Will my GPA reset if I transfer colleges?

If I transfer from one four-year college to another, does my GPA start over, or does it include the one from my previous college?

Typically, when you transfer colleges, your GPA from your previous institution does not directly carry over to your new one. At your new college, you will likely begin with a fresh GPA that includes only the grades you earn at that institution.

However, this doesn't mean your previous GPA disappears or isn't significant. Your academic history from your previous institution stays on your transcript, and it can be considered for things such as cumulative GPA calculations for graduation honors, particular program requirements, or if you apply to graduate/professional school in the future.

Remember that while your GPA starts anew, the grades you earned at your previous institution are still extremely important, particularly if you're transferring after just a year or two. Those grades, along with the credits for the courses you completed, determine if and how your credits will transfer to the new institution.

Every college or university has its transfer credit policy, so it is crucial to consult with an academic advisor at both your current and prospective schools to understand how your credits and grades might be factored into your academic profile at the new institution.

For example, some schools might only accept transfer credits from courses where you earned a C- or higher, and whether those classes will count for general education credits, credits toward your major, or electives will vary by school. One more aspect to be aware of is how this process may affect your timeline to graduation, as not all credits may transfer, potentially requiring you to take additional courses.

So while your GPA effectively "resets" at your new institution in terms of starting a new GPA calculation, the grades you obtained in your previous institution are still important and carry weight in different contexts.