Are there any colleges that accept up to 120 transfer credits? I'm wondering if I can maximize the credits I've already earned when I switch schools. How can I find a school that has such a policy?
Yes, some universities do accept up to 120 transfer credits, which generally equates to a completed bachelor's degree. However, it's necessary to be aware that acceptance does not necessarily mean the courses will count towards your intended major or minor. The major requirement course equivalencies vary broadly depending on college policies and the similarity of courses.
Each school has a distinct policy when it comes to accepting transfer credits. Generally, schools might only accept up to half (around 60) of the necessary credits from a two-year or community college, and sometimes more from a four-year institution. Note that schools generally have a requirement that a certain number of credits must be taken at the institution in order to graduate (this is often known as "residency requirement").
One way to check transfer acceptability prior to applying is to review the transfer credit policy of the respective college or university you're considering. You can generally find this information on the institution's official website, particularly in the "Admissions" or "Transfer Students" section.
Additionally, you can contact the college's registrar or admissions officer directly. They can give you a clearer idea of how your credits might fit into your desired program of study. Having a transcript handy would be helpful during such conversations, particularly if your past classes have unusual or unclear names.
Lastly, there are online platforms such as Transferology where you may enter your school and courses to show you a list of U.S. colleges that have agreed to accept those courses for credit, however, always verify with the target school's admissions office.
Remember, each school may evaluate courses differently. Hence, one school may accept a course that another doesn't. So it's important to fully explore and understand transfer policies while choosing your next university.
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