How do I transfer credits from college to college?

I'm trying to transfer credits from my current college to another institution and not sure how it works. Are there general steps I should follow, or does it vary greatly depending on the colleges involved?

When transferring credits between colleges, the process can be somewhat similar across institutions, but there will always be specific requirements and procedures to follow for each college. Here are some general steps to guide you along the way:

1. Exporting Transcript: The first step is usually verifying your courses and grades. Your current college's registrar's office can provide official transcripts detailing your academic records.

2. Check Transfer Policies: Research the credit transfer policy of the college you plan to transfer to. Some colleges have strict guidelines on the types of courses that are eligible for credit transfer. Look for information on transfer agreements or articulation agreements, which some colleges or university systems may have.

3. Submit the Transcript: Next, you will need to send the official transcript from your current college to your prospective college. Usually, the transcript must be sent directly by your current college or delivered in a sealed envelope.

4. Credit Evaluation: The prospective college typically has a department or individual (such as a registrar, admissions officer, or academic advisor) who will evaluate your transcript to determine how many credits are eligible to be transferred and if they can be used for specific degree requirements. The conversion may not be one-for-one if the colleges' credit systems differ (semester vs. quarter system, for example).

5. Await the Decision: You will then await the decision made by the transfer office at the prospective college. Once your transcript is reviewed, you will receive an evaluation detailing which of your courses will transfer and how many credits you will receive.

Remember, there can be limits on the amount of credits that can be transferred, and some courses might not qualify depending on both the curriculum and academic standards of your new college. Major-specific courses, for example, might not transfer if your new college does not offer that specific program or course.

Make sure to discuss the transfer process with an academic advisor at both your current and prospective institutions— advice and guidance from them can be indispensable during this process. Additionally, initiating the process as early as possible will help ensure all your credits are evaluated in time for your admission decision or class registration at your new college.