Transfer Information

Planning to Transfer?
Minnesota’s public colleges and universities are working to make transfer easier.  You can help if you PLAN AHEAD, ASK QUESTIONS, and USE PATHWAYS created by transfer agreements.

Preparing for Transfer
If you are currently enrolled in a college or university:

1. Discuss your plans with the campus Transfer Specialist.

2. Call or visit your intended transfer college.  You should obtain the following materials and information:

1. college catalog

2. transfer brochure

3. information on admissions criteria and on materials required for admission (e.g. portfolio, transcripts, test scores).  Note that some majors have limited enrollments or their own special requirements such as a higher grade point average.

4. information on financial aid (how to apply and by what date)

3. After you have reviewed these materials, make an appointment to talk with an advisor/counselor in the college or program you want to enter.  Be sure to ask about course transfer and admission criteria.

If you are not currently enrolled in a college or university, you might begin by meeting with a Transfer Specialist or an Admissions Officer at your intended transfer college to plan the steps you need to take.

Understanding How Transfer of Credits Works

• The receiving college or university decides what credits transfer and whether those credits meet its degree requirements.  The accreditation of both your sending and your receiving institution can affect the transfer of the credits you earn.

• Institutions accept credits from courses and programs like those they offer.  They look for similarity in course goals, content, and level.  “Like” transfers to “like.”

• Not everything that transfers will help you graduate.  Baccalaureate degree programs usually count credits in three categories: general education, major/minor courses, and prerequisites and electives.  The key question is, “Will your credits fulfill requirements of the degree or program you choose?”

• If you change your career goal or major, you might not be able to complete all degree requirements within the usual number of graduation credits.

Applying for Transfer Admission

• Application for admission is always the first step in transferring.  Fill out the application as early as you can prior to the deadline.

• Request that official transcripts be sent from every institution you have attended.  You might be required to provide a high school transcript or GED test scores as well.

• Recheck to be certain you supplied the college or university with all the necessary paperwork.  Most colleges make no decisions until all required documents are in your file.

• If you have heard nothing from your intended college of transfer after one month, call to check on the status of your application.

• After the college notifies you that you have been accepted for admission, your transcripted credits will be evaluated for transfer.  A written evaluation should tell you which courses transfer and which do not.  How your courses specifically meet degree requirements may not be decided until you arrive for orientation or have chosen a major.

• If you have questions about your evaluation, call the Office of Admissions and ask to speak with a credit evaluator.  Ask why judgments were made about specific courses.  Many concerns can be cleared up if you understand why decisions were made.  If not satisfied, you can appeal.  See “Your Rights as a Transfer Student” below.

Your Rights as a Transfer Student

• A clear, understandable statement of an institutions transfer policy.

• A fair credit review and an explanation of why credits were or were not accepted.

• A copy of the formal appeals process.  Usual appeal steps are: 

1. Student fills out an appeals form.  Supplemental information you provide to reviewers–a syllabus, course description, or reading list–can help.

2. Department or committee will review.

3. Student receives, in writing, the outcome of the appeal. 

4. Student can appeal decision to the Registrar.

• At your request, a review of your eligibility for financial aid or scholarships.

For more information on transfer of credit at Hennepin Technical College, click here.

Contact HTC at 952-995-1300 or info@hennepintech.edu

Copyright © 2008 by Hennepin Technical College