* The US college: Each college has its own policies and procedures for evaluating foreign transcripts. Some are more lenient than others.
* The overseas institution: The reputation and accreditation of the foreign university heavily influences how easily credits transfer. A well-known, accredited university will generally be easier to get credits accepted from.
* The courses taken: The content of the courses and how closely they align with US curriculum will determine credit acceptance.
* The type of credit: Some credits (like general education requirements) are more easily transferable than others (like highly specialized major courses).
Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Obtain Official Transcripts:
* Request official transcripts: Contact the registrar's office at your overseas institution and request official transcripts. These must be sent directly to the US college's admissions office. Do not send unofficial or self-made copies. Many universities require transcripts to be in sealed envelopes.
* Translation: If your transcripts are not in English, you will likely need to have them officially translated by a certified translator. The US college will specify their requirements for translation.
2. Contact the US College's Admissions Office:
* Research transfer credit policies: Before even applying, thoroughly research the transfer credit policy of each US college you're considering. Their website usually has a section on transfer students, detailing the process and any specific requirements. Look for information on:
* Course equivalencies: How do they determine if your foreign courses match their own?
* Credit limits: How many transfer credits will they accept?
* GPA calculation: How will your GPA be calculated and translated?
* Required forms: Are there any specific forms you need to fill out?
* Contact the admissions office directly: If anything is unclear, contact the admissions office directly. They are the best resource for specific questions about your situation.
3. Submit Your Application and Transcripts:
* Complete the application: Follow the application instructions carefully, ensuring you provide all the necessary information. This usually includes your transcripts, and possibly course descriptions.
* Send the transcripts: Submit your official, translated (if necessary) transcripts directly to the admissions office, often as part of the application process.
4. Wait for Evaluation:
* Credit evaluation: The US college will evaluate your transcripts to determine which credits, if any, will transfer. This process can take several weeks or even months. You may receive a preliminary evaluation before final acceptance.
* Notification: You'll receive notification of the credit evaluation, detailing which courses transferred and how many credits you've been awarded.
5. Understand the Potential Outcomes:
* Full credit transfer: Ideally, most or all of your credits transfer.
* Partial credit transfer: Some credits transfer, but others don't. You might need to retake some courses.
* No credit transfer: In some cases, none of your credits may transfer. This is less common but possible, especially if the institution isn't well-regarded or the courses are highly specialized.
In short: Proactive communication with the US college's admissions office is crucial for a smooth transfer process. Start early, be organized, and be prepared for the possibility that not all your credits will transfer. The earlier you begin this process, the better you can plan your academic path.