Does community college GPA transfer when moving schools?

I'm about to transfer from a community college to a four-year university and confused about how my GPA will transfer. Does it start fresh, or will they consider my existing GPA?

When you transfer from a community college to a four-year university, your GPA does not automatically transfer with you. Your GPA essentially resets and you will start with a clean slate at your new institution. However, be aware that the grades from courses taken at your community college will still be a part of your permanent academic record, and they could be considered when applying to graduate or professional programs in the future.

The credits you earned at your community college − assuming they are acceptable for transfer by your new school − are what carry forward. These transferred credits count toward the total number of credits required for your degree, but they usually don't impact your GPA directly at the four-year institution.

It's also important to note that each university has its own policies regarding transfer credits, which can include criteria such as minimum grade requirements and relevance to your intended field of study. So you should definitely check with an academic advisor at your new institution to understand how your specific case will be handled.

Remember, even though your GPA from community college might not be calculated into your GPA at your new university, your grades from those courses are still important and could significantly impact your admissions decisions if you decide to pursue further education beyond your undergraduate degree. Good luck with your transfer!