How do transfer credits from Oakton Community College work?

I'm considering starting at Oakton Community College and then transferring to a four-year university. Does anyone know how the credit transfer process works? Any tips on making sure the credits count toward my major?

You've got the right track in wanting to make sure your credits from Oakton Community College transfer to your choice of four-year university. Here's a two-part strategy to ensure you get the most out of your credits.

1. Planning Ahead: Before enrolling in any classes at Oakton, contact both Oakton's academic advising office and the admissions or registrar's office at the four-year university you're hoping to attend. They'll give you a variety of things to consider before choosing your courses, like what kind of classes are most suitable to transfer, or if there's a limit to the number of credits you can transfer. Looking into articulation agreements (agreements between two-year and four-year institutions which outline how credits will transfer) can also be very helpful. Not all colleges and universities have them, but if they do, it will be a beneficial road map to follow.

2. Know Your Major Requirements: Assuming you've got a potential major in mind, also check in with the academic department at the university you're planning to transfer to. They can tell you what courses they expect you to have completed prior to transferring, so you'll want to ensure those courses are among the ones you take at Oakton.

Also, be aware that not all credits are transferable - for example, remedial courses typically do not transfer. More universally accepted courses are those that are general education, or core requirement, classes at most universities. Courses that are part of a university's general curriculum, like Biology 101 or Intro to Psychology, are often a safe bet to transfer.

Lastly, be sure to save your syllabi. In some cases, a college may want to compare your course syllabus with their own to check if the course information matches up. Once you complete your courses at Oakton and decide to move on to a four-year university, you will need to request your official transcripts be sent to the admissions office of that four-year university.

Remember, these are general tips, and actual processes may vary depending on your specific situation and the policies of each institution involved. Always double-check with the official resources at your targeted institutions. Good luck on your academic journey!