Can I transfer my old college credits to my new program?

I completed some college courses a few years ago, and I'm thinking about going back to school. How do I find out if my old credits are still transferable to current programs?

Transferring old college credits can be a valuable way to save time and money when returning to school. Here's a general process you can follow to see if your credits will transfer:

1. Contact your previous institution(s): Reach out to the Registrar's office at the institutions where you previously completed courses. Request an official transcript if you don't already have a copy. This will provide up-to-date information about the courses you completed.

2. Reach out to the desired institution's admissions department or transfer counselor: Once you have an idea of where you want to apply, get in touch with the admissions department or the transfer counselor at the institution. They can provide valuable guidance on their school's specific transfer policies.

3. Submit your transcripts for evaluation: To do this, you will normally need to request that your previous institution(s) send an official transcript directly to the school to which you're planning to transfer. The process varies by school, so you should confirm the process with the admissions department.

4. Discuss possible program-specific requirements: In addition to transferring general credits, it's also important to confirm whether certain course credits will be recognized towards your intended degree's specific requirements. For example, your English 101 credit may be accepted as a general credit transfer, but not towards your Engineering major requirement if they require a separate technical communication course.

Note: The acceptance of transfer credits is at the discretion of the institution you're transferring to, and not all credits may transfer. In general, credits from accredited institutions, for courses where you earned a grade of C or higher, are more likely to transfer. However, many institutions also put a limit on the age of credits they'll accept (often around 5 to 10 years, especially for technical or scientific coursework). Always check specific policies with your desired institution.

Good luck with your educational journey! Remember to be proactive in communicating with both your previous and desired institutions to ensure a smooth credit transfer process.