Beginning the process of transferring schools is an exciting time-- you’re embarking on the path towards the future you see for yourself, and that is incredibly empowering. We know that this transition can also seem a little mysterious and intimidating. We are here to assist. Your transfer admission counselors want to help you through this process from start to finish. The transfer application and college search process is a great chance for you to reflect on all that you’ve already accomplished while you prepare to continue your unique academic journey. The step-by-step overview below is intended to help you ensure a successful transfer.

1. Be prepared. It’s important to carefully review our transfer admission requirements, which can vary depending on the program you apply to. They’re key to gauging how competitive you are for admission. And keep in mind that you can submit transcripts from your high school and current institution before you submit your transfer application, so we encourage you to start early!
2. Understand your transfer credit. Begin by creating a . Transferology will allow you to view which of your credits are likely to transfer to CU Boulder, create a transfer plan and see any remaining core coursework for your desired degree program. You can even use Transferology to help plan which courses you want to take at your current school, prior to transferring. We also offer individual transfer application appointments for prospective transfer students. .
3. Ask for help if you need it! Contact your transfer admission counselor for more information and specific questions. We’re here to guide you through your transfer, so don’t hesitate to take advantage of our expertise. Each transfer student brings a unique background and educational experience to the table, so we look forward to getting to know you and developing your individualized transfer plan. 
4. Start planning. Check out our admission deadlines and build out an application calendar for yourself in order to help you keep track of the application timeline. Remember that we will need to see your grades in any prerequisite courses before making a final admission decision!
5. Go for it! Once you’re ready, it’s time to fill out that application and submit all the necessary materials! To apply for admission, visit our website and access the . Take care to ensure submission of transcripts from all colleges or universities you have completed courses at as well as a transcript from the high school from which you graduated (or last attended high school for GED earners). Your application will not be complete without each of these transcripts. 

We hope you take these steps and complete the transfer process. It is never too soon to begin preparing to apply. Remember, your transfer admission counselor is eager to help with any questions you might have. Our aim as a transfer admission team is to make your transfer process as transparent as possible. We want to give you as much information as soon in the process as we can so that you can make the best decision for your future. Good luck, and we hope to see you on campus soon!

Kim Diawara
Associate Director
Office of Admissions

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Transferability

1. Is the institution recognized by CU Boulder?
2. Is the course academic in nature?
3. Was the grad awarded a C- or better?

Applicability

1. Was the student's experience at the prior institution appropriately commnesurate with the experience of students in similar courses offtered at CU Boudler with respect to content, academic level, scope and relevance?
2. The course content is reviewed to determine if it matches the course content taught at CU Boulder.
3. If the course is not a direct equivalent to a CU Boulder course, does the course content fulfill another degree requirement?

“Will my credits transfer to CU Boulder?” This is a question that we, as CU Boulder transfer credit evaluators, hear several times a day. And yes, it is indeed one of the most important aspects of a prospective student’s transfer process, but there is more complexity to this question than you might think.

What is the difference between a course’s “transferability” and its “applicability?” Transferability simply means, “Does the course meet the established criteria to transfer to CU Boulder.” When we are trying to determine transferability of a course, we look at several factors.

1. Is the institution recognized by CU Boulder? In other words, what type of accreditation does the institution have and how does it compare to that of CU Boulder?
2. Is the course academic in nature (not technical, remedial or a physical education activity course)?
3. Finally, we look at the grade that was awarded. Is it a C- or better?

If the course meets this basic criteria, it will generally be accepted for transfer credit.

Next, each course that is deemed transferable to CU must then be reviewed for applicability towards degree requirements. This process is a little more complex and is done by the college/school that owns the discipline. Course descriptions are accessed and reviewed online, and from this information, the following decisions are made:

1. Does the course description include enough information to evaluate its academic content and rigor? If not, you will be asked to submit a course syllabus to us.
2. The course information is reviewed to determine if the course matches what is taught at CU with respect to content, academic level, scope and relevance. If it is determined that it does match, the course is updated to reflect the CU Boulder equivalent.
3. If it is determined that the course is not equivalent to a CU Boulder course, then it is reviewed to determine if its content is enough to fulfill a degree requirement, a general education requirement, a major requirement or an elective. If the course can be used to fulfill a degree requirement, it is encoded to reflect that specific requirement.

Ultimately, our goal for the process is to recognize your previously completed work, apply the credits as effectively as possible and set you up for success at CU Boulder!

Need more information? We offer individual transfer admission appointments to prospective transfer students who have not yet applied, which will allow you to discuss a plan for your transfer to CU. Schedule a transfer admissions appointment.

Alternatively, if you are interested in transferring credit to CU Boulder we encourage you to create a account to view your transferable credit, create a transfer plan, and/or see any remaining coursework for your desired degree program.

Find out more information about the transfer credit process. Or, if you have specific questions related to transfer credit, please feel free to email us at TCHelp@colorado.edu.

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