Transfer or not to Transfer that is the Question?
Credits are a huge part of our admissions process. Typically our students are career students that have finally decided what program is right for them. Sadly all in the years they spent at one or more schools credits may not transfer in, causing them to start all over and lose motivation.
Dawn,
You have explained it well. Most students want a definitive answer for after their graduation. But, the reality is that is clearly up to the receiving institution and we cannot answer for them.
Patty Aronoff
One of the first questions a potential student who has been in school before ask is 'will my credits be transferred in?". A pre-evaluation is usually done, and this gives an unofficial overview of what might be transferable. It is very important that students understand that even at this point the credits to be transfered in are not yet decided and will not be official until a student has matriculated. Students sometimes confuse pre-evaluation and matricualtion so it is up the role of admission personnel to educate our students.
The next question is usually will I be able to transfer my credit to another institution. It is critical that even when we know that our institution is regionally accredited that the students know that it is fully their responsibility to research the institution that they are thinking of attending and that transferability is entirely up to the receiving institutions.
Tayrell,
It is the responsibility of the student to make that decision.
Patty Aronoff
I recommend providing potential std with all necessary information needed to make a inform decision and sticking with it
Sean,
It is determined by the school. Many diploma mills use this as a way to get studnt's. It should be reviewed by CIE and outlined in your catalog.
Patty Aronoff
Yea, in my opinion this would be kinda of hard for any type of reputable school to reward. How can these type of credits be determined, is there a standard for giving these type of life experience credits?
Tony,
Yes, there needs to e a thorough analysis. Registrars or Directors of Education are often the ones who review and assign transfer redit.
Patty Aronoff
Transferability of credits is a subject that represents a very thin line for Admissions Reps. I always advise my students that the decisions regarding acceptance or denial of credits is the sole responsibility of the registrar.
Abigail,
Absolutely! This is a very good reason for really analyzing what the best situation is for the student. It is not always easy.
Patty Aronoff
Unfortunately this happens more often than not. I believe there are pros and cons to both sides of the Transfer Credit Situation. One positive reason for starting all over with a clean slate could be very beneficial in improving a students GPA by retaking courses that directly affect their program GPA, especially if they took courses that were required to graduate but were not as successful in earning the best grades.
Ashley,
It is not widely used and often is claimed by diploma mills as a quick way to get a degree.
Patty Aronoff
Stephanie,
It can be very discerning when the review comes back and they find that the credits do not transfer.
Patty Aronoff
This is actually the first time I have heard about life experience credits. We have a lot of students seeking their masters and have been in the field a long time. We are not yet accredited so I will have to look in to whether or not we can utilize this.
I am actually one of these people that lost alot of credits. I only had two courses to complete and my College did not offer on-line courses for me- so I lost 50 credits. Needless to say I did not enroll. Too much money and time and I already had a job.
Natalie,
That is so true! This is very costly for students in both time and money. Finding the right choice and sticking with it should be the focus of admissions in interviewing prospective students.
Patty Aronoff
