How Do I Count My Credits for College Transfer?

I'm looking to transfer colleges, but I'm confused about how to count my credits. What's the best way to figure out if my current credits will be accepted? Any tools or tips would be helpful!

The transfer of credits from one college to another can seem complicated, but here are some steps to help you navigate the process:

1. Obtain an Official Transcript: The first thing you need to do is obtain an official transcript from your current college. This will list all the courses you've taken so far, along with your grades.

2. Look at Potential College's Transfer Policies: Different colleges have different policies about accepting transfer credits. These policies usually depend on the specific course, its equivalent at your current school, and the grade you received. Many colleges have a section on their website specifically dedicated to transfer students, where they may outline their transfer credit policy.

3. Use a Transfer Credit Evaluator: Some colleges offer online tools known as transfer credit evaluators or transfer equivalency databases to help you understand which of your credits may transfer. You typically select your current school and the course you've taken, and the tool will tell you the equivalent course at the prospective college if one exists.

4. Speak to a Transfer Admissions Counselor: One of the most reliable resources is a transfer admissions counselor at the school you're considering. They can give you an idea of what credits typically transfer from your current school and which ones don't. Always verify the information you receive, however, as admissions counselors may not always be knowledgeable about the minutiae of every department's policies.

5. Consider Community College Transfer Agreements: If you're transferring from a community college, check if your school has a transfer agreement with the four-year college you're interested in. Sometimes known as an "articulation agreement," these guarantee that certain credits will transfer.

Remember, you won't know the official transfer of credits until after you have been admitted and the respective college department evaluates your transcripts. While it can be a waiting game, doing your research and staying organized can take some of the uncertainty out of the process.