I'm considering transferring to Barnard College but I'm worried about how my current credits will transfer. Can someone explain Barnard's policy on transfer credits and how they decide which credits they accept?
Barnard College recognizes the educational value of the coursework you've taken prior to enrollment and allows for the transfer of credits from other institutions in alignment with their policy guidelines. The exact number of credits they will accept may vary, based on the nature of the coursework and how it aligns with Barnard's curriculum.
When deciding on the transferable credits, Barnard primarily considers the following:
1. Academics: Your previous coursework must be academic in nature and similar in content and depth to the courses offered at Barnard.
2. Accreditation: The credit must come from an institution that is regionally accredited.
3. Grades: Usually, you'll need a grade of C- or better for your credits to transfer.
Barnard also has a maximum limit on how many credits can be transferred. As I recall, a student can transfer a maximum of 60 credits or half the credits required for a Barnard degree.
However, not all of your credits might directly apply to your chosen major at Barnard. Each department at Barnard has the authority to review and determine whether your transferred credits can count towards the major’s degree requirements.
It's also worth noting that, though AP, IB, or other pre-college credits might have counted towards your credits at your previous institution, Barnard does not accept such credits from transfer students.
For a personalized review of your credits, you should reach out directly to Barnard’s Transfer Credit Evaluator or relevant academic departments. They can provide the most accurate and current advice, as they'd be working directly with your transcripts and application information.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and there could be more criteria or exceptions that might be applicable to your specific situation.
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