I'm exploring the option of transferring to Bard College and am curious about how their credit transfer system works. Do they often accept previous credits, or is it more selective?
Bard College, like many colleges, adopts a somewhat flexible approach towards transferring credits. They evaluate transfer credits on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the accreditation of the institution where the courses were taken, the relevance to Bard's degree programs, and the grades earned in those courses.
Your credits will have a higher chance of being transferred if you've earned a grade of a C or better in an academic subject at an accredited institute. The more closely the course matches the breadth and depth of Bard's curriculum, the higher the likelihood of that credit being transferred.
Unfortunately, Bard doesn't provide a specific credit transfer calculator or equivalency database, unlike some other colleges. They encourage prospective transfer students to reach out to their Office of Admission for inquiries regarding credit transfers.
However, please remember the final number of transferred credits will also dictate what year you will be as an incoming student. Students transferring only a few courses may be considered first-year transfers while others may come in as juniors.
Remember to send in all your official transcripts from previous institutions as part of the application process so that Bard can accurately evaluate how many of your credits can be transferred. This is a common procedure at most colleges for transfer applicants.
Lastly, I recommend being in contact with Bard's admissions office to get the most accurate and updated information pertaining to your case, as policies can sometimes vary depending on the academic year and specific circumstances. They are the best resource for understanding how many and what types of credits you'll be able to transfer.
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