How do I transfer credits from community college to a four-year university?

I'm currently taking some classes at a community college and I'm wondering how I can transfer those credits when I apply to a four-year university. Are there specific steps I should know about, or will it vary by school?

Right, each four-year university will have its own unique policies for accepting transfer credits, so it will vary from school to school. Here are some typical steps involved in the process:

1. Assess Transferability: You'll want to research whether your credits are transferable at the four-year universities you're considering. You can usually find this information on the institution's website under their transfer credit policies. You can also talk to advisors at both your community college and potential universities to see if your credits will be accepted.

2. Understand the Types of Credits: There are typically two types of credits: lower-division and upper-division. Lower-division credits, often from general education courses, are more frequently approved for transfer than upper-division credits.

3. Obtain Transcripts: You're likely going to need official transcripts from your community college to submit to the university you're transferring to. Some colleges may accept electronic copies, while others will require a hard copy in a sealed envelope.

4. Check for Articulation Agreements: Check if your community college has an articulation agreement with the universities you’re interested in. These agreements streamline the credit transfer process and enable smoother transitions from community colleges to four-year institutions as they outline clear paths for transferring specific courses or programs.

5. Check the University's Transfer Credit Policy: Some universities have a maximum number of credits they'll accept from a community college. You therefore need to review each university's credit transfer policy to ensure you don't exceed this limit.

6. Apply for Admission: The final step would be to apply for admission to the university of your choice, ensuring you pay any application fees, submit all required documents, and meet the given deadlines.

Remember, this process can take some time, so it's best to start researching and planning ahead to make the transition as smooth as possible. Taking these steps will help ensure that you're able to carry over as many credits as possible and continue on your path towards graduation.