What's the process for colleges evaluating transfer credits?

I'm planning on switching schools and worried about how my current credits will be evaluated by the college I transfer to. How do colleges typically assess transfer credits, and what information do they need from me?

When analyzing transfer credits, colleges usually conduct a course-by-course evaluation. This involves carefully looking at the syllabus, requirements, and coursework for each class you've taken for review.

First, they'll check if your previous institution is regionally accredited, as colleges are usually more likely to accept credits from such institutions. Then, they'll look at the specific courses you've taken. Generally, courses that are part of a general education curriculum, similar in content to the courses offered at the accepting college, or part of a standard university curriculum, are more likely to transfer. However, more specialized or unique courses may not.

Colleges will typically look for equivalent courses in their curriculum, but it's not always a perfect match. Sometimes a course might transfer over as elective credit towards graduation requirements, but not apply to a specific major or minor. In other scenarios, if no equivalent course exists, the credit may not transfer at all.

The grade you earned can also play a role. Many colleges require that you've obtained a C or above in the course for it to be considered for transfer credit. Pass/Fail courses can be more challenging to transfer if the school can't determine if it equates to a C or above.

Moreover, some dean's discretion might be involved if a course doesn’t neatly align with an existing course at the new institution. They might analyze the course level (was it basic or advanced?), content, and learning outcomes, then determine whether it fits within the academic standards of the new institution.

As for the information you need to provide, they'll require your official transcripts from each college you've attended. Depending on the situation, they might also request course descriptions, syllabuses, or other detailed course materials to better evaluate the credits.

Keep in mind that each college has its unique policies when it comes to transfer credits, so it's essential to reach out to the admissions or registrar's office of your prospective colleges for the most accurate information. Additionally, knowing the credit transfer policy before applying can help manage your expectations and may even play a role in your decision-making process.