How can I check if my college credits are transferable?

I have some college credits from a community college and want to make sure they're transferable to a four-year university. What process should I follow to find out if my credits will be accepted?

The best way to check if your credits are transferable is to speak directly with the 4-year institution you're interested in attending.

Step 1: Contact the admissions department or, if there's one, the transfer student services center at the university you plan on attending. Explain that you're looking to transfer and ask about their process for evaluating transfer credits.

Step 2: You may need to provide syllabi or course descriptions for the classes you've taken. This is because institutions generally look at the content of the course when deciding whether to accept your past credits.

Step 3: If possible, ask the university if they have articulation agreements with the community college you previously attended. An articulation agreement is a contract between institutions that outlines how credits will transfer.

Step 4: Check if the university has a transfer credit database or an online system that allows you to see how comparable your classes are to their curriculum.

Remember, the final decision on whether or not credit is given lies with the institution you're transferring to. It's crucial to understand their process and follow their guidelines to increase the chance of your previous credits being accepted.

Remember also, the sooner you check, the better. This will allow you to adjust your plans or take additional courses, if necessary. Don't wait until you're about to transfer to take action.

Please note that the transferability of credits can depend on a variety of factors including your grades in those courses, the relevance of the courses to your intended major, and the accreditation status of the community college where you earned those credits. It's not a straightforward process and there might be some back and forth to get everything sorted out. But as long as you're proactive and keep in close contact with the college you're transferring to, it should go smoothly.