Advice on transferring business credits from Harper College

I'm starting at Harper College and majoring in business. Does anyone have experience with how business credits transfer to other institutions? I want to make sure I can smoothly transition to a university later on.

Great question! As a student interested in transferring, it's essential to plan your path right from the start to ensure a smooth transition.

Firstly, it's worth noting that many universities are quite receptive to transfer students and have established articulation agreements with community colleges, including Harper College, making the process somewhat straightforward.

However, the transferability of your business credits will be dependent on several factors:

1. The Specific University: Some institutions readily accept transfer credits while others may be more selective. Furthermore, universities often have transfer credit policies that dictate the maximum number of credits they will accept from a community college.

2. The Syllabus & Coursework: It's crucial to remember that even if a university accepts transfer credits, the exact coursework will also be of importance. The more aligned the syllabus of your business course at Harper College is with the one at your target university, the better the chances of your credits being transferred.

3. The Grades You Earn: Often, a minimum grade point is required for credits to be transferred. For many schools, this is a 'C' or better, but it is best to verify this as it varies by institution.

4. The Major You Want to Transfer Into: Even within the same university, different programs can have various standards for transferable credits. For business majors, some universities might require that foundational courses be taken at their institution rather than transferred in.

I recommend reaching out to the admission offices of the universities you are considering transferring to get information about their transfer policies. This will give you a clearer picture of how many of your credits you can likely transfer. Additionally, try to get in touch with the academic advisors at Harper College. They can guide you on the right courses to take that will align well with typical business majors at four-year universities.

Lastly, consider looking at universities with which Harper College has articulation agreements. These are partnerships designed to smooth the transition from the community college to the university, often with tailored advice on which courses to take for easier credit transfer.

Remember, it's crucial to start planning as soon as possible to maximize your course selection's benefit and minimize any lost credits. Best of luck on your academic journey!