What is the US credit transfer system and how does it work?

The United States is the premiere destination for international students from all over the world. Crucially, there is also the option for students to move from institution to another. Completing the first two years of a degree at one institution, usually a community college, and then moving to another, is very common.

US University System

• Undergraduate degree requires four years of full-time studies
• 1^st Year- Freshman Year
• 2^nd Year- Sophomore Year
• 3^rd Year- Junior Year
• 4^th Year- Final Senior Year
• First two years- students enrol for a series of core subjects, understand and be exposed to various subjects
• Students decides major in 3^rd Year, complete 4^th year, and graduate with an undergraduate degree

Reasons for Students to Transfer

• Highly ranked universities require higher entry requirements, which increases application rejection rates for applicants whom are not as competitive. Moreover, international students still need to compete with domestic applicants for entry
• Due to the nature of US’s credit transfer system, students can use the first two years at any college or university, gain time to ‘adapt’ in a less competitive studying environment as well as gaining subject credits
• By doing so, SAT can be waived, no need to retake subjects, and the gained academic credits can be transferred to the new institution

Interested to understand the system fully? Simply drop us a message in the chat or contact your nearest AUG office!