Grade Transfer When Transferring Schools That Start in Different Months
When considering transferring from one school to another, especially if the new school starts in a different month, many students wonder about the transferability of their grades. This article aims to clarify the situation and provide guidance based on common scenarios.
Grades in Progress
If I transfer from a school that starts in August to one that starts September will my grades transfer?
After only one month of classes: No, your “grades” won’t transfer. You haven’t completed any significant work to justify a grade transfer. If you attended a school starting in August for a full year and then transferred to a new school starting in September: Yes, your grades can be transferred. This shows that you have completed an entire academic year and your new school will review your transcript to determine which courses you have earned credits for.How Grades Are Handled
The grades you receive for assignments or tests in August in your first school: No, these grades won’t transfer.
The grades from your previous semesters: Your new school will receive an official transcript from your previous school. The receiving institution will evaluate these courses and decide which ones to credit you with. Depending on the policies of your new school, you may end up with two separate transcripts and two different GPAs (Grade Point Averages) from the two schools. However, the new school will not transfer the actual grades; instead, they will recognize the credit earned for the completed courses.
Transfer Credit and GPA
What happens with grades and credits when transferring courses? When a student transfers credit to a new college, only the credits transfer, not the grades. If you maintain a strong GPA (3.0 or higher), you'll have an advantage in the transfer process. This is especially true for those who have already completed several semesters of college and have demonstrated their ability to handle the workload and academic expectations.
The most significant challenge in transferring credits is that grades do not transfer. Generally, college courses increase in difficulty as you progress from freshmen to senior year, meaning your GPA may naturally decrease over time. Transferring after completing two years of college will not provide the same GPA cushion as starting fresh. However, if you have a consistent good GPA, the impact may be minimal.
Special Considerations
What if the schools use different credit systems? If you are transferring from a junior college that uses quarter-hour credits to a senior institution that uses semester hours, you will need to convert your credits. Multiply the quarter-hour credits by 0.667 to get the equivalent in semester hours. This conversion may affect the total credits you have but not the individual grades, as grades do not transfer.
Most institutions in the USA and many high schools use the semester system, making the conversion process smoother. However, it is crucial to understand the specific policies of your target institution and consult with a guidance counselor or academic advisor to ensure a smooth transfer process.
Conclusion: Understanding the differences in grading systems and credit transfer policies is important when transferring between schools that start in different months. By carefully considering these factors and consulting with educational professionals, you can make a well-informed decision and maximize your academic success.