UMich Transfer Credits from Community College?

I'm hoping to transfer to UMich from a community college. What should I expect in terms of credit transfer, and are there any common obstacles people face in this situation?

Transferring from a community college to a university like the University of Michigan (UMich) can be a great pathway to earn your bachelor's degree. It's key to keep in mind that with credit transfer, not all courses might transfer exactly as you expect.

UMich typically accepts community college credit on a course-by-course basis, so it's critical that you know which of your completed courses align with the curriculum at UMich. To help with this, UMich has an online Transfer Credit Equivalency tool which allows you to see how courses from many institutions, including many community colleges, will transfer.

However, remember that just because a course transfers, that doesn't automatically mean that it will apply to your intended major or general education requirements. It could be considered as general elective credits. Therefore, early and regular consultation with academic advisors at both your community college and UMich can be a big help in ensuring you take courses that will serve your academic progression.

One potential obstacle could be course equivalents not being available for specialized or upper-division courses needed for your major. If you've earned an Associate degree, Michigan has the MACRAO or MTA covenant which can satisfy the breadth of general education requirements but again, it's very major-specific.

Another important aspect to consider is maintaining a strong GPA since the acceptance of transfer credits might be conditional based on your academic performance. A competitive GPA is especially essential if you're aiming for programs with higher selectiveness.

As a final note, try not to exceed too far beyond the number of credits needed for your associate degree—doing so could potentially impact your eligibility for financial aid, depending on the specifics of your situation.

It's a process that needs careful navigation, but with thoughtful planning & regular consultation with academic advisors, transferring to UMich can be a smooth journey! Good luck!