Transferring Credits from San Bernardino Valley College

I'm a student at San Bernardino Valley College looking to transfer credits. Could anyone share the process or tips on making sure all credits transfer smoothly to a four-year institution?

Transferring credits from a community college to a four-year institution requires some careful preparation and planning. Here's a step-by-step process on how to navigate it:

1. Check Statewide Agreements: Some states have articulation agreements between their community colleges and state universities that guarantee the transfer of earned credits. Look into whether California has such an agreement - this could simplify the process for you greatly.

2. Course Equivalency: Each four-year institution will have a course equivalency guide or a transfer credit policy that will tell you which courses at San Bernardino Valley College align with those at the university you're considering. Always make sure the courses you are taking are credited as equivalent courses at your intended university.

3. Pre-Transfer Counseling: Many community colleges and universities offer pre-transfer counseling sessions where potential transfer students can meet with a counselor and discuss their course selection. Utilize this if available.

4. Academic Advisor: Check with your academic advisor at San Bernardino Valley College to ensure that the classes you're taking are on track for transferring.

5. Getting a Transcript Evaluation: Once you've selected the university to which you wish to transfer, you'll need to request a transcript evaluation. This is where a member of the registrar's office checks what credits you have and which ones will transfer over. The procedure may slightly vary, but usually, you send your official transcript to the four-year university and they will evaluate it.

6. Use Transfer Tool: Universities often have online transfer tools to make it easier to check which credits will transfer. These transfer tools usually allow you to input the class you have taken and see if it can be transferred as credit to that particular school. Try to look for this tool on your target's university website or reach them for more details.

7. Monitor Required Classes: Make sure you're aware of the required classes or prerequisites for your intended major at the four-year school. This will help you take the most useful classes.

Remember, although similar classes often transfer quite easily (like college algebra or introduction to psychology), not all credits from a community college will transfer to a four-year institution - especially specialized or vocational ones. Moreover, universities often have a limit on how many credits they will accept from a community college. It is advisable to start the transfer process as early as possible to avoid taking unnecessary classes and to make sure you get the most out of your credits.