Transferring colleges can feel like a leap into the unknown – especially if you’re the first in your family navigating the process. “Transfer confidence” means having the knowledge and support to make that leap without losing momentum. In simple terms, transferring college credits is the process of taking the academic credits you’ve already earned at one school and moving them to another school so they count toward your new degree. Done right, it lets you change colleges without wasting the hard work (and money) you’ve already invested. This guide will walk you through how to decide if transferring is right for you, how to apply successfully, and how to keep as many credits as possible on your journey to a new campus. By the end, you should feel informed and empowered – in other words, confident – to take your next step. Let’s level up your future! 🎓
What does it mean to transfer college credits? Transferring credits means your new college accepts the courses you completed at your old college for credit toward a degree. Essentially, you don’t have to retake those classes. Each school has policies on which credits count – but with planning, you can move schools while keeping your earned credits on track toward graduation.
Should You Transfer Colleges?
Deciding whether to transfer is a big decision academically, financially, and emotionally. Start by examining why you’re considering a transfer. Here are some common reasons students transfer:
Financial: College is expensive, and maybe your current school turned out pricier than expected (or you’ve run into unexpected costs like housing). Some students transfer to a more affordable college or from a private to a public university to save money. If you’re at a community college, transferring to a four-year school for your junior year is often part of the plan to save on the first two years.
Academic Fit: Perhaps you discovered a new major or your desired program isn’t offered where you are. For example, if you decided you want to pursue engineering but your current small college doesn’t have that program, a transfer is a logical choice. Alternatively, you might feel the academic challenge or prestige of another institution suits your goals better.
Location & Personal Reasons: Life happens – your family might have moved, or you need to be closer to home. Military families and others with changing circumstances often transfer for convenience. Or maybe you want to experience a different environment (urban vs. rural campus, or a school with a strong community for your background).
Campus Experience: Sometimes the first choice isn’t the best fit socially or support-wise. If you’re feeling out of place, not finding your community, or not getting the support a first-gen student needs, you might look for a college known for its student support services or diversity/inclusion efforts. Your happiness and mental health matter.
Ask Yourself Key Questions Before Transferring: It’s important to pause and make sure transferring will solve your concerns. Ask: “Is my reason for wanting to transfer something that could be improved here, or truly better elsewhere?” For instance, roommate drama or a few bad professors might be fixed without leaving campus. On the other hand, being far from your support system or lacking your intended major are factors that warrant a move. Consider these questions:
Academic/Career Goals: Does the new college offer a program or opportunity my current one lacks (my major, a specialization, research opportunities, better job placement)? If yes, that’s a strong push to transfer.
Credits and Time: How far along am I? Freshmen and sophomores transfer more easily than seniors. If you’re close to graduating, talk with an advisor – sometimes sticking it out and maybe doing grad school elsewhere could be wiser. But if you’re early in college or at a two-year school, transferring can set you up better for the bachelor’s.
Support: Did I seek out support at my current school? (Tutoring, counseling, academic advising). Sometimes utilizing existing resources can improve your situation. However, if you have and it’s still not working – or if those resources don’t exist – that’s a sign another school might serve you better.
Financial Trade-offs: Will transferring save money or potentially cost more? For example, moving in-state or closer to home could cut costs, but if you lose some credits, an extra semester might add cost. Weigh these out with a family member or mentor.
💡 Tip: Talk it out. Consult your current academic advisor and let them know your concerns. They might offer solutions or give you an honest take on whether a transfer makes sense. If you’re a first-generation student, you might also talk to a trusted faculty member or someone from a student support office. Sometimes, just vocalizing your worries and goals can make the answer clearer.
Realize You’re Not Alone: Over one-third of college students transfer schools at least once during their journey. That means if you decide to transfer, you’re in good company. Many have done it successfully and gone on to graduate. The key is doing it for the right reasons and planning it well. If you’ve reflected and decided that transferring is the best path to reach your goals, it’s time to make a game plan.
How to Apply as a Transfer Student
Once you’ve made the decision, the next step is navigating the transfer application process. This might feel daunting, but it’s manageable with organization. It’s similar to when you applied to college the first time, but now you have college coursework under your belt (and that can actually strengthen your application!). Let’s break it down.
1. Research Transfer-Friendly Schools
Not all colleges are equally welcoming to transfer students. What do we mean by transfer-friendly? These schools openly publish their transfer credit policies, have staff dedicated to transfer admissions, and often have credit transfer tools or agreements in place. Look for indicators like “we accept up to 90 transfer credits” or “transfer pathways” on their websites. For example, Southern New Hampshire University lets you transfer up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s (that’s 75% of the degree), and they even publicly share how much time and money that can save (over $30k, in fact. While SNHU is just one example, many universities do value transfer students highly.
Check Credit Policies: Every school has a limit on how many credits you can transfer in. Common caps: around 60 credits from a community college, or up to 90 from a combination of 2- and 4-year schools, since most bachelor’s programs want you to earn at least 30 credits (typically the final year) at their institutio. Also check if they have a residency requirement for your major – e.g., in your core classes you might need a certain number taken there. If you have a lot of credits, a transfer-friendly school will try to take as many as possible. Some even have tools: try searching “[College Name] transfer credit equivalencies” – some universities maintain online databases where you can plug in your current courses and see how they’d transfer. It’s a huge relief if you find your courses pre-approved in such a system!
Articulation Agreements: This jargon simply means a formal partnership between schools to streamline transfers. For instance, many state community college systems have articulation agreements with state universities – if you complete a two-year degree, the four-year university guarantees junior status and full credit transfer. Examples: California’s ADT (Associate Degree for Transfer) program guarantees community college grads admission to the CSU system (though not a specific campus) with junior standing. Massachusetts’ MassTransfer program provides tuition discounts and credit acceptance for students moving from MA community colleges to MA public universities. If you’re coming from a community college, find out if such agreements exist for your target school (your advisor or the college website can tell you). Even some private colleges have articulation deals with community colleges! If an agreement exists, follow that path – it’s like having a cheat sheet for what classes to take before transferring.
Pro Tip: “Shop” your credits around. Don’t be shy about contacting the transfer admissions offices at prospective colleges. You can say, “Hey, I’m at XYZ College with 45 credits completed; can you do an unofficial evaluation to see which would transfer into ABC University’s program?” Many schools will oblige and give you an idea. As one transfer counselor advises, students should “shop” colleges to see how their credits would be received. This early knowledge can heavily influence your choice of where to apply (for instance, if College A will accept 60 of your credits but College B only 40, that’s important to know).
2. Know What Documents You Need
Applying as a transfer student involves a bit of paperwork and preparation:
College Transcripts: You’ll need to submit official transcripts from every college you’ve attended. Yes, even that one class you took at community college in summer needs to be reported. Start gathering these early. An unofficial transcript can help you and the new school initially (you can often download unofficial copies for free from your student portal to review your courses), but eventually you’ll request officials. Many colleges use electronic transcript services now, which is faster. Keep in mind there may be a small fee (like $10-$15 per transcript) and some processing time, so don’t wait until the last minute.
High School Transcript & Test Scores: Some universities ask for your high school info, especially if you’ve completed fewer than a certain number of college credits at the time of application (commonly if under ~30 credits, they evaluate you more like a freshman). If you’re beyond that, high school matters far less. SAT/ACT scores are usually optional or not required for transfer students (colleges care more about your college GPA). Unless a specific college asks, you might not need to submit test scores at all – check their transfer admission requirements.
Transfer Essay or Personal Statement: Most transfer applications include an essay prompt like, “Explain why you want to transfer and how XYZ College can help you achieve your goals.” This is your chance to tell your story. Be honest but positive – even if your reason involves something negative (“I felt out of place” or “My current school doesn’t have my major”), frame it in terms of what you’re moving toward. For example: “As a first-generation student, I’ve thrived at community college and now seek to transfer to a university that offers a Journalism program and strong mentorship opportunities, which my current college lacks.” Share achievements you’re proud of from your first college, and specifically why the new college is the right fit academically or personally.
Recommendations: Not all transfer apps require letters, but many do ask for one or two. Ideally, get one from a professor who knows your work (for academic ability) and perhaps another from an academic advisor or program director (for character or context – e.g., involvement in TRIO or a honor society). If you’re a first-gen student who has built relationships with faculty or staff, they can speak to your growth and determination, which adds depth to your application. Remember to give recommenders advance notice and thank them!
Application Forms & Fees: You will fill out either the Common Application for Transfer or the institution’s own form. The Common App has a transfer version that many schools use. There’s usually an application fee (ranging $30–$75 per school). If cost is a barrier, fee waivers are often available – don’t hesitate to request one if you have financial need or are part of a program like TRIO/Upward Bound.
Keep a checklist for each college because requirements can vary. One school might require a mid-term grade report, another might not. Pay close attention to deadlines – for fall transfer, deadlines can be as early as March 1 or as late as July, depending on the college. Some schools even do rolling transfer admissions.
📋 Quick How-To: Transfer Application Steps
Fill Out the Application – Complete the transfer application for each target school (many use Common App Transfer, streamlining this).
Write Your Transfer Essay – Explain your reasons for transferring and how the new college fits your goals. Be specific and upbeat.
Request Official Transcripts – Order from all colleges attended well ahead of the deadline. (Most schools accept electronic transcripts now for speed.)
Obtain Recommendation Letters – If required, ask professors or advisors at your current college. Give them info about your goals so they can tailor the letter.
Submit FAFSA & Aid Forms – Add each target school to your FAFSA (and CSS Profile, if applicable) so they can prepare a financial aid package for you as a transfer. Also apply for any scholarships (both school-specific and external) for transfer students.
These steps cover the basics of applying as a transfer student. Once you submit, pat yourself on the back – that’s a big milestone. But our work isn’t done; now we need to ensure your credits come with you!
Don’t Lose Your Credits: How to Maximize Transfer Credit
One of the biggest worries transfer students have is “Will I have to start over?” The good news: in most cases, you won’t start from scratch. However, nationally, credit loss is a real issue – one study found only 58% of transfer students were able to keep all their credits, and almost 40% lost a lot of credits in the process. Let’s improve those odds for you. Here’s how to protect your credits when you transfer:
Understand Your New School’s Transfer Credit Policy: This is your bible for credit preservation. Find it on the college’s website (often under Transfer Admissions or in the Academic Catalog). Key points to look for:
Maximum Transfer Credits: How many credits can you bring in? (e.g., “Students may transfer up to 64 credits from a community college and up to 90 from a four-year school.”) If you have more than the max, sadly, some will be left behind, so prioritize which ones you need for your degree.
Grade Requirements: The policy will state the minimum grade for a course to count. Commonly it’s a C or C- for general courses, though some schools are stricter for major courses (e.g., a nursing program might only accept transfer courses with B or above). If you have any D grades, expect those credits not to transfer (or only in rare cases as electives).
Course Equivalency vs. Elective: The new school will evaluate each course to see if it matches one of their course offerings. If yes, great – it transfers as that specific course fulfilling that requirement. If not, they might still accept it as an elective credit. For example, “HIST 210 – History of Pop Culture” might not match a specific course at the new school, but they could accept it as “History Elective – 3 credits”. That still counts toward total credits, though maybe not a core requirement. The more electives you accumulate, the more likely you’ll still need some required classes. So ideally, you want most of your credits to fill requirements in the new school’s general education or major.
Accreditation and Level: Usually, credits from regionally accredited institutions transfer. If you took some credits at a nationally accredited or unaccredited place (like a vocational college or certain for-profit institutions), the new school may reject those outright. Also, most colleges won’t transfer credits for remedial/developmental courses (non-college-level) or for graduate-level courses into an undergraduate program.
Time Limits: Do credits “expire”? Generally, academic credits do not expire. If you took a course 10 or 15 years ago, many schools will still count it, especially if it’s in an unchanging field like math or history. However, some specific subjects have freshness guidelines. As one transfer specialist notes, an IT or computer science course older than ~5 years might only transfer as an elective due to rapid tech changes. Similarly, nursing or healthcare courses might need to be recent. So if you’re an adult student returning after a long gap, be prepared that a few technical credits could be deemed outdated (but “credits earned do not expire” in general – the content relevance is the issue).
Leverage Articulation Agreements and Transfer Guides: Earlier we talked about these when researching schools. If you’re coming from a community college that has an articulation agreement with your new university and you followed that pathway (say you did a Transfer AA degree), you are usually in great shape – the agreement might guarantee full credit transfer of your courses or at least junior standing. Still, double-check specifics: sometimes you need a minimum GPA for the agreement to hold. If you didn’t follow a specific pathway, don’t worry. Many universities publish transfer guides for popular feeder colleges. For example, a university may have a PDF like “Transfer Guide: XYZ Community College to ABC University Business Program” listing which courses at XYZ CC correspond to requirements at ABC U. Hunt these down; they are gold. Following a guide is the next best thing to an articulation agreement.
Get a Preliminary Evaluation: You don’t have to wait until you enroll to know what transfers. Consider requesting a preliminary credit evaluation during the application process. Some schools will do this around the time they admit you – you might receive an initial transfer credit report with your acceptance letter or shortly after. If not, you can ask for one. Additionally, tools like Transferology (a nationwide web tool) let you input your courses and see potential transfers to many colleges – a handy resource to use while planning.
Keep Taking Classes (Smartly): If you’re currently mid-semester or planning another semester before transferring, choose your classes wisely. Aim to fulfill general education requirements, because those are the safest to transfer. For example, almost every college requires English Composition, College Algebra (or some math), science with a lab, etc. If you still need such core classes, take them before transferring; you’re very likely to get credit for them and it’ll lighten your load later. Conversely, if there’s a niche course only your current college offers (like “Marine Biology of the Pacific Northwest” and you’re moving to a landlocked state school), that might not have an equivalent – maybe hold off on super niche electives unless you just really want them.
Scenario: Quarter vs. Semester System: A quick note if you are switching between quarter and semester systems (common if, say, you transfer from a West Coast school on quarters to an East Coast school on semesters). Credits will be converted. Generally, 1 quarter credit = 0.67 semester credits. So a 5-quarter-credit class becomes ~3.33 semester credits. You might see some weird totals like “3.33 credits” on your transfer eval. Often schools will round or give you a little leeway (they might count that as 3 credits and then you’re a third of a credit short, which usually is resolved by taking an extra credit somewhere or through an elective). Just be aware of this conversion; it could affect how many classes you need to take later (in this example, you’d likely still need to take another course to make up that fractional credit). The reverse (semester to quarter) yields 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits.
Review Your Transfer Credit Report: After you get admitted and send all official transcripts, your new college will send you a transfer credit evaluation. It itemizes each course you took and their decision – e.g., “ENG 101 (3 credits) → Transfers as ENG 110 at NewU (3 credits), fulfills Writing I requirement” or “ELEC 1xx (3 credits) – transfers as general elective.” Go through it carefully. If any course is marked not transferring or coming in as elective when you think it should count for something, take action:
Contact an advisor or transfer counselor at the new school and politely ask for clarification or an appeal. Sometimes providing a course syllabus or description from your old college can sway them that the class is equivalent. For instance, if your “Introduction to Statistics” at old school was not counted because the evaluator wasn’t sure, sending the syllabus might show it covers the same topics as their “STAT 101”. Students have successfully appealed transfer credit decisions – it never hurts to try.
If a course didn’t transfer because it was upper-division and they only accept lower-division, or vice versa, that might be hard to change. But if it’s simply an issue of unknown content, a syllabus or even your own explanation can help. Remember, be your own advocate. You earned those credits, so inquire if there’s any way to make use of them.
Tips to Preserve Credits: (Let’s recap some key strategies in a quick list for easy reference.)
Plan early and often: If you know you might transfer, plan your coursework with that in mind. Use advising resources at both your current and prospective schools.
Complete an associate degree if you can: Many 4-year colleges give full junior standing to AA/AS graduates (especially under statewide agreements). That piece of paper can sometimes lock in your gen-ed credits as “done.”
Maintain good grades: A C or higher is typically required for credit transfer. Strive for the best grades possible to keep doors open – your GPA will also be evaluated for admission.
Don’t overload on pass/fail or unconventional courses: Pass/Fail courses may transfer as credit (if “Pass” equated to C or above), but some schools might not count them for certain requirements. Independent study or very specialized courses might transfer only with extra review.
Use summer wisely: If you have a gap between leaving one school and starting another, you might take summer courses at your new school or an accredited college that will transfer easily, to stay on track. (Clear this with your new school first!)
Accept that some loss can happen: Despite best efforts, you might lose a few credits. Keep perspective – if losing 6 credits means a much better college or fitting your needs, it’s usually worth it. You can often make up credits with an extra class or two (winter or summer term, etc.). Think of it as an investment in a better outcome for you.
What if you lose credits? Maybe the new college didn’t accept 100% of your courses. It happens. For example, say you had 60 credits and only 51 came over as degree-applicable. You essentially “lost” 9 credits. While frustrating, this doesn’t mean you wasted that time – you still gained knowledge (and if those were electives, you might have gotten personal value from them). To graduate on time, you’ll want to make up those 9 credits. Options include: taking an extra course each year for three semesters, or enrolling in a summer session, or perhaps doing a credit-by-exam (CLEP or DSST exams) if your new school accepts those. CLEP exams let you test out of certain subjects and earn credits; if you have knowledge that didn’t transfer, a CLEP could recoup that credit in a way the new school accepts. Another innovative option is reverse transfer – if you moved from a community college without finishing a degree, see if your credits at the new university can be sent back to complete an associate degree. Having that associate degree can be a confidence boost and a resume builder while you work on the bachelor’s (plus, it’s a nice milestone!).
Above all, don’t get discouraged. Nationwide, students lose an average of roughly one semester’s worth of credits when they transfer. But by being proactive with the tips here, you can minimize that. Even if you have to retake a class or go a bit longer, you’re still moving forward toward where you want to be – and that is what counts in the end.
Beyond Credits: Making a Successful Transition
Securing your credits is vital, but so is adjusting to your new environment. Let’s touch on support systems and strategies to thrive after your transfer.
Use Support Services (They’re There for Transfers Too!): Once you know where you’re headed, connect with the resources at your new college. Many universities have an orientation specifically for transfer students – go to it! You’ll meet other transfers (who likely share some of your feelings and can become friends) and learn about campus resources. Seek out the academic advising office early to plan your class schedule around your transferred credits. Ask if the school has a transfer student association or a chapter of Tau Sigma (a national honor society for transfer students) – joining clubs or orgs can give you a sense of belonging faster.
If you’re a first-gen student, find out if the new campus has a First-Generation student support office or program. Increasingly, campuses do, and they host networking events, mentorship programs, and even social gatherings to help first-gen students connect and succeed. For example, some universities have mentorship specifically pairing first-gen transfers with first-gen faculty or staff. Don’t be shy – these programs exist because they work in helping students like you graduate. As a first-gen and a transfer, you bring a valuable perspective to campus; the right community will celebrate that.
Mentorship and Guidance: Remember, you don’t have to figure everything out alone. If you had a great mentor or advisor at your previous college, keep in touch – they can still give advice as you transition. Simultaneously, find mentors at your new school. This could be a professor you click with or an advisor in your department. Peer mentors can be great too: some colleges have peer mentoring for transfers. There are also external platforms – like iLevelUP – that connect students with mentors and guides. (Shameless plug incoming, but it’s genuinely relevant!) For instance, on iLevelUP you can interact with Trail Guides – think of them as virtual mentors – who can help with everything from boosting your confidence to navigating financial aid. If you ever feel stuck, a resource like that, available 24/7 in your pocket, can supplement the human support you get on campus. The goal is to never feel like you’re in this by yourself.
Build Your Confidence: Transferring can sometimes shake one’s confidence. You were a sophomore at your old school who knew the ropes; now you might feel like a freshman all over again learning a new campus. It’s normal to feel a bit out of place at first. Give yourself time to adjust – usually by the end of the first semester, transfers find their footing. One way to build confidence is to get involved. It might seem counterintuitive when you’re new and possibly commuting or busy, but joining a club, attending campus events, or even participating in a study group can root you in your new community faster. When you engage, you’ll start to feel “Yes, I belong here.”
Also, acknowledge what you’ve achieved: you navigated a complex transfer process that many students find too intimidating. That shows resilience and determination. Remind yourself of this if doubts creep in. If imposter syndrome whispers “I’m not as good as those who started here,” shut that down by recalling that you brought valuable credits, experiences, and diversity to this campus – plus, statistically, transfer students who reach a four-year college often succeed at high rates (for example, nearly two-thirds of community college transfers earn a bachelor’s within four years of transferring). You got this!
Focus on Finish-Line Goals: Once settled, map out your path to graduation. Know how many credits remain and roughly how many semesters. This clarity reduces uncertainty. It can be helpful to visualize your goal – maybe it’s walking across that stage with a bachelor’s from your new college, or landing that dream job or grad school acceptance after graduating. Keep that vision strong; it will motivate you through any tough days. Every credit you transferred is a step already taken toward that goal, and every new credit you earn at your transfer school is getting you closer.
A Note for First-Gen Transfers: You are blazing a trail not just by going to college, but by navigating two colleges! That’s a feat of adaptability. Your experience can actually become a strength – job interviewers, for example, might ask, “Tell me about a time you adapted to a big change,” and you’ll have a great answer. 😃 Consider sharing your story or even becoming a mentor for others in your original community or at your new school. Nothing solidifies your own confidence like helping someone else.
Finally, remember to celebrate your milestones. Got accepted to your transfer college? Celebrate that! Finished your first term at the new school? Treat yourself. These victories build momentum.
Next Steps: Get Support and Take Action
By now, you have a comprehensive game plan for transferring with your credits intact. We’ve covered reflection, applications, credit transfer hacks, and emotional preparedness. The journey can be complicated, but you’re not the first to do this and you certainly don’t have to do it alone. To recap a few key takeaways:
Plan early and use resources: The more you prepare (with advisors, transfer tools, etc.), the fewer surprises later.
Advocate for your credits: Read policies, ask questions, and appeal if needed. You can save yourself thousands of dollars by securing those credits.
Seek support: Whether through on-campus programs or a platform like iLevelUP, get the guidance you deserve. First-gen and transfer students succeed best when connected with mentors and communities that “get it.”
Stay positive and persistent: A bump (like a lost credit or a tough application) is not the end – you’ve overcome challenges before, and you will here too.
If you’re ready to take the next step, why not put this advice into practice? Thousands of students across the U.S. are using iLevelUP to help navigate life, school, college, and career decisions. It’s a free, gamified support system literally at your fingertips. You can explore colleges that match your goals, find scholarships tailored to you, and even get a step-by-step checklist for your transfer process – all while earning points and having a bit of fun along the way. 👉 Get started for free with iLevelUP and get your personalized transfer plan (and a friendly guide like Trekker or Cash to keep you on track).
For educators or program leaders reading this: if you’re looking for ways to boost your students’ transfer success, iLevelUP works with schools and programs nationwide to provide these tools at scale. You’re invited to schedule a demo to see how it can support your counseling department or TRIO/GEAR UP program in leveling up student outcomes.
Transferring colleges can indeed be a fresh start – academically and personally. With the knowledge and tips from this guide, you have the tools to make it a successful start. Here’s to transferring with confidence, keeping every credit you can, and stepping into the next chapter of your education with optimism! 🎉
Key Takeaways:
Plan Ahead & Ask Questions: Early planning is your best friend in the transfer process. Use transfer agreements, talk to advisors, and get unofficial credit evaluations to avoid surprises. An informed transfer is a smooth transfer.
Every Credit Counts (Literally!): Protect your hard-earned credits. Aim for good grades and match your courses to the new school’s requirements. Less than one-third of students transfer all their credits, but you can be one of them by leveraging the tips here. If something doesn’t transfer, explore alternatives (appeals, CLEP exams, summer classes) to stay on track.
Use Support Systems (You’re Not Alone): Being first-gen or transferring can feel isolating, but there are mentors, programs, and tools ready to help. From TRIO counselors to iLevelUP’s gamified guidance, tapping into support can boost your confidence and success. Students who seek mentorship and use resources are far more likely to graduate – and faster – than those who go it alone.
Stay Financially Savvy: Don’t leave money on the table. Reapply for financial aid, search and apply for transfer-specific scholarships, and talk to financial aid officers about how transferring affects your aid. Transferring can save money (e.g. community college route) but budget for any extra semester if needed. Financial planning is part of transfer planning.
Confidence is Key: Believe in your decision and your ability to thrive. Transferring is a bold move to better your education – that’s something to be proud of. Yes, the process has its paperwork and patience, but with determination and the information you’ve gathered, you can approach your new campus with confidence and a clear plan. You leveled up once by starting college, and you’re leveling up again by finding the right college fit – keep that momentum going!
Bottom Line: Transferring colleges is completely doable – and with the right preparation, you can take your credits with you and continue toward graduation without missing a beat. By reflecting on your goals, staying organized in your applications, and actively managing your credit transfers, you won’t be starting over – you’ll be building on your existing success in an environment that’s better suited to you. Remember, thousands of students transfer every year and achieve their degrees. With the knowledge and resources outlined here, you can transfer with confidence, keep your hard-earned credits, and set yourself up for the bright future you deserve.
FAQ: Transfer Credits
To transfer your college credits, you generally need to apply and be accepted as a transfer student at the new school, then have official transcripts sent for evaluation. Before applying, research the new school’s transfer credit policies and possibly get an unofficial evaluation. After acceptance, the new school will tell you which credits they accept. Be proactive: meet with an advisor to understand how each accepted credit applies to your degree. Following the steps in this guide – from choosing transfer-friendly schools to providing syllabi for course matching – will help ensure as many credits as possible come with you.
Not always. Whether all credits transfer depends on factors like course equivalency, grades, accreditation, and the new school’s policies. Many students find that most – but not all – credits transfer. In fact, less than one-third of students transfer every credit they earned, and about 40% lose a significant number of credits during a transfer. You can maximize credit transfer by sticking to general education and major-related courses, earning solid grades, and transferring between institutions that have articulation agreements. Always check the new school’s rules: for example, if you have more elective credits than they allow or if you took courses they don’t offer, those might not count. It’s wise to prioritize important requirements and be prepared that you might retake a class or two if necessary.
Yes – that’s a common route! If you complete a two-year associate degree (especially under a transfer agreement), you often transfer as a junior to a four-year university. For instance, completing an A.A. or A.S. at community college usually satisfies the first two years of general ed requirements at the university, letting you start as a third-year student. Make sure you follow any articulation agreement in your state (many states guarantee junior status for community college grads at public universities). Keep in mind you may need a minimum GPA (often around 2.5 or higher) for the guarantee. If you transfer without finishing an associate degree, you can still become a junior if you’ve earned roughly ~60 transferable credits. Always check how your credits translate – if you’re short a few credits, you might technically come in as a sophomore plus some credits, but after a semester you’ll reach junior standing.
Your GPA starts fresh at the new institution. While your past courses transfer as credits, most colleges do not transfer the grades themselves into their GPA calculation. This means your GPA at the new school will be based only on the courses you take there. (Important: admissions will look at your GPA from previous colleges for deciding to admit you, but once you’re in, that old GPA doesn’t carry forward.) This can be a good thing if you had some rocky grades – it’s essentially a GPA reset. But note, even though the grades don’t transfer, the transcript of your previous work still exists and graduate schools or employers might see both transcripts. Also, honors like graduating with distinction might consider all your coursework or just the new school’s – policies vary. One more thing: if you’re transferring within a state university system, there are rare cases where grades and GPA might follow (especially if it’s basically the same system), but generally, new school, new GPA. Use that as motivation to excel from day one at your transfer school!
It depends. Federal financial aid (Pell Grants, federal student loans) is portable – you just update your FAFSA to add the new school, and your aid goes there (aid amounts might change based on the new school’s cost of attendance, but you keep eligibility). School-specific scholarships do not transfer because they were awarded by your old school. However, your new college may offer new scholarships (some automatically for transfers with a high GPA, others you apply for). Be sure to research and apply for transfer scholarships – many colleges have them, and organizations like Phi Theta Kappa, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, etc., offer scholarships for transfer students nationally. If you had a private scholarship (from a local foundation, for example), check with the scholarship provider: some scholarships follow you as long as you remain a student, others might be tied to the original school. Also note any state aid – if you’re moving states, a state grant or tuition waiver might not carry over. Always talk to the financial aid office at the new school. They can provide you an aid package detailing grants, loans, work-study, and any merit awards you qualify for as a transfer. Good news: sometimes transfer students get overlooked for aid, but colleges are increasingly recognizing transfers; don’t be afraid to ask if there are additional funding opportunities. And remember, the Believe in Me foundation (which powers iLevelUP) offers scholarships too – for example, they have a program for first-gen students in certain states. There is money out there; you just need to seek it and apply.
An articulation agreement is a formal partnership between two schools that makes transferring easier. It outlines which courses or degrees (like an associate degree) will transfer to the other school and how. If you’re within an articulation agreement (say between your community college and a state university), it’s like having a guaranteed map – e.g., “Complete your AA in Business at Community College X, with these courses, and University Y will accept the degree as fulfilling all freshman/sophomore requirements.” You don’t need to be under an articulation agreement to transfer, but if one exists, definitely take advantage because it removes uncertainty about credit transfer. Without an agreement, you can still transfer – you’ll just rely on the general credit evaluation process. Many students transfer without specific agreements, especially when moving from one four-year to another or out-of-state. In those cases, you just need to be a bit more hands-on to ensure your credits will count (by using the techniques we discussed earlier). In summary: articulation agreements are like a shortcut or safety net for transferring, mainly affecting community college to university pathways. If you have one, great – follow it. If not, a successful transfer simply requires thorough planning and communication with your target school.
Yes! First-gen students should know there are programs designed specifically to support them, including through the transfer process. If you’re at a community college, see if it has a TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program – TRIO SSS often provides transfer advising, campus visits, and application fee waivers for participants. There are also honor societies like Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) which recognize first-gen college students – joining can plug you into a network with resources. Many four-year universities have initiatives through their First-Generation Student offices or multicultural centers to recruit and support first-gen transfers. For example, some hold welcome events for incoming first-gen transfer students, pairing them with peer mentors. Outside of school, organizations such as the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offer a prestigious Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship targeted largely at high-achieving community college students (many of whom are first-gen). iLevelUP itself is built with first-gen, under-resourced students in mindilevelup.app – it’s a free app that can guide you step-by-step and match you with mentors who were first-gen students. Also, check out any state or local programs; e.g., CollegePoint and Matriculate are nonprofits that advise high-achieving low-income students (often first-gen) on transfers and applications. The main point: you’re not alone, and people want to help first-gen students succeed. Seek these programs out – they can provide tutoring, application coaching, even financial assistance with fees or travel for college visits.
There are a few approaches:
Use Online Transfer Tools: Websites like Transferology allow you to input your current courses and see equivalencies at many universities. Some states have their own transfer lookup tools or course equivalency databases (for instance, California has ASSIST for CC -> CSU/UC transfers).
College Websites: Many colleges list transfer equivalencies or a transfer credit database on their site. Try searching “[University Name] transfer equivalencies” – you might find a public portal.
Speak with Transfer Admissions: As mentioned earlier, you can often send an unofficial transcript or list of courses to the admissions or registrar’s office at your intended transfer school. They may provide an unofficial evaluation or at least answer questions about specific courses. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s usually accurate.
Transfer Fairs and Advisors: If you’re at a community college, attend transfer fairs – university reps can give on-the-spot feedback. Also, your current academic advisor or transfer center might have historical data (e.g., they might say “Our Calc I always transfers to State U’s Calc I” from experience).
By doing one or more of these, you can get a pretty solid idea of what will happen. It’s wise to do this before you commit to transferring, because the number of credits that transfer might influence which college you choose or whether you go now or after another semester.
Not necessarily. If you plan well, you can graduate on time (the same year you would have originally). However, it depends on credit transfer and how different the curricular requirements are at the new school. For example, if you transfer after two years and all your credits apply, you’ll graduate in the typical 4-year timeline. If you lose some credits or the new program has extra requirements, it might add a semester or two. National data shows transfer students often take a bit longer to graduate on average, but that includes students who transferred with very few credits. If you’re mindful of credit transfer (using advice in this guide), you can minimize delays. Tip: once at the new school, take full course loads (or summer classes) to catch up if needed. Another consideration: some majors are sequenced tightly (like engineering) and transferring late can mean missing prerequisites, which can extend your time. Always ask the target school, “If I transfer with X credits, how many more semesters will it take me to finish this degree?” They can often map it out for you. Remember too, there’s no shame in taking an extra term to graduate if it means getting the degree you want – an extra 6 months in college is worth a career’s worth of satisfaction in many cases. Planning with advisors is key to keep you as close to on-time as possible.
Supporting students through transfer involves both information and encouragement. First, make sure they are aware of transfer opportunities: for instance, discuss early on the option of community college to university pathways if cost is an issue, or transferring if a college isn’t fitting their needs. Help them research articulation agreements or dual-admission programs (some universities partner with community colleges so students are pre-admitted contingent on performance). Create a transfer timeline for them: when to start researching, when to apply, etc., similar to the timeline for high school seniors but adjusted. Encourage them to keep syllabi and course descriptions – these can be useful for credit evaluations. Connect your students with resources like TRIO programs, CollegeBoard’s BigFuture transfer guides, and tools like iLevelUP for independent exploration. It can also help to bring in speakers – maybe former students who have transferred, or reps from universities – to demystify the process. On the emotional side, validate their feelings: transferring can be scary, and students might feel like they “failed” at the first place – reassure them that transferring is common and can be a sign of growth, not failure. If you’re a high school counselor working with college students (like in alumni support), keep communication open so they know they can come back to you for advice. Finally, leverage platforms and partnerships: iLevelUP for Schools (the educator portal of the app) can let you track student progress in their college/transfer prep, send them resources, and ensure they don’t slip through the cracks. In fact, we invite educators to partner with us – feel free to reach out for a demo to see how this tool can enhance your counseling program. In summary: provide good info, a clear plan, connect to support, and cheer them on. A well-supported student is a successful transfer student!