How does the Arkansas college transfer system work?

I'm looking into transferring between colleges within Arkansas and want to make sure my credits transfer. What should I know about the Arkansas college transfer system to make this process easier?

Arkansas has a comprehensive state-wide transfer system called the Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS). The ACTS includes a variety of courses from different academic fields that can be transferred between universities and colleges throughout the state. This system was implemented to facilitate smoother transfers and guarantee transferability of courses within Arkansas.

In terms of how it works, under this system, courses are assigned an ACTS number which is used to identify comparable courses at other institutions. For example, an English Composition I course at one university might have the same ACTS number as a similar course at another university. This helps in determining if a course will transfer and meet the same requirement at the different institutions.

To facilitate the process, make sure you're taking courses that have ACTS numbers and that the course will fulfill your intended degree requirements at the school to which you are transferring. It's important to meet with an academic advisor at both your current institution and prospective transfer institution to discuss your curriculum plan and make sure you are taking the right courses.

Also keep in mind that receiving institutions are not obliged to accept all credits from a sending institution. Transferability of credits earned may also depend on the grades you received. Furthermore, although coursework may be transferable, it might not necessarily apply to specific degree requirements at the receiving institution.

Arkansas also has a Transfer Degree Guarantee (TDG), which allows students who complete associate degrees at two-year colleges to transfer to any public four-year institution in the state as a junior. This could be a good plan if your aim is to eventually earn a bachelor's degree.

Overall, the ACTS is a great resource for ensuring your courses transfer smoothly between colleges within Arkansas, but it's still important to frequently consult with academic advisors to ensure you're on track with your academic career.