How Do Transfer Credits Work from Community Colleges?

I'm considering starting at a community college and then transferring to a four-year university. How do I ensure my credits will transfer successfully? Any advice on working with transfer counselors or resources I should check out?

Planning your course schedule with an eye toward transferring requires a bit of groundwork and strategic thinking, but I'd be happy to provide some tips.

First and foremost, as soon as you start your community college journey, connect with an academic or transfer counselor at your school. They will know the ins and outs of transfer policies and can help guide you in choosing classes that are commonly accepted by four-year universities. Often, there are Articulation Agreements between community colleges and four-year institutions in the same state, which outline which courses and majors at the community college correspond to the requirements at the four-year institution.

Secondly, research is critical. Familiarize yourself with the transfer policies of the four-year universities you might be interested in. Some schools have particular course requirements for transfer students or only accept certain credits. For example, it's quite common for universities to accept general education courses for transfer, but it's less common to take specialized or upper-division courses.

Many colleges have a transfer credit evaluation tool on their websites you can use to see which of your current classes will directly transfer over to their institution. This can be a helpful way to ensure maximize the number of credits you'll be able to transfer.

Next, consider earning an associate's degree before transferring, even if it means spending an extra semester or two at community college. Some states guarantee admission to their public universities if you've completed an associate's degree at a state community college.

Lastly, maintain high performance in your classes. Even if a course is transferable, only a grade of C- or better will generally transfer to another institution.

In summary, the key to a successful transfer is to start planning early, stay in close contact with academic or transfer counselors, and keep your grades up. Know the policies of your target four-year institutions, keep track of your course choices and ensure they align with your transfer goals. Good luck with your studies!