I'm thinking of transferring, but I’m not sure how many credits I need to have before making the move. What's a typical number of credits needed to start the transfer process?
Typically, colleges want to see at least 24-30 semester credits (or 36-45 quarter credits) completed before you transfer. This corresponds to approximately one full year of course work at the collegiate level. However, the specific number of credits needed to transfer can vary by institution.
Some schools may accept transfer applications from students with fewer credits, but these students may be evaluated using a mix of high school and college credentials. Students with enough credits are usually evaluated purely on their college coursework.
It's also important to consider which of your credits will transfer. Some schools have agreements with certain community colleges for example, where all credits will transfer. Generally, though, you should be prepared for some of your credits to not count towards your new degree.
Always remember to check the specific requirements of the college you're interested in to make sure you're on the right track!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.