I'm taking courses at Coastline Community College, but I might take a gap year before transferring to a four-year college. Do transfer credits from Coastline expire after a certain period? I'm worried they won't count if I wait too long.
Generally speaking, college credits do not "expire," as such, no matter where they are earned. However, this varies by institution, and the specific program at the four-year college may have policies in place that could impact how your transfer credits are viewed.
Coastline Community College's policy may allow your credits to stay valid for a long duration, but it's important to remember that the institution you eventually transfer to determines how those credits will transfer and apply towards your intended program. That being said, if those credits are in a subject that rapidly changes or evolves (like computer science or certain healthcare fields), they may not be considered relevant or equivalent to current curriculum at the transferring institution after a certain period of time.
If you're planning to take a gap year, it might be a good idea to reach out to your intended four-year institution. Discuss your plans with a transfer counselor to ensure there won't be any hurdles with transferring these credits later on. You might also want to check in with an academic counselor at Coastline Community College. They can provide advice based on your specific case and personal academic goals.
Remember, planning ahead and ensuring that you communicate your plans with the relevant advising and admissions offices at both institutions will be your best course of action.
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