How do transfer credits work from Kalamazoo Valley Community College?

I'm considering transferring from Kalamazoo Valley Community College to a four-year university. Can someone explain how the transfer credit process works? What should I watch out for to make sure credits transfer smoothly?

The transfer credit process varies from one university to another, but it typically involves the following steps:

1. Look Up Transfer Guides/Articulation Agreements: First, you'll want to see if the four-year university you're interested in has a transfer guide or an articulation agreement with Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Transfer guides are often available on the university's website and provide detailed course-by-course mappings.

2. Speak to a Transfer Advisor: Next, make an appointment to speak with a transfer advisor at the university you're interested in. They can provide you with personalized guidance on which of your credits will transfer and which will not.

3. Submit Transcripts: When applying as a transfer student, you'll need to submit your official transcripts from Kalamazoo Valley Community College along with your application. The university will then evaluate your transcripts and determine how many of your credits they will accept.

4. Degree Audit: Once accepted, a degree audit will typically be done to establish exactly how your transferred credits fit into your chosen program of study. This will give you a clear picture of what requirements you have fulfilled and what courses you still need to take.

Things you should watch out for to ensure credits transfer smoothly:

- Accreditation: Usually credits from a regionally accredited institution, like Kalamazoo Valley Community College, have a high likelihood of being accepted by four-year universities.

- Comparable Coursework: The transferring course should be similar in level and content to a course offered at the four-year university.

- Grade Requirements: Many universities will only transfer courses where you earned a grade of a C or higher. Make sure to check the grade requirements of the university you're considering.

- Maximum Transferable Credits: Some universities may have a maximum number of credits that they will accept for transfer.

Remember to start the process as early as possible as credit transfer analysis may take quite some time. It's also best to keep all your course syllabi and assignments, as they might be required for credit evaluation. And remember, the final decision on the acceptability of transfer credit lies with the receiving institution. Good luck with your transfer process!