Get Ahead By Transferring Online Credits to Your Traditional College

Taking online classes during the summer can help you fit school into your vacation schedule. As a traditional student, your school probably has a strict policy regarding transfer credits. This article will show you how to make online classes work.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: one term

Here's How:

1. Read your college’s transfer policy. Your college’s credit transfer policy will probably be found in the college catalog. This is a thick book that you received when you first registered for courses (not to be confused with the class schedule printed each semester). After reading the transfer policy for yourself, schedule an appointment with an academic counselor. He or she can help you understand the policy and answer any questions. Your college may require that you get course approval ahead of time or that your online courses are taken through an accredited school.
   
   

1. Decide which classes to take. Look over your academic plan and decide which classes you want to complete during the summer. Keep in mind that summer classes can be more intense because of the limited time available. Online classes may also lack hands-on labs, personal tutoring, or other physical classroom experiences.
   
   
2. Explore possible online programs. If you don’t already have an online school in mind, explore your options. You can read about potential programs in the About.com list of regionally accredited online schools. Remember that not all online colleges have open admissions policies; you’ll need to find a program that accepts summer students without much hassle.
   
   
3. Gather documentation. Once you’ve chosen two or three possible online schools, it’s time to gather the necessary documents. Read over your traditional college’s transfer policy and make a list of what will be needed. You may need to submit course descriptions, assignment lists, or syllabi.
   
   
4. Submit required information to your college for approval. Turn in the documentation and wait for approval. If your school does not approve your first choice, have documentation for a backup online class ready to go. Keep in mind that this process may take several weeks. Start early.
   
   

1. Take the online classes. After you’ve been given approval, enroll in the online classes of your choice. It’s easy to miss assignments when you’re not sitting in a physical classroom. So, be sure to schedule your homework ahead of time and keep on top of your course requirements.
   
   
2. Transfer your online credits. Once grades are recorded, you can request a credit transfer. Your traditional college will let you know where the records should be sent.

What You Need:

• your college catalog
• an academic counselor
• course descriptions, assignment lists, or syllabi