How do college websites show transfer credits?

I'm browsing college websites to see how they handle transfer credits. How detailed is the information usually, and what should I look for to make sure my credits will transfer smoothly?

Typically, colleges will have a section on their website dedicated to transfer students. Here, they often display information about their transfer credit policies. These might be under titles like "Transfer Admissions," "Transfer Students," or "Credit Transfer." What you should look for can depend on the specificity of the information given.

Some colleges will have comprehensive databases or transfer credit equivalency tools where you can input the name of your current institution and the courses you've taken to see how they would transfer over. For example, you might see that a certain math class at your current school is equivalent to a specific math class at the prospective school.

However, not all institutions provide this detailed level of information. Some schools might just have general guidelines, where they outline what type of courses they usually accept. Common stipulations might include that the course should be academically oriented (i.e., not vocational or remedial), and that you received a certain minimum grade, often a C or better.

If you're not finding the information you need or want more detailed guidance, I recommend reaching out directly to the admissions office or to the registrar's office. These departments will typically be able to explain the school's transfer credit policy, and may be able to give you a preliminary idea of which of your credits might transfer over.

Remember, it's important to have official transcripts on hand, as this can significantly streamline the transfer credit evaluation process. Though, ultimately, you won't have a definitive list of how your credits will transfer until you are admitted and enroll, as your official evaluation often doesn't happen until then.

Additionally, be aware that even if credits transfer, they might not count toward specific degree requirements. This is especially true for specialized or major-specific courses. Overall, the goal here is to get a sense of the school's approach to transfer credits and, from that, an understanding of how your previous coursework might potentially fit into a degree program at the new school.