Keys to Transfer Success |
Frequently Asked Transfer Questions
Articulation Agreements:
What is an articulation agreement?
It is an agreement between two colleges/universities that certain courses or packages of courses will transfer. For example, Minnesota State College and Universities (MnSCU) policy requires that any Associate in Science degree must articulate to at least one other MnSCU institution. That means a student is assured that their Associate in Science degree will “count” as the first two years of a four-year degree.
Why don’t all colleges have articulation agreements with other institutions?
Most public colleges and universities have articulation agreements with institutions in their own system. Sometimes articulation agreements are created because of the large number of students transferring to a particular institution from another specific institution. In short, because there’s a demand, the institution responds by formalizing transfer and making it easier for their transfer students. This is particularly true of two-year college students transferring to four-year institutions.
Many private colleges or universities do not have articulation agreements. While most of them welcome transfer students, they have not created partnerships, which may be perceived as encouraging enrollment outside of their institution.
Courses: How do they transfer?
Which programs are designed for transfer?
The college/university is requesting further detail to make a comparative analysis between the sending institution course and the receiving institution course.
When do I transfer credits in?
This will vary from school to school. Some will evaluate your credits before you’re even admitted. Most will require you to be either admitted or actually enrolled in classes before they’ll actually provide you with a transfer evaluation. Be sure you read your new school’s catalog or talk to the Admissions or Records Office to find out how and when your transcript will be processed
Remember that it is your responsibility to request transcripts from your previously attended school. Because of data privacy regulations, only you may make this request. Also remember that you should have your official transcript sent directly from your old school to your new school. This will assure the receiving school that it is an official, unmodified transcript.
NOTE: It is to your advantage to transfer courses before or as close to your registration at the new institution because it will reduce the chance that you may register for courses that are not needed.
What can I do if the course doesn't transfer?
First of all, check with the person or office from which you have received this information. There’s always the possibility that there is a simple misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the information, which is easily corrected. Perhaps you will just need to provide more information, such as a catalog course description or a course syllabus to make your case.
In many cases if a course does not transfer as an equivalent course, an institution may accept them as elective credits. It is also important to realize that developmental or remedial courses usually will not transfer
Above all, be sure to advocate for transfer of your course. Ask questions. Find out the process at the institution you are working with and use it to your advantage. Respect the final decision. You should have a clear understanding of why a particular course will or will not transfer once you have used the process.
How will quarter credits transfer into a semester credit system?
The receiving school will apply a mathematical formula in figuring how your quarter credits will equate to semester credits. Each quarter credit is equal to 2/3 of a semester credit, and will be figured by multiplying your credits by .67. For example, if you took a four quarter-credit course, it would be equated to 2.67 semester credits at your receiving school. A three quarter-credit course would be equated to two semester credits.
You should be aware that once this mathematical formula is applied to your quarter credits in transfer, you may be short of credits in specific requirements. For example, if your receiving school requires a three semester-credit English Composition course and you had a four quarter-credit English Composition course to transfer in, you would be short one-third of a credit or .33 credits. You may have your English Composition requirement waived based on completion of your quarter course, but you will not be granted three semester credits. It is also possible that you would have to take additional credits in English Composition to make up the deficit credit. Meeting with an advisor/counselor at your intended transfer school should provide answers to any questions you have about how your specific quarter credits would transfer and meet requirements
If I transfer to a third institution, will my evaluation at the second institution follow me?
Generally, each college or university will require you to send an official transcript of your courses from each and every college or university you've attended. They will make their own evaluation of your credits. Your second institution will often provide a transcript that shows how they transferred in your first institution’s courses, but the third institution will not use this to make their own evaluation.
Do North Dakota Colleges and Universities guarantee transfer of credits?
NDUS institutions will accept transfer courses comparable or equivalent to specific courses offered at the receiving NDUS institutions as determined by the receiving institution. You should plan with a counselor or advisor to take courses that are equivalent to courses at your transfer college.
Transferring Technical Credits
Will my Technical Credits transfer?
Each community college, college or university may have different policies pertaining to the transfer of technical credits. Students should not assume that these schools would transfer or not transfer any or all of their technical credits. Prior to attending a technical college, a student should ask the following questions regarding technical courses:
Transferring from a two year institution to a four year institution:
What steps should I take if I know I am going to transfer to a four year college after two years at a community and/or technical college (CTC)?
A good first step would be to meet with an advisor/counselor at the two-year school. They most likely will be able to provide you with a transfer guide that specifies the courses that you should take at the CTC to satisfy both general education requirements and the requirements for your chosen major at the four year school. Equally important they will help you develop the best plan to follow, taking into consideration your own individual situation and personal goals.
To increase ease of transfer, it is recommended that you make these contacts before taking courses at the two year institution, or as soon as you have made a decision to transfer. At least a semester or two before you plan to transfer, it’s appropriate to make contact with the Admissions Office at your intended four year school. Usually, they have admissions counselors who specifically work with transfer students. If you’ve contacted your two year school first, you’ll probably find this individual identified on the top of the transfer guide sheet/information. Your advisor/counselor may also be able to suggest a specific person or office at the four year school. Tell them your plans and goals and follow the advice you are given. It’s a great idea to get as much information as you can in writing, either through your own notes or by using resources like the college/university catalog. Make sure you’re aware of criteria you must meet to be accepted generally at the transfer school and also specifically for your major.
Will transferring from a two year CTC to a four year private school be difficult?
It can be more challenging, since transfer agreements aren’t as flexible in what they allow you to take the first two years. Proper planning is the key. If you start your transfer plan early, you can be assured that each and every class will transfer, and the classes you’re taking will satisfy requirements for a degree at your four year private school. Most private schools want to work with you as early in your career at the two year school as possible. Be aware that there is also a very small minority of private schools that greatly discourage transfer. If you happen to choose a school like this, make your decision with your eyes open, understanding all the transfer risks.
If I don’t know my major when I start at a two year CTC, will it be harder to transfer later?
Most new college students don’t know their major, or if they think they do, will most likely change their mind one or more times before graduation from college. Usually you are safe taking general education courses, such as those in the Minnesota General Education Transfer Curriculum. Within those general education courses, you’ll find courses you can take that will allow you to try subjects that you have considered as possible majors.
Certain specific majors, usually those in a math, science or technical-related fields, necessitate beginning your first semester with math and/or science courses. Delaying taking these courses can add a year to your degree program for each semester you delay. Talk to an advisor/counselor if you’re considering this type of major at all.
There are many resources available at most two year schools for assisting you in setting your career goals. Counseling and testing resources as well as specific career development courses are usually available and are a great way to help you figure out the right major for you.
