How does credit transfer work at Hampshire College?

I'm looking at transferring to Hampshire College and want to know how they handle transfer credits. Does anyone have experience with this and can share how they evaluate previous coursework?

Hampshire College has a unique curriculum that differs from many traditional four-year colleges, as they operate on a system of student-directed learning as opposed to predefined course programs. Transferring credits to Hampshire College, therefore, can be a bit different from other colleges.

While many places evaluate transfer credits on a course-by-course basis, comparing them with the classes they offer, Hampshire's system can lead to a less direct comparison, due to the absence of traditional majors and a heavy emphasis on independent study. The transfer process primarily focuses on ensuring the credits align with Hampshire's philosophy of education and the academic progress that is expected at your point in school.

Hampshire College does accept transfer credits from accredited universities and programs for courses where you earned a grade of C or higher. Transfer students can generally bring a maximum of 60 semester credits (roughly equal to two years of full-time study), though the actual number accepted can depend on the evaluation by the Hampshire College registrar and faculty.

Once you apply, your credits will go through an evaluation process in which the registrar's staff and faculty reviewers will assess your previous coursework. This process takes into consideration not only the subjects you studied and grades you received, but also how much those classes align with Hampshire's academic model as well as what you plan to focus on during your time at Hampshire.

Once they have completed the review, you are typically informed of the number of credits that have been accepted and your class standing. Hampshire's model makes it potentially more flexible for transfer students. They look to understand your educational journey and help you apply past credits towards building a unique and individualized course of study. So, make sure to send all transcripts and syllabi to Hampshire for a thorough review.

Remember, while transferring credits can be a significant consideration, the most important thing for a Hampshire College transfer student is to understand and appreciate the unique academics at Hampshire and be ready to build upon their previous educational experience and dive into the Hampshire model of student-focused academic preparation.