How do credits transfer from one college to another?

I'm considering transferring from my current college to a different one. How does the credit transfer process typically work between colleges? What should I verify to make sure my credits are accepted?

This can be a complex process and variability can be quite high, but generally, here's how it works:

First, the college you're transferring to will determine whether your credits are transferable by verifying the accreditation of your current school. For the most part, colleges accept credits from institutions that have regional accreditation. Credits earned at a nationally accredited institution may not be as widely accepted.

Second, the institution typically checks the equivalence of the courses you've completed. The college's admissions or registrar's office examines the content and rigor of your courses, often by cross-checking your course descriptions or syllabi with the ones at their own institution. If the courses are deemed equal or similar, and you received a grade that meets the institution’s transfer requirement (often a "C" or above), then these credits should transfer.

To ensure the smoothest credit transfer, there are a few things you can do:

1. Understand your prospective school's transfer policy: Each college has its own set procedure and policies regarding transfer credits. Research the school's transfer policy on their website or contact the admissions office directly.

2. Check for articulation agreements: Some colleges have arrangements, known as articulation agreements, with other schools to accept their credits seamlessly. Check to see if your current and prospective school have such an agreement; this could save you a lot of headaches.

3. Gather course syllabi and descriptions: Having detailed records of your past courses can help in case there are questions about course content or rigor.

4. Contact the admissions office: If you're unsure whether your credits will be accepted, it's a good idea to directly contact the prospective college’s admissions or registrar's offices. They should be able to provide a preliminary review of your transcripts.

Remember, planning and research are key in credit transferring to prevent loss of earned credits and invaluable time.