Challenges with transferring old college credits

I've got some older college credits and I'm trying to transfer them to a new institution. How do schools usually handle older credits and does anyone have tips for ensuring they still count towards my degree?

Typically, the acceptance of older college credits depends largely on the institution to which you're applying. Some universities have explicit policies regarding "stale credits"—those that were earned many years ago. Particularly in fast-evolving fields like science or technology, older courses may be seen as less relevant to current study requirements.

The specific process will vary, but you will generally need to request a transcript from the original institution where you earned those credits, then submit that transcript to the school where you wish to transfer. They'll typically review course descriptions and other relevant information in making their decision about what credits to accept.

Importantly, some institutions have time limits on transferring credits for certain majors, especially in tech-heavy fields, so it’s crucial to understand the nuances of individual transfer credit policies to maximize your chances of success.

One tip to help ensure your credits are recognized is to gather course syllabi, reading lists, assignments or any other information about the old classes you took. This might help the evaluators to better understand the level and scope of work you completed, and make a more informed decision.

You might consider setting up a meeting with the registrar or academic advisor of the institution you're hoping to transfer to. They can provide more personalized guidance and help advocate for you in the credit evaluation process.

Remember, even if your credits are quite old, they might still informally help you out. For example, even if you can't get official credit for a freshman intro course, your knowledge from that course might help you do well on a placement test.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to approach the process actively and engage with the academic authorities at your target institution. Demonstrate your commitment to making the most of these prior credits, and don't be afraid to advocate for yourself.