2 answers
Anya
Student
Portland, Oregon
2
Questions
Updated
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How do I know which classes are equivalent at different universities for transfer planning?
I am a high school senior, and I want to estimate class equivalencies, but because of different numbering systems, it is hard to determine this. I am particularly looking at taking a year at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, then transferring the credits to the University of Florida, but they do not have any transfer agreements. How can I estimate this to plan my schedule without specifically asking for an official transfer agreement for each class? I am planning specifically on starting my basic science classes (general chemistry, statistics, coding, microbiology), but some of them have various versions, and I don't want to waste my time and money. I would appreciate any guidance!
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2 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1214
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
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Karin’s Answer
Hi Anya,
If you want to transfer credits within a state, especially from a community college to a 4-year university, chances are that there are established pathways and agreements. That is because it happens often, students before you have done it and equivalency has been established.
If you go to a different state, especially one where students don't often transfer from, that's not the case. It's not only a case of "different numbering". Curricula differ from one university to another. The same course number will include different course content at different universities. Chemistry101 at one university might include organic chemistry while at another university organic chemistry might only come in second year. One university might have a lab using chromatography, while the other one doesn't.
When you want to transfer credits from one university to another outside of established pathways and agreements, you need to contact both schools, the one you plan to transfer from and the one you want to transfer to, get them all the information regarding credit hours, course content, labs, assessments etc) and let them evaluate the course for equivalency. I am not sure a university would do that for you ahead of time (i.e. before you are accepted and enrolled at either of them) on the off chance that you might actually come to study with them. The better way might be to start at University A and do a semester or two at University B with prior approval.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
If you want to transfer credits within a state, especially from a community college to a 4-year university, chances are that there are established pathways and agreements. That is because it happens often, students before you have done it and equivalency has been established.
If you go to a different state, especially one where students don't often transfer from, that's not the case. It's not only a case of "different numbering". Curricula differ from one university to another. The same course number will include different course content at different universities. Chemistry101 at one university might include organic chemistry while at another university organic chemistry might only come in second year. One university might have a lab using chromatography, while the other one doesn't.
When you want to transfer credits from one university to another outside of established pathways and agreements, you need to contact both schools, the one you plan to transfer from and the one you want to transfer to, get them all the information regarding credit hours, course content, labs, assessments etc) and let them evaluate the course for equivalency. I am not sure a university would do that for you ahead of time (i.e. before you are accepted and enrolled at either of them) on the off chance that you might actually come to study with them. The better way might be to start at University A and do a semester or two at University B with prior approval.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Navneet Kashyap
Software Engineer
387
Answers
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
Updated
Navneet’s Answer
To estimate class equivalencies between UAF and UF without an official agreement, use these self-service steps:Use UF’s TES Tool: Search for the University of Florida Transfer Evaluation System (TES). This public database lists how UF has previously evaluated courses from out-of-state schools like UAF.Compare Syllabi (The Golden Rule): Download the official syllabus for the specific UAF science course (not just the short catalog description). Check the weekly topic breakdown and lab hours.Match "Major" vs. "Non-Major" Tracks: Ensure you take the version meant for science majors. For example, general chemistry for engineers/scientists will transfer; "Intro to Chemistry" meant for humanities majors will not fulfill UF science prerequisites.Verify Lab Credits: UF requires separate or integrated labs for basic sciences. Ensure your UAF courses explicitly include a lab component.
Thank you so much for your advice!
Anya