I'm considering applying to UMD College Park as a transfer student and wondering about their policy on accepting transfer credits. Do they have any specific criteria or guidelines for what they will accept?
The University of Maryland College Park has a fairly comprehensive policy when it comes to accepting transfer credits. They typically accept credits from regionally accredited colleges and universities. You may find the information you need in the "Transfer Credit Services" section of their website, which provides a robust guide.
As a broad rule, they consider academic, collegiate-level courses with a grade of "C-" or better for transfer. It's also important to note that the transferability of a course doesn’t guarantee that it will be applicable towards your chosen degree program. In other words, while a course may transfer, it might not count towards your specific degree requirements.
Moreover, UMD uses the ARTSYS system – a statewide articulation system – that allows you to see how your courses will transfer from any Maryland community college. If you are transferring from a non-Maryland college, you can request an evaluation of your credits after your admission to the university.
Transfer students should also be aware of the 45-credit residency requirement, meaning at least half of your degree, 45 credits, need to be completed at UMD for you to graduate from the school.
Since course equivalencies can vary depending on numerous factors, I'd recommend getting in touch with UMD's admissions office or a relevant academic advisor for a more detailed and personalized assessment of your situation. They can help you interpret your specific course equivalencies and strategize your transfer process to get the most out of the credits you've earned.
Remember: Ensuring that as many of your credits transfer as possible will not only save you time, but it could also save you a considerable amount of money in tuition costs.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.