How does high school GPA affect transfer to college GPA?

I'm wondering if my high school GPA has any impact when transferring to college. Do colleges look at high school GPAs in the transfer process, or is it solely based on college performance? Trying to gauge how important maintaining it will be.

When colleges assess transfer applicants, they typically focus on the student's performance at their current college or university. This is because college grades tend to be a more accurate reflection of your current academic abilities and your ability to handle rigorous, upper-level coursework, compared to high school grades.

However, the exact evaluation approach can vary between institutions. Some colleges may still review high school GPA, especially if the student has only completed a limited amount of college coursework (typically less than a year or about 30 credits). Schools may also consider the high school GPA if it was particularly exceptional.

Another reason universities may look at high school GPA is if specific high school classes are prerequisites for the college or major you're transferring into. For example, if you're transferring into an engineering program and you did well in high school math and science classes, this could play positively for you.

Maintaining a strong college GPA is key to a successful transfer process. Make sure to focus on your current courses, building relationships with professors (as they could write recommendations), and getting involved on campus. This will not only boost your application but also ensure that you're making the most of your time at your current school. An example of a transfer-friendly school is the University of California system, which has a well-established transfer pathway for California community college students. These students often gain admission at higher rates compared to students applying directly from high school.

Remember that each college has a different policy, so check with the individual admissions offices for specific requirements.