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Will My College Credits Transfer?

One of the most important things to consider as you look to transfer is how — and if — the credits you’ve already earned will transfer to your new school.

Let’s face it: You don’t want the time, money, and effort you’ve spent taking courses at your current college to go to waste!

So, get informed:

First, know that there’s no set standard that outlines if credits can transfer between schools. So whether your credits will transfer — and how many — will depend on the colleges or universities you’re considering. Make sure to check with them!

Second, take advantage of the online credit evaluation tools out there. Some schools have their own, specific to their programs. For a great example, check out Coalition member Northeastern University’s.

Third, become familiar with your prospective school’s policies. Most institutions try to share information about their transfer process on their website. This can include application requirements, minimum GPA and/or grades in courses required to be transferrable, and dates when applications and transcripts are due for review. It may take some time, but it could save you some if the schools you are looking at are not as transfer friendly as you had hoped. Bonus: some institutions have a staff member or office dedicated to this work who can assist you through this process. They should be someone you become familiar with when you’re ready to begin the transfer process.

Lastly, keep your academic goals in mind. If your home school isn’t meeting your needs, or the next step in your journey is transferring to a new program, make sure your decisions are grounded in what you’ll need to be successful. Maximize your prior credit to ensure you don’t leave anything on the table!


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