Transferability of college credits is a critical concern for students who are considering transferring to a new institution. There are not many things worse for a student than spending hard-earned money on coursework that doesn’t count toward their degree, so it’s essential to do your research before you transfer schools. A common misconception is that all credits transfer from one college to another. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. The decision of whether to accept transfer credits is made by each individual college or university. Therefore, it is pivotal to make sure your credits will transfer before enrolling in classes at a new school.
There are a few different ways to find out if your credits will transfer. The first step is to contact the admissions office at the school you are planning to transfer to. Many colleges will have online databases where you can look up the transferability of specific courses. However, these databases are not always up-to-date and are school-specific. They will not account for changes in curriculum, program requirements or changes to the articulation agreement between institutions. It is always best to contact the registrar’s office directly or make an appointment with an academic advisor.
Another way to find out if your credits will transfer is to speak to a counselor at your current school. Counselors can help you determine which of your credits are likely to transfer and can provide you with a list of schools that have articulation agreements with your current institution. In many cases, schools will have signed articulation agreements with other schools that detail the courses that will transfer and apply to specific programs. While articulation agreements are a great way to simplify the transfer process, it is important to note that exceptions do occur.
If you are transferring from a community college to a four-year university, you may be able to use a transfer equivalency guide. These guides are designed to help students determine which of their community college courses will transfer to a specific four-year university. Transfer equivalency guides are available online and can be a helpful resource for students who are planning to transfer.
Once you have determined which of your credits will transfer, you will need to send your transcripts to the school you are transferring to. Official transcripts can be requested from the Registrar’s Office of your current institution. Transcripts should be sent directly to the admissions office of the school you are transferring to.
The transfer of credits can be a complex process, but it is important to do your research and make sure that your credits will transfer before you enroll in classes at a new school. By following these steps, you can increase the likelihood that your credits will transfer and that you will be able to complete your degree on time.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- What are my educational goals?
- What are the requirements for my desired program of study?
- Which schools offer the program I want?
- Do those schools have articulation agreements with my current school?
- What is the transferability of specific courses?
- What are the deadlines for submitting transcripts?
- What is the cost of sending transcripts?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming that all credits will transfer.
- Not doing your research before you transfer schools.
- Not sending your transcripts to the school you are transferring to.
- Not following up with the admissions office to make sure that your credits have been transferred.
Additional Resources
- National Association of Transfer Students
- Transferology
- College Board
- American Council on Education
- Every state in the U.S. has developed a statewide transfer articulation agreement. A Google search for your state will produce the information you need about the agreement.
- Many colleges and universities have created Guided Pathways for specific programs. These pathways detail specific course sequences that, if followed, will result in a seamless transfer. This should be discussed with your academic advisor.
- According to the National Association of Transfer Students, over 3 million students transfer colleges each year.
- Of those students, only about 25% of their credits transfer.
- The average cost of sending transcripts is $10-$20 per transcript.
- The transfer of credits can take several weeks to several months.
Conclusion
Transferring credits can be a daunting task, but it is important to do your research and make sure that your credits will transfer before you enroll in classes at a new school. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can increase the likelihood that your credits will transfer and that you will be able to complete your degree on time.