How do I transfer community college credits to a university?

I'm currently attending a community college and planning to transfer to a four-year university. What steps do I need to take to make sure my credits transfer over smoothly?

Transferring community college credits to a university typically involves a few steps:

1. Understand Transfer Agreements: Many community colleges have articulation agreements or transfer agreements with local four-year institutions. These agreements outline specific courses that will transfer. It's good practice to be aware of these agreements if your target universities are on the list.

2. Check Course Equivalencies: Most universities maintain a database of course equivalencies, which will list out how courses at your community college may be considered equivalent to courses at the four-year institution. This will help you determine which of your completed courses will likely transfer.

3. Get Copies of Your Transcripts: You'll probably need to furnish official transcripts from your community college when you apply for transfer. Most colleges provide a service to request and send your official transcripts, sometimes for a small fee.

4. Apply to the University: While the transfer application process varies by school, many universities will consider transfer applications separately from first-year applications. The Common App and the Coalition for College application platforms both have sections for transfer students.

5. Await Transfer Credit Evaluation: After you're accepted, the university will typically conduct a formal evaluation of your coursework and deliver a transfer credit report to show what has been accepted.

6. Meet with an Academic Advisor at the University: Once you've received your report, it's a good idea to discuss your transferred credits with an academic advisor. They can help you understand what requirements you've already met and what you'll need to do to complete your degree at the new university.

Remember, in order to maximize the number of credits you'll be able to transfer, try to take general education courses at community college, as they're typically more likely to be accepted by universities. Also, keep your grades high, as some universities may have a minimum grade requirement for transfer credits. Generally, a grade of 'C' or higher is required.