Keys to Transfer Success

 

Transfer Information for Post-secondary Success


How to ensure you get the most credit for your academic achievements and educational experiences.

Purpose
What is the purpose of transferring? Are you transferring to a school based on where the school is located, how much it costs, the types of programs the school offers, or it’s reputation? Visit web sites and compare.

Plan a Visit
One of the best decisions you can make is to visit the campus you plan to attend. This will give you a "feel" for your new campus, allow you to meet with department faculty, and meet new friends. Contact the Admissions Office to schedule a visit. Visit your new campus in person and online at least once before classes start so you know about parking, transportation, location of classrooms, how to get a library card, etc. Take part in orientation and join clubs to make new friends. Get involved.

Keep Records
Always write down the name of the person you have spoken with, the date and any advice you receive, so you don’t forget what you were advised to do and don’t misinterpret what was said. Get it in writing, if possible. Keep a folder with all records of your contacts and the topics that were discussed. Such as advisor’s name, email address and/or phone number.
Read all information you receive from a post-secondary institution very carefully. These documents often contain information regarding your admission status, your transfer credits, and your program.
Keep all course syllabi/outlines in a safe, accessible place. You may need them to transfer or if you return to college after a long absence.

Application
Know the important dates at your next campus. There may be a general deadline for applying for admission, but there may also be application deadlines for specific programs. Submit your application as early as possible.

Transcripts
Your transcript must be sent to your next campus but your current college can't send it without your written permission. Contact the Registrar's Office for the proper paperwork.

A transcript is official if: it has the institution’s seal and is sent directly from the sending institution to the receiving institution; or
it has the institutions seal and is put in a sealed envelope, and you take or mail it (unopened) to the receiving institution. Don’t open it yourself! You can request an unofficial transcript for your personal

Common Course Numbering System If you can, choose courses that meet admission requirements for more than one program. Many courses offered at your college or university are part of a numbering system which makes them common to other campuses in the North Dakota University System. For example, taking College Composition I on any system campus will earn you credit for the same course at any other system campus. There are many course options at each college and university. For a listing of the common course numbering system visit this Web site.

Financial Aid
Your financial aid will not transfer automatically. Contact the Financial Aid Office at both institutions for information on how to change your aid and/or loans from one institution to another.

GPA Information Try to figure out what GPA you would have at the receiving institution for the grades you earned at your current institution(s). This will help you see if you have the minimum grades needed for admission to your first choice program. If not, find out what other program options you might have with this GPA.

Note: 1. Depending on where you are in the process, GPA requirements may be different for
1) admission to the college,
2) special admission requirements for program or major. 2. Some colleges include pre-college courses and repeat courses in GPA and other may not include them. Consult with the transfer specialist for specifics.

Sample GPA Calculation (Semester Credits):

 
 
Courses Completed: Letter Grade: Grade Points: # of Credits Total Grade Points
ENGL 1100 A 4.0 3 4.0 x 3 = 12
BIOL 1200 B 3.0 4 3.0 x 4 = 12
PSYC 1611 B 3.0 3 3.0 x 3 = 9
MATH 1030 C 2.0 3 2.0 x 3 = 6
PHYS 1101 F 0.0 4 0.0 x 4 = 0
TOTALS     17 39

GPA = 39 grade points divided by 17 credits = 2.29 (Note: A "D" grade, not included above, is 1.0)

All about College is an excellent source of information on credit transfer in the US. It is your best transfer-planning tool (www.allaboutcollege.com)

The material on this page is used with the permission of the British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfer (BCCAT). It is closely based on their publication "British Columbia Transfer TIPS." Others wishing to adapt or use this material should first seek permission from BCCAT.