Evaluating transfer credits to a new college

I'm looking to transfer from the College of DuPage to a university. How can I find out which credits will be accepted? I'd love advice on making sure as many credits as possible are transferred!

Transferring between institutions can sometimes be tricky, but there are some general steps you can follow to ensure as many of your credits as possible transfer over.

Firstly, you should start by contacting the admissions office or the registrar's office at the university you're looking to transfer to. They can provide you with an idea of how credits generally transfer from institutions similar to the College of DuPage.

Next, thoroughly examine the university's transfer credit policy. Some colleges have this information readily available on their website. Also, look for an online transfer credit equivalency database or a course equivalency chart, if the university has one. These tools can present an idea of how specific credits from your current college might transfer.

It's also a great idea to prepare a list of the courses you've taken, their course descriptions, and the syllabus if possible. With detailed course information, the transfer university can make a more informed decision about whether to count those courses toward your degree at their institution.

Do remember that general education requirements often transfer more easily than specialized or major-specific courses. Plus, note that some universities limit the number of transfer credits they accept, or they might not take credits for certain types of courses (like remedial courses), or older credits (ex. if they were earned over a certain number of years ago).

Lastly, once you've transferred, promptly verify with your new university that all of your earned credits have been correctly applied to your transcript. Mistakes can sometimes happen, and it's better to address those sooner than later.

While this process might seem a bit daunting, remember that your current school's advising office can be a great resource to help you in this transition process. They can provide you with additional information and advice specific to your case. Best of luck with your transfer!