Transferring high school and college credits - How can I tell if they'll transfer?

I'm in high school and I've taken some college classes. I'd like to know how to determine if these credits will transfer to the college I plan to attend after graduation. Any advice on what to check or ask about?

Sure, I'd be happy to give you some guidance on this. Here are the steps:

1. Request an Official Transcript: Reach out to the college where you took the classes and request an official transcript. This transcript must be sent directly from your college to the university you are applying to.

2. Reach out to Admissions Officers: Contact the college where you plan to matriculate and ask them about their credit transfer policy. They are the best source of information regarding what kind of credits they accept, and they might even have a pre-approved list of courses or institutions they accept credits from.

3. Consult the College Catalog or Website: Check the receiving college’s catalog or website. Many colleges have a transfer equivalency database that will give you an idea of how your credits may transfer.

4. Course Syllabi: You may also want to have a copy of the syllabus or course description for each class you've taken. This can help the college you plan to attend evaluate whether your class matches a similar course they offer or satisfies degree requirements.

5. ACE Recommendations: If you completed your college work through a nontraditional route, such as a MOOC or a college course offered through your high school, you may need to review evaluations from the American Council on Education (ACE). The ACE provides credit recommendations that many colleges will consider when evaluating transferable credit.

Remember, credit transfer is usually handled by a specific department at the college, not by the admissions office. So, it's important to reach out to them directly. Additionally, don't get discouraged if not all of your credits transfer. Different colleges have different rules, and just because a credit doesn't transfer doesn't mean it wasn't a valuable learning experience. Just continue to communicate with your future colleagues, and I'm sure you'll be able to navigate this process smoothly.