Transfer Credits for Engineering from City College

I'm planning to transfer my engineering credits from City College to a 4-year university. How do I check which credits will transfer, and are there any common issues I should watch out for?

Identifying the transferability of your engineering credits is a pivotal step as you look to transition from City College to a 4-year institution. Keep in mind that the transfer processes can vary, but the steps outlined here will give you a general idea of how the process works.

1. Check the Transfer Credit Policy of Your Potential School: The first step is to look at the transfer credit policy of the university to which you want to transfer. Most universities should have this information available on their website, often under the Admissions or Registrar’s Office section. If you can't find the information online, consider reaching out to an academic advisor or the admissions office directly.

2. Course Equivalency Database: Some universities have a Course Equivalency Database that you can search to find out how your previous coursework will transfer. You can typically find this by searching "[Your Desired University Name] Course Equivalency Database" in a web search engine.

3. Articulation Agreements: If your community college has any articulation agreements with other universities, these would outline how credits transfer between the two institutions. Information on this can usually be found on your community college’s website or from your academic counselor.

4. Request a Transfer Credit Evaluation: If you've already been accepted into the university, you can request a transfer credit evaluation from the university's registrar's office. They will provide an official document outlining how each of your previous courses will transfer.

As for common issues to watch out for, there are a couple:

1. Non-Transferable Courses: Some courses may not transfer due to lack of equivalency at the new university. For example, courses that are too vocational, remedial, or not related to your new major might not transfer.

2. Grade Requirements: Some schools will only accept transfer credits for courses in which you earned a specific grade or higher. It’s typical for schools to require at least a C grade for transferring credits, but it varies by institution.

3. Maximum Transferable Units: Keep in mind that there is often a limit to the total number of credits you can transfer.

Remember, transferring is a complex process and every case is unique. Hence, it’s always helpful to work with your academic counselor at City College and the Admissions or Registrar’s office at your new school to ensure a smooth transition.