How important are transfer credits when switching colleges?

I'm looking into transferring colleges, and I'm worried about how my current credits will transfer. How can I find out which credits will count towards my new program? Any advice from people who've done this?

The transfer of credits is a critical aspect of the college transfer process. The more credits that transfer, the better positioned you'll be to stay on track for graduation. Although specific policies vary by institution, most colleges have some sort of process for evaluating and transferring credits.

To start understanding which credits may transfer, go to the website of your prospective college and look for a transfer equivalency guide or course equivalency database. These resources provide a preliminary indication of how current credits might transfer to the new institution. But take note: these lists aren't exhaustive and anything not on the list isn't automatically ruled out.

Next, reach out to the admissions office or the registrar's office of your prospective college. They can give you the most accurate and up-to-date information. Some colleges might even have a dedicated Transfer Credit Advisor or Transfer Student Coordinator you can contact.

Do remember that just because a credit transfers, it doesn’t automatically apply to your degree. You could transfer 60 credits, but if your new degree only requires 30 of those credits, the rest would only fill elective requirements. So you also need to consider course equivalency. Courses taken at one institution need to match the content and rigour of the courses at the new institution for them to count towards your degree.

A tip: Keep detailed, accurate records of your coursework — syllabi, assignments, exams — in case the new institution requires them for evaluating credit transfer.

Finally, remember to be patient with the process, and proactive in asking questions. It can often take time for credits to be evaluated and decisions to be made. But by doing some initial homework and staying organized, you can help facilitate the process.