Transferring Credits Between Colleges?

Can anyone explain how to successfully transfer college credits to a new school? I'm worried some of my credits might not be accepted, and I want to ensure I don't lose any progress when I change schools.

Sure, transferring credits can seem a bit daunting, but hopefully, this explanation will ease your concerns.

The process starts with you contacting the Registrar's Office at your new college and requesting a credit evaluation. They'll most likely require you to provide an official transcript from your previous institution.

Now, while each school has its own policy regarding transferring credits, most will accept credits from regionally accredited institutions. However, the acceptance of the credits doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll be applied to your major or intended program of study. They might be considered as elective credits.

If certain classes directly match the ones at your new school, then you're more likely to get credit for them. This is where course descriptions and syllabi come in handy. A college needs to determine whether your previous classes can be deemed equivalent to courses it offers. So, you may need to request course descriptions and syllabi from your old school to provide to your new one.

Importantly, the grades you earned in your previous courses may affect the transferability of credits. Typically, colleges require that students have earned a grade of C or better for a course to be considered for transfer.

Finally, it's important to recognize that not all your credits are guaranteed to transfer. Each institution has a maximum number of credits they'll accept from transfers, and some schools require that you earn a certain proportion of credits in-residence (i.e., at the school granting the degree).

Before transferring, it might be helpful to talk to an academic advisor or admissions counselor at the school you're planning to attend. They can provide you with specific information concerning your situation.

In summary, the keys to successfully transferring credits are understanding your new school's transfer policies, providing thorough documentation, and communicating with the appropriate officials at both schools.