What Courses Are Usually Applicable for College Transfers?

I'm planning to transfer colleges and I'm trying to figure out which of my completed courses will transfer. What kinds of courses are typically accepted by most colleges? Should I be worried about losing credits?

Courses that are most frequently transferable between colleges are universally-accepted core curriculum classes or general education courses. This includes foundational courses like English Composition, College Algebra, General Biology, Psychology, Sociology, and History.

The more specialized your classes, the higher the chance that they might not transfer directly. Some science classes like Organic Chemistry or Calculus can often transfer between schools, especially if they're required courses in a major like engineering or pre-med. However, unique courses specifically designed by a faculty member or very niche subjects may not transfer because they don't have a direct equivalent at the new college.

However, even if a course can't be transferred directly, it might still count towards elective credits. Colleges understand that students come from diverse academic backgrounds, and they want to account for every bit of educational experience you've had.

You should be prepared for the possibility of losing some credits when you transfer, especially if you’re switching areas of study. But, if you're remaining within the same field, it's likely that many of your credits will transfer. Ultimately, how many credits transfer will depend on the school to which you're transferring, so I suggest reaching out to the registrar's office at that school. They typically handle credit transfers and they will be able to give you the most accurate information.

Request an official assessment of your existing credits from the college where you plan to transfer. This will allow you to know exactly which of your credits will transfer. You can often find information on transferable credits on a school's website, but getting an official evaluation is always the best option. It's also a good idea to keep syllabi and coursework from your classes, as some colleges might request them to determine course equivalency.

Lastly, keep in mind that some colleges have a cap on the number of transferable credits. This might affect you if you've accumulated a large number of credits at your current institution.