Understanding SIU's Community College Transfer Credits

I'm considering transferring to Southern Illinois University from a community college. How does SIU evaluate transfer credits from community colleges? Is there anything specific I need to know to streamline the process?

Southern Illinois University (SIU) has a pretty clear process for evaluating community college transfer credits. They have a Transfer Course Equivalency website that lets you check whether and how your individual courses will transfer. You simply need to select your current institution and the system will display a course-by-course match-up.

For a smooth transfer of credits, SIU advises you to complete an associate degree before transferring, though it's not strictly necessary. With an associate degree, you will have already fulfilled most if not all of SIU's University Core Curriculum, which are general education requirements. If your associate degree doesn't include a certain requirement, you'll have to complete it at SIU.

Regarding your academic standing and GPA when you transfer, SIU considers the last school where you attempted 12 or more semester hours. So, your GPA at that school will determine your academic standing at SIU.

Keep in mind that even if your credits are accepted, they might not all count towards your intended degree's requirements. You should work with your academic advisor at your current college and a transfer advisor at SIU to make sure your course selection aligns with your future major at SIU and so that the maximum number of your credits apply.

Finally, you should also submit your application for admission and all necessary transcripts as early as possible in order to give SIU enough time to process and evaluate your credits before registration begins. This will enable you to register for courses promptly.

Again, work closely with academic advisors at both institutions to ensure seamless transition and credit transfer. Best of luck with your transfer process!