How to verify if your college credits will transfer?

I'm considering transferring to another university and I need to make sure that my credits will be accepted. What’s the most efficient way to find out about credit transfer policies?

The process of verifying college credit transfers can vary between institutions, but here are some general steps you can take:

1. Start by reviewing the receiving institution's transfer credit policy. This can typically be found on the university's website, under the "Admissions" or "Registrar's Office" section. This policy provides information on which credits the university is likely to accept.

2. Speak to an advisor: Contact a transfer admissions counselor at the university you're considering transferring to. This individual will have a deep understanding of the university's credit transfer policies and can provide you with personalized advice.

3. Use Transferology: Transferology is a nationwide network designed to help students explore their college transfer options. This online resource allows you to enter the courses you’ve taken, and see how they would likely transfer to other universities.

4. Request a transcript evaluation: Some schools offer pre-admission transcript evaluations, which provide a detailed report of which credits are likely to transfer. For this, you'll need to send your transcript to the admissions office of the university you're considering. Remember, this process can take some time so it's best to start early.

5. Check out Articulation Agreements: Some colleges have articulation agreements with each other, which are essentially pre-approved plans that outline what classes at one school will count for exact classes at another school. If such an agreement exists between your current and prospective institutions, it can provide concrete information about credit transfers.

Ultimately, conducting research and communicating directly with institutions is crucial when navigating the credit transfer process. Through careful planning and understanding of transfer policies, you can ensure that as many of your credits as possible move with you.