eLearners Talks to an Advisor
And Gets the Answers You Need to Have!

eLearners:
"Transfer credit is a big issue for adults returning to college, so here's a two-part question for you.

What kinds of things can you earn transfer credit for (I'm thinking of things like workplace training, exams, things like that) and how can you figure out which college is going to give you the most credit for what you already know? I mean, I can't imagine anything more frustrating than having to sit in a classroom and "learn" something you already know!"

Su:
"There are multiple types of transfer credit that many schools will consider and also ways of earning credit for what you already know that can help you save time and money. Many schools will consider accepting credit from other (regionally accredited) schools, military training and experience, workplace training that has already been evaluated for credit (if you have certificates from the training, it's worth checking out), some licenses, some certifications, and exams you may have taken - such as AP, CLEP, DANTES. If you think something you have learned might be worth credit, be sure to talk with an advisor from your school - it can't hurt to ask. Even if the school won't accept whatever you have as transfer credit, they may offer the possibility of taking an exam or letting you create a portfolio as a way of earning credit for what you already know.

Figuring out what school might award the most transfer credit is difficult because every school has its own policies and most schools will not do a credit evaluation for you before you apply. You should always ask if they will; if you have lots of potential credit, it's worth knowing whether you are going to a place that will take a lot of it and that it fits with your degree requirements.

We've got a really unique tool at www.DegreeSeeker.com - the "Credit Calculator." [Click here for a quick demo!] All you have to do is plug in your prior learning - all the kinds of things I mentioned - and in a couple of moments you'll get an unofficial - but very, very close - analysis of how your credit might transfer. It helps you can compare the colleges you're thinking about to see what credit they might accept, how many courses you'll have remaining, how much the degree will cost, etc. And, even though the analysis is unofficial, we base it on the schools precise degree requirements and we research over 15 key transfer credit policies. So you'll really know what you're talking about when you have a discussion with an advisor from those colleges."


About Su
Su Flickinger is the Chief Academic Officer at Learningforce, Inc., where she helped create the unique self-help tools for adults returning to college you’ll find at www.DegreeSeeker.com Check them out! Su has a Ed.D. in Education, has advised thousands of prospective adult students like yourself, and just completed an additional Masters Degree (in Conflict Resolution) as an adult learner herself! Su and Learningforce, Inc, are independent and are not affiliated with any particular colleges or universities.