Comparing transfer courses between colleges?

I'm trying to figure out how my current courses will transfer to another college. What's the best approach to compare and ensure they'll count towards my degree?

The first step is to contact the Admissions Office or Transfer Student Services department (if available) at the college to which you're planning to transfer. They can typically provide you with a transfer credit evaluation which is a formal assessment of how your credits would transfer to the new institution and where you would stand in your degree progression.

Next, inquire if they have transfer guides or course equivalency tables which are basically listings of courses from other institutions that have already been evaluated as equivalent to courses at that college. If your courses are not listed, be prepared to provide the course syllabus or detailed course descriptions to the evaluation team as they may need this information for review.

For now, keep in mind that while most colleges accept transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions, the specific requirements can vary widely. Some colleges require a certain grade or higher in the course (often a C or better), and there can be time limits on the age of the credit (for example, courses completed more than 10 years ago may not be accepted). Additionally, while the credits may transfer, the grades typically do not, so transferring does not often help in improving your GPA.

Finally, it's crucial to understand that even if a course does transfer, it may not necessarily apply towards your specific degree plan. This is why it's important to work closely with an advisor at the prospective college to ensure your academic plan aligns with the degree requirements of your desired program. For example, while your Calculus I course might transfer, if your new major is in English and doesn't require Calculus, that course might only count as an elective.

Following these steps can help ensure a smoother transition and potential savings in time and tuition.