Worried about losing college credits after transfer

I'm currently planning a transfer from my community college to a 4-year institution. How can I avoid losing credits in the process? Are there common mistakes that lead to credits not transferring properly?

It's crucial to plan ahead to ensure as many of your credits as possible transfer successfully. Here are some steps to avoid common pitfalls:

1. Understand the Agreement: Many community colleges have agreements with four-year institutions (called articulation agreements) that guarantee certain courses will be transferable. Find out if your current school has such an agreement with your target school.

2. Follow a Transfer Guide: When 4-year schools collaborate with community colleges, they often develop transfer guides. These guides list out the courses at the community college that correspond directly with courses at the 4-year institution.

3. Counselor Meetings: Regularly meet with your academic counselor to discuss your transfer plan. They can inform you about special programs or agreements your current school may have with other institutions.

4. Contact Target School's Admissions: Speak with the registrar or admissions office at your prospective 4-year school. They can usually provide information about which credits they accept.

5. Examine Course Equivalency: Look for a course equivalency guide on your target school's website. This tool allows you to see which of your classes will be accepted for credit.

6. Complete an Associate Degree: If possible, aim to complete your Associate degree before transferring. Some institutions have policies that facilitate the transfer process when a student has finished their 2-year degree.

One common mistake students make is not checking whether their credits will be accepted for their chosen major. Not all general education courses might align with the requirements for your major. Even if credits transfer, they may only count as electives rather than towards major or general education requirements, which may be a setback in your timeline to graduation.

Remember, every institution has different policies for transfer credits, so the more research you do and the more specific questions you ask both your current counselor and the admissions office at your target, the smoother the transfer process will be.