How Do Courses Transfer Between Colleges?

I'm transferring to a new college next year and am curious about how course credits transfer from school to school. Are there resources or things to watch out for in the process?

Transfer credit policies can vary widely by institution, so it's crucial to research the policies at the institution you're transferring to directly. Most colleges have an office of the registrar or a dedicated transfer counselor who can help guide you through the process.

Generally, transferrable courses are those that are similar to ones offered at the college you're transferring to and that you passed with a minimum grade (often a C or better). More rigorous courses, or those that are directly applicable to your planned major, are often more likely to transfer.

Make sure to obtain detailed syllabi from your current courses. A course description alone might not be sufficient for the other institution to assess comparability. If a syllabus isn't immediately available, talk to your professor or current college's registrar.

It can also be helpful to familiarize yourself with articulation agreements. These are formally agreed-upon transfer paths between institutions (often community colleges and state universities) specifying exactly which courses from the community college will fulfill specific requirements at the university.

Lastly, be aware that even if the credit does transfer, it might not fulfill specific major or general education requirements at the new institution. It may instead transfer as elective credit. This could potentially impact your planned graduation date.

However, every situation is unique, so make sure to check with your targeted transfer institution's registrar or transfer office for the most accurate information.