I'm wrapping up my associate's degree and curious if my GPA will carry over when I transfer to a four-year college. Or do they calculate a new GPA when I'm there?
The process for transferring GPAs can get quite complicated as it heavily relies on the policies of the four-year institution you're transferring to. Often, transferred credits from your associate's degree will count towards your total degree requirements at your new school, but your GPA doesn't always carry over.
Generally, your new school will calculate a GPA based on the courses you take there, not the courses you took at your previous institution. You essentially start with a clean slate. This means that if you had a high GPA at community college, you'll need to continue your strong academic performance to maintain it at your new school.
However, some schools may look at your prior GPA when considering things like honors or scholarships, even though it doesn't factor into your formal GPA at the new institution.
It's best to reach out to the registrar or admissions office at the four-year college where you plan to transfer to ensure you have the most accurate information for that specific institution. They can provide you with a detailed breakdown of how they handle transferred credit and GPAs.
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