Do colleges look at high school transcripts when transferring?

I'm considering transferring to another college and I'm curious if my high school transcripts will be required. Do colleges typically review them for transfer students, or is it mainly my college coursework that matters?

Most colleges and universities rely heavily on college transcripts when evaluating transfer applications. Your college coursework and GPA are essential in determining whether you meet the admission criteria for the specific department or program at the college to which you are applying.

However, some schools may also require a copy of your high school transcript, especially if you're in your first year or two of college or if you attended high school relatively recently. AP/IB scores, if you have them, may also be considered for credit or placement purposes. This can change depending on the institution, so it would be best to inquire directly with each school's admissions office to confirm.

In essence, while your college transcript will probably carry the bulk of the weight in your transfer application, there may still be instances where your high school transcript comes into play. Regardless, both your high school and college transcripts serve as records of your academic history. By looking at your high school grades, course rigor, and improvement over time (if applicable), admissions officers can get a better idea of your overall academic trajectory.

The most important point is to do well in your college classes now, as that's the most recent and relevant indicator of your ability to succeed in higher education. Keep in mind that every college has different policies and preferences when it comes to evaluating transfer applications, and it can help to reach out directly to the schools you're interested in for the most accurate information.