Key Takeaways
- U.S. colleges don’t automatically accept credits earned at an international university.
- International students must obtain an evaluation report as part of the application process which translates your earned credits and grades to the U.S. system.
- You can earn guaranteed college credit with other options such as online college courses through accredited institutions.
It takes careful planning as an international student to transfer credits to the United States.
You risk repeating courses already passed without the right preparation – possibly costing you a semester or more.
The following steps outline how to complete the process successfully.
- Investigate transfer policies
Whether a college accepts credit earned at another institution depends on a range of factors including:
- The school’s accreditation status
- Your grade in the class
- How long ago you took the course
Before applying to a college, research its specific guidelines. You could simply type the name of the institution and the phrase “international student transfer policy” or use databases such as Transferology. - Request class descriptions and syllabi
Colleges in the U.S. want to make sure the courses you finished abroad meet their academic standards.
This information gives admissions offices an idea of what you learned.
If the university where you completed the class cannot provide a description, you may write one yourself. Be sure to include the course title and number as well. - Order official transcripts
Institutions need to verify that you completed a college class.
As part of the application process, you must submit certified copies of your postsecondary academic records and proof of high school graduation.
Contact the registrar’s office at the schools you would like to attend to understand their specific policies for receiving transcripts from other universities. - Obtain a credential evaluation report
International students must also get a third-party evaluation of their education.
The process translates your earned credits and grades to the U.S. system, helping institutions further grasp whether you meet their admission requirements. It can take up to four weeks and costs $100-$200.
Colleges will accept evaluations from only U.S.-based and accredited services, including:
You can also search the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services member database to find an agency. Always check with the institution you plan to enroll in as well. - Submit an application to your target school
Once you gather all of the needed documentation, you can apply to a college.
Applications will require personal information such as your address and email.
Other components you may need for your application include:
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal essay
- Resume
The institution will respond in a timely manner, letting you know whether they plan to admit you and how many of your previously earned credits will transfer. Some schools limit how many you can carry over.
Other Ways to Guarantee Credit Transfer
If only a few of your credits get accepted, here are other ways to save time and money toward earning a degree in the U.S.
- CLEP Exams: The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) allows you to take one of 34 tests in five subject areas. If you score a 50 or higher you can receive transferrable credit. The exams cost $97 plus your test center’s administration fees.
- Online college classes: Accredited institutions such as Portage Learning offer self-directed courses you can complete on your schedule. Credits earned transfer to more than 2 800 institutions nationwide.
- Community college: A two-year undergraduate program that’s typically cheaper and more flexible than a four-year institution.
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