* The receiving institution's transfer policy: Each college has its own policies regarding transfer credits. Some are more receptive to Empire State College credits than others. Highly selective colleges often have stricter policies and may only accept credits from regionally accredited institutions (which Empire State College is), but not all credits earned through non-traditional methods. They may also prioritize credits from institutions with similar academic rigor.
* The type of credits transferred: Credits earned through prior learning assessment (PLA), portfolio submissions, or independent study might be viewed differently than credits earned through traditional coursework. Some institutions may be hesitant to accept a large number of credits earned through non-traditional methods.
* The student's overall academic record: A strong GPA at Empire State College, even if not all credits transfer, will significantly increase the chances of acceptance. A strong record demonstrates the student's ability to succeed in college-level work, regardless of the institution's method of credit acquisition.
* The student's intended major: Some majors are more competitive than others, and the receiving institution might scrutinize the transfer credits more closely for those programs.
* The competitiveness of the receiving institution: Highly selective colleges are more likely to be stricter in evaluating transfer credits from any institution, including Empire State College.
In short: While SUNY Empire State College is regionally accredited, its non-traditional approach to learning might make it challenging to transfer a large number of credits to highly competitive colleges. It's crucial for students to contact the admissions offices of their target institutions *well in advance* of applying to inquire about their specific transfer credit policies and to understand which credits will likely be accepted. It's not uncommon for only a portion of credits to transfer.
Students aiming to transfer from Empire State College to a highly competitive school should:
* Maintain a high GPA: This is the most important factor.
* Choose courses that align with the receiving institution's requirements: This increases the likelihood of credits transferring.
* Contact the receiving institution early and often: This helps clarify their transfer policies and avoids surprises.
* Have a strong overall application: This includes a compelling personal statement, strong letters of recommendation, and any relevant extracurricular activities.
Transferring from Empire State College is possible, but it requires careful planning and proactive communication with the receiving institution. Don't assume credits will transfer; always verify.