Navigating American college transfer credits

I'm planning to transfer between American colleges and want to understand how transfer credits work. How can I ensure that most, if not all, of my credits get accepted at my new college?

The best way to make sure most of your credits transfer between colleges in the U.S. is to carefully research your prospective school's transfer credit policies. Here are some steps to take:

1. Understand Transfer Policies: The first thing to do is to understand the transfer policies of the school you plan to transfer to. Different schools have different policies with respect to what credits they accept. For instance, some schools may not accept credits from community colleges, while others might. Some schools may only accept credits from regionally accredited institutions, and others may also accept credits from nationally accredited institutions.

2. Course Equivalency: Look into course equivalency. It refers to how courses you've taken at your current school compare to those at your prospective school. Some schools provide a course equivalency tool online that will allow you to see how your previous coursework will be accepted at the prospective school.

3. Course Relevance: Schools will consider the relevance of a course to your intended program of study. For example, a studio art class may not transfer if you're switching to a business major. Also, some schools have a limit on how many credits they will accept toward a degree. This can vary widely, so be sure to check.

4. Grade Requirements: Be aware that schools also typically look at the grade you received in a class. The general rule is that you need to have achieved a grade of 'C' or above for the credits to be considered for transfer.

5. Consult Both Schools: It would be beneficial to consult with both your current academic advisor and a transfer advisor on the campus you wish to attend. They can provide detailed information and help you understand what courses are likely to transfer.

Lastly, be prepared for some credits possibly not transferring. College curricula vary greatly, and it's not unusual for certain credits to not transfer. However, by doing proper research and planning ahead, you should be able to transfer most of your credits.