How do I transfer college credits to a new university?

I'm thinking about transferring from a community college to a four-year university. What’s the process like to transfer these credits? Are there things I should watch out for to ensure they all get accepted?

The process of transferring college credits will mostly depend on the policy of the college or university you're transferring to. Here's an outline of the typical steps:

1. Check respective Transfer Credit Policy: Look up the transfer credit policy of the school to which you're transferring. This policy will typically outline how many credits they will accept and from what types of institutions (2-year, 4-year, online, etc.). This information is generally available on the school's website or by contacting the registrar's office.

2. Send Official Transcripts: You'll have to request an official transcript be sent to your new school from your previous institution. The transcript includes all the courses you've taken, grades you've received, and the number of credits earned. This official form needs to be sent directly from your previous school to the new one, typically for a small fee.

3. Look for Articulation Agreements: This is an agreement between colleges that stipulates what courses will be accepted in transfer from one institution to another. Transfer articulation agreements could also be found on the school's website, or you can inquire about them from an admissions or transfer advisor.

4. Assessment of Transcript: Now comes the part where the new college will evaluate your transcript and figure out what credits will transfer over. They'll check whether the subjects align with their curriculum and whether the quality of the course (indicated by your grade) meets their standards. Just remember, not all credits might transfer - it really depends on your new school’s assessment.

5. Meeting with an Advisor: Once your transcript assessment is done, it could be helpful to meet with an academic advisor. They can help you understand the outcome of the assessment, what course credits have transferred, and how they apply to your new program or major.

As for what to watch out for:

- Credits for completed courses with a ‘C’ grade or better are more likely to be accepted. However, some schools may have stricter or more lenient guidelines.

- Check if your intended school will accept credits from your current institution. Some schools are particular about the percentage of credits that can be transferred.

- Pay attention to program-specific requirements. Sometimes, even if a credit is accepted by the school, it might not apply towards your program of study.

- If possible, plan ahead. If you know you'll be transferring, consult your academic advisor to see about taking general education classes that have a better shot at transferring.

The process can be a little complex, but with some research and careful planning, you can make a smooth academic switch.