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How to Transfer Credits

By Melody Gough

Question

I want some serious life changes, and part of this process means making a move to Portland, Oregon. I'd move right away if I could finish my AA degree and work part-time on campus. How do I transfer my credits, find financial aid, reliable childcare, and a part-time job? Please help.

Thank you so much. This means the world to me.

Answer

I applaud your sensible nature. You aren't packing up and moving without making sure everything is in place for this next step in your life. First of all, I'd contact the Admissions and Records Department at this new school. Explain your desire to transfer and ask if it is possible to finish your degree at this new campus. Many schools ask to have transcripts sent to them so they have documentation of just what classes you have completed. How many of these classes will they accept? Not all credits are always transferable from one school to another.

While you work on sending transcripts and securing enrollment, contact the financial aid office, too. Ask if you can fill out any paperwork so they can determine your eligibility. Also, start researching for other sources of financial assistance. Ask if there's childcare on campus and if reduced rates are available for students. If there's nothing on campus, explain your situation and ask for recommendations.

After you receive answers to your academic and financial questions, it's time to think about securing that campus job. See if the school has an office for student employment. Many schools have information on their websites, too, so that might be a place to start looking. What are their requirements for eligibility? Do your research and you'll eliminate a lot of potential stress that comes with planning a big move. Good luck on this new phase of your life.

About the Author
University of Nevada Reno professor Melody Gough is here to answer your questions every week. Professor Gough has taught poetry in both online and community college classrooms for almost a decade and has also taught English composition at the local university for the past five years. In addition to advising her students and inspiring them with witty classroom exercises, Professor Gough writes both poetry and memoir. Her Master of Arts in Teaching English is from the University of Nevada, Reno.