance, they might primarily look at your college coursework if you've earned more than 30 or 60 college credits.

However, even with a substantial amount of college credits, your high school transcript could still play a role in determining your eligibility for admission, especially for highly competitive programs.

Remember that your college transcript, course rigor, and grades in courses relevant to your intended major will typically be the most important factors in the transfer admissions process. Also crucial are your reasons for transferring and demonstrating a good fit with the college you're aiming to transfer to. So ensure that you focus on presenting a strong narrative in your application and essays.